U.S. patent application number 14/204416 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for dispensing and handling rack system for flexible food and beverage holder.
This patent application is currently assigned to BLUE SHOE INNOVATIONS, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Paul R. Metcalfe, Scott Urban. Invention is credited to Paul R. Metcalfe, Scott Urban.
Application Number | 20140263121 14/204416 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51522817 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140263121 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Metcalfe; Paul R. ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
DISPENSING AND HANDLING RACK SYSTEM FOR FLEXIBLE FOOD AND BEVERAGE
HOLDER
Abstract
A dispensing and handling system for dispensing, loading and/or
handling food and/or beverage carriers having a flexible sheet. The
system can include a rack member for storing a plurality of
carriers and one or more support members for securing a single
carrier in a position for loading beverage containers and/or food
into the carrier. Additional support members can be provided for
temporarily supporting the carrier after it is loaded with beverage
containers and/or food to enable a consumer to treat the contents
of the carrier or attend to other tasks once the carrier is
loaded.
Inventors: |
Metcalfe; Paul R.; (Solon,
OH) ; Urban; Scott; (University Hts., OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Metcalfe; Paul R.
Urban; Scott |
Solon
University Hts. |
OH
OH |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BLUE SHOE INNOVATIONS, LLC
Solon
OH
|
Family ID: |
51522817 |
Appl. No.: |
14/204416 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61777495 |
Mar 12, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/85.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 67/1211 20130101;
B65B 45/00 20130101; B65B 17/025 20130101; A47F 5/01 20130101; B65B
67/1266 20130101; A47F 9/042 20130101; A47G 23/0258 20130101; A47F
13/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/85.15 |
International
Class: |
B65B 67/12 20060101
B65B067/12 |
Claims
1. A dispensing system for dispensing and supporting an associated
carrier for loading, said carrier including at least one flexible
sheet having therein an aperture for receiving a tapered container
and a plurality of handles, the dispensing system comprising: at
least one carrier rack member for supporting at least one
associated carrier in a dispensing position, the carrier support
including a protrusion adapted to extend through the aperture in
the associated carrier for retaining the at least one associated
carrier on the carrier support when the carrier is in a dispensing
position; and a first carrier support including a hook member in
spaced relation to the carrier rack member, the hook member adapted
to engage a handle of an associated carrier when the carrier is
placed in a loading position such that the aperture in the carrier
is adjacent a loading surface for loading the tapered
container.
2. The dispensing system set forth in claim 1, wherein the hook
member includes a distal hook and a proximal detent, the distal
hook and proximal detent cooperating to separate respective panels
of a multi-panel carrier for loading.
3. The dispensing system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the hook
member is supported by a support arm connected to the carrier rack
member, and wherein the proximal detent includes a ridge between
distal hook and the support arm.
4. The dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first
carrier support includes a support arm connected to the carrier
rack member, the support arm including a stud received in a
corresponding tube of the rack member.
5. The dispensing system as set forth in claim 4, wherein the
carrier rack member includes a plurality of tubes positioned at
various locations, whereby the support arm can be received in a
tube at more than one of the various locations.
6. The dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
carrier support is rotatable relative to the rack member.
7. The dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising at least one retention tab adapted to retain the at
least one associated carrier on the protrusion of the rack
member.
8. The dispensing system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the
retention tab includes a flexible extension extending beyond an
opening of the associated carrier when the carrier is in a
dispensing position.
9. The dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at
least one rack member includes a base portion and a carrier support
portion extending upwardly from the base portion.
10. The dispensing system as set forth in claim 9, wherein the base
portion and carrier support portion are formed from a continuous
metal rod.
11. The dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising a second carrier support for supporting an associated
carrier in an elevated position.
12. The dispensing system as set forth in claim 11, wherein the
second carrier support is located at a height above the first
carrier support, said second carrier support configured to support
an associated carrier loaded with one or more beverage containers
above an adjacent surface such that the one or more beverage
containers are elevated above said adjacent surface.
13. The dispensing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the hook
member is pivotable between a first position for engaging an
opening in an associated carrier when said carrier is dispensed
from the dispensing rack, and a second position for supporting said
carrier in a loading position after being dispensed.
14. The dispensing system as set forth in claim 13, wherein the
hook member is biased towards the first position.
15. A carrier support for supporting an associated carrier for
loading, said carrier including at least one flexible sheet having
therein an aperture for receiving a tapered container and a
plurality of handles, the carrier support comprising: a base
portion; a carrier support portion extending upwardly from said
base portion; and at least one hook member extending from and
supported by the carrier support portion, the hook member adapted
to engage an opening of an associated carrier; wherein the hook
member includes a hook at a distal end thereof and a detent located
between the hook and the carrier support portion, the hook and
detent cooperating to separate respective panels of an associated
multi-panel carrier for loading.
16. The carrier support as set forth in claim 14, wherein the
carrier support includes an attachment mechanism for securing the
carrier to a rack member having a support for supporting a
plurality of carriers.
17. The carrier support as set forth in claim 16, wherein the
attachment mechanism is adapted to pivotably secure the carrier
support to the rack member.
18. The carrier support of claim 15, wherein the carrier support
includes a shelf.
19. The carrier support of claim 16, wherein the rack member
includes a shelf.
20. (canceled)
21. A system for dispensing and loading of a carrier having at
least one flexible sheet having therein an aperture for receiving a
tapered container and a plurality of handles, the system
comprising: at least one carrier rack member for supporting at
least one associated carrier in a dispensing position, the carrier
support including a protrusion adapted to extend through the
aperture in the associated carrier for retaining the at least one
associated carrier on the carrier support when the carrier is in a
dispensing position; a carrier support including a hook member in
spaced relation to the carrier rack member, the hook member adapted
to engage a handle of an associated carrier when the carrier is
placed in a loading position such that the aperture in the carrier
is adjacent a loading surface for loading the tapered container;
and a plurality of carriers.
22. A system as set forth in claim 21, wherein each of the
plurality of carriers includes: at least one flexible sheet formed
of at least one layer of a polymeric material; at least one
aperture provided in the sheet for receiving a tapered container;
and a plurality of handle members, wherein a tapered container is
selectively positioned at the site of the aperture and the sheet is
folded about the container to a position wherein the handle members
are joined for grasping by at least one finger or portion of a
users hand and the container is engaged by the aperture at a
position at or above the center of gravity of the container to
allow carrying of the container upon lifting of the sheet folded
thereabout.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of the
filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/777,495, filed Mar. 12, 2013, which application is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present exemplary embodiment relates to beverage and/or
food carrying devices and dispensing and handling systems
therefore. It finds particular application in conjunction with a
flexible carrier for carrying beverages and/or food, and will be
described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be
appreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenable
to other like applications.
[0003] In many environments and situations, the handling of food
and beverages dispensed on an individual basis, becomes difficult
and cumbersome. For example, in the environment such as a sporting
or entertainment venue, food and beverages are dispensed via
counters or vendors, on an individual basis. If a patron purchases
food or beverages from the counter for example, they then must
somehow carry the purchased items back to their seat, and handling
of the items can be difficult. This is particularly true where the
patron may buy multiple drinks and/or food items for their
group.
[0004] Many other situations are similar, where a person gets
drinks and/or food and then must carry the items back to a seat or
the like for consumption. Such situations may include movie
theaters, buffets, happy hours, or many other activities or
environments, where a person has to carry food and beverages that
are dispensed on an individual basis. Further, spillage of
beverages from hand carried cups is a well known problem to
customers of carry out or fast food restaurants. Also, handling
multiple drinks is problematic. For such situations, there are
drink carriers that are used, being the paper pulp type trays with
multiple receptacles in which drinks can be frictionally engaged.
Such trays as currently available for supporting and transporting
drinking cups include receptacles sized to fit the bottom of a
particular size cup. As the receptacles are typically formed in one
size, this has led the fast food restaurants to configure the cups
for different sizes of drinks to have the same bottom
configuration, thereby allowing them to fit in the tray receptacle.
These known carriers provide only limited lateral support for cups
being carried or otherwise transported, increasing the chance that
taller cups can be tipped and spilled while carrying. Further, such
carriers are bulky and not conveniently configured to carry
additional items, such as food items, making storage and handling
of the tray more difficult. These particular types of tray devices
are also difficult to carry, and usually require both hands of the
user, preventing the user from using their hands to carry other
things or perform tasks such as opening doors, handing a ticket to
a person, or distributing food to another person.
[0005] Additionally, these types of carriers are unattractive,
bulky, nested tightly together and therefore difficult to handle,
expensive to ship and space-consuming to store at a site for use,
taking up significant storage space due to their configuration.
Other types of carriers may be made to assemble for use, making
them inconvenient and difficult to handle.
[0006] Although helpful, such devices are still problematic if
multiple drinks and food items are purchased, and are not
convenient to carry or handle, ship or store for use.
[0007] Various other efforts have been made to facilitate the
transportation of multiple beverage cups from a point of purchase
to a point of use. Such efforts have generally not been accepted by
consumers, due to various deficiencies, and thus there is a need
for an improved device for handling beverages and food items that
are dispensed on an individual basis.
[0008] Another problem inherent in existing container carriers is
that they may not support filled cups in a stable manner. Known
carriers when in use, may not allow for stable carrying as they are
rigid, and therefore require the user to maintain the carrier in a
level position to avoid spillage of the cup contents. Further, such
carriers may be unstable if they are not filled with the maximum
number of cups for which they are designed.
[0009] A solution to the aforementioned problems is set forth in
commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2009/0230083, the content of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety, which sets forth, inter alia, a carrier
for carrying at least one beverage container, the carrier including
a flexible sheet having an aperture for receiving a container and a
plurality of handle members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0010] The present disclosure sets forth dispensing and handling
systems for dispensing, loading and/or handling carriers such as
those set forth in US 2009/0230083 having a flexible sheet.
Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure include a rack member for
storing a plurality of carriers and one or more support members for
securing a single carrier in a position for loading beverage
containers and/or food into the carrier. In some embodiments,
support members are provided for temporarily supporting the carrier
after it is loaded with beverage containers and/or food to enable a
consumer to treat the contents of the carrier or attend to other
tasks.
[0011] In accordance with one aspect, a dispensing system is set
forth for dispensing and supporting an associated carrier for
loading, said carrier including at least one flexible sheet having
therein an aperture for receiving a tapered container and a
plurality of handles. The dispensing system comprises at least one
carrier rack member for supporting at least one associated carrier
in a dispensing position, the carrier support including a
protrusion adapted to extend through the aperture in the associated
carrier for retaining the at least one associated carrier on the
carrier support when the carrier is in a dispensing position, and a
first carrier support including a hook member in spaced relation to
the carrier rack member, the hook member adapted to engage a handle
of an associated carrier when the carrier is placed in a loading
position such that the aperture in the carrier is adjacent a
loading surface for loading the tapered container.
[0012] The hook member can include a distal hook and a proximal
detent, the distal hook and proximal detent cooperating to separate
respective panels of a multi-panel carrier for loading. The hook
member can be supported by a support arm connected to the carrier
rack member, and the proximal detent can include a ridge between
distal hook and the support arm. The first carrier support can
include a support arm connected to the carrier rack member, the
support arm including a stud received in a corresponding tube of
the rack member. The carrier rack member can include a plurality of
tubes positioned at various locations, the support arm can be
received in a tube at more than one of the various locations
providing adjustability. The carrier support can be rotatable
relative to the rack member.
[0013] The system can include at least one retention tab adapted to
retain the at least one associated carrier on the protrusion of the
rack member. The retention tab can include a flexible extension
extending beyond an opening of the associated carrier when the
carrier is in a dispensing position. The at least one rack member
can include a base portion and a carrier support portion extending
upwardly from the base portion. The base portion and carrier
support portion can be formed from a continuous metal rod. A second
carrier support for supporting an associated carrier in an elevated
position can be provided. The second carrier support can be located
at a height above the first carrier support, said second carrier
support can be configured to support an associated carrier loaded
with one or more beverage containers above an adjacent surface such
that the one or more beverage containers are elevated above said
adjacent surface.
[0014] The hook member can be pivotable between a first position
for engaging an opening in an associated carrier when said carrier
is dispensed from the dispensing rack, and a second position for
supporting said carrier in a loading position after being
dispensed. The hook member can be biased towards the first
position.
[0015] In accordance with another aspect, a carrier support is set
forth for supporting an associated carrier for loading, said
carrier including at least one flexible sheet having therein an
aperture for receiving a tapered container and a plurality of
handles. The carrier support comprises a base portion, a carrier
support portion extending upwardly from said base portion, and at
least one hook member extending from and supported by the carrier
support portion, the hook member adapted to engage an opening of an
associated carrier. The hook member includes a hook at a distal end
thereof and a detent located between the hook and the carrier
support portion, the hook and detent cooperating to separate
respective panels of an associated multi-panel carrier for
loading.
[0016] The carrier support can include an attachment mechanism for
securing the carrier to a rack member having a support for
supporting a plurality of carriers. The attachment mechanism can be
adapted to pivotably secure the carrier support to the rack member
such that the two can be rotated relative to each other.
[0017] The carrier supports and/or rack members can include a
shelf.
[0018] In accordance with another aspect, a hook member comprises a
first end having a hook and a second end being securable to a
surface, and a detent located between the hook and the second end,
the hook and detent cooperating to separate respective panels of a
multi-panel carrier for loading of said carrier.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect, a system is set forth for
dispensing and loading of a carrier having at least one flexible
sheet having therein an aperture for receiving a tapered container
and a plurality of handles. The system comprises at least one
carrier rack member for supporting at least one associated carrier
in a dispensing position, the carrier support including a
protrusion adapted to extend through the aperture in the associated
carrier for retaining the at least one associated carrier on the
carrier support when the carrier is in a dispensing position, a
carrier support including a hook member in spaced relation to the
carrier rack member, the hook member adapted to engage a handle of
an associated carrier when the carrier is placed in a loading
position such that the aperture in the carrier is adjacent a
loading surface for loading the tapered container, and a plurality
of carriers.
[0020] Each of the plurality of carriers can include at least one
flexible sheet formed of at least one layer of a polymeric
material, at least one aperture provided in the sheet for receiving
a tapered container, and a plurality of handle members, wherein a
tapered container is selectively positioned at the site of the
aperture and the sheet is folded about the container to a position
wherein the handle members are joined for grasping by at least one
finger or portion of a users hand and the container is engaged by
the aperture at a position at or above the center of gravity of the
container to allow carrying of the container upon lifting of the
sheet folded thereabout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary carrier
dispensing system including a rack member and support members in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a dispensing rack in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the dispensing rack of
FIG. 2 including a stack of carriers thereon;
[0024] FIGS. 4 and 5 are side perspective views of an exemplary
carrier dispensing rack including retaining tabs.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a dispensing system in
accordance with the present disclosure including upper and lower
support members for supporting a carrier.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the dispensing system of FIG.
6.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the dispensing system
of FIGS. 6 and 7 with the upper support member rotated.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the dispensing system as shown in
FIG. 8.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of an exemplary
dispensing system in accordance with the disclosure supporting a
carrier loaded with two beverage containers on a support member
thereof.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of another dispensing
system in accordance with the disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the dispensing system
of FIG. 11.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an exemplary
dispensing system in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of yet another exemplary
dispensing system in accordance with the disclosure including a
pivotable hook in first position.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the dispensing system
of FIG. 14.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the dispensing system
of FIGS. 14 and 15 with the pivoting hook in a second position.
[0036] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the dispensing system
of FIG. 16.
[0037] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a dispensing system including a
pivoting hook having a slightly different configuration than the
pivoting hook of FIGS. 14-17.
[0038] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of another exemplary
dispensing system in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of still another
exemplary dispensing system in accordance with the disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of an exemplary
dispensing system including a rack member and support members on
each side of the rack member.
[0041] FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of still another
exemplary dispensing system.
[0042] FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of an exemplary rack
member having laterally spaced apart feet.
[0043] FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of an exemplary carrier
support in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 26 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 25.
[0045] FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the carrier support
of FIG. 25 supporting a carrier loaded with beverage
containers.
[0046] FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the carrier support
of FIG. 27 with the carrier supported in a position for loading
contents therein.
[0047] FIG. 29 is another perspective view of the carrier support
shown in FIG. 28.
[0048] FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of the carrier support
of FIG. 25 supporting two carriers, each loaded with beverage
containers.
[0049] FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of the carrier support
of FIG. 25 with supporting two loaded carriers in a slightly
different position than the carriers of FIG. 30.
[0050] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another exemplary carrier
support in accordance with the disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 33 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 32.
[0052] FIG. 34 is a front elevational view of an enlarged portion
of the carrier support of FIG. 32.
[0053] FIG. 35 is a side perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 32
supporting a loaded carrier thereon.
[0054] FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of the carrier of FIG.
32 supporting two loaded carriers thereon.
[0055] FIG. 37 is a front perspective view of an exemplary carrier
support including a shelf in accordance with the disclosure.
[0056] FIG. 38 is a front perspective view of an exemplary
dispensing system including a rack member and a pivotable carrier
support member.
[0057] FIG. 39 is a plan view of the dispensing system of FIG.
38.
[0058] FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the dispensing system
of FIGS. 38 and 39 with the pivotable carrier support member
rotated.
[0059] FIG. 41 is a plan view of the dispensing system of FIG.
40.
[0060] FIGS. 42-47 are front perspective views of several other
exemplary dispensing systems including a pivotable carrier support
member in accordance with the disclosure.
[0061] FIGS. 48 and 49 illustrate an exemplary dispensing system,
including a pivotable carrier support member, supporting a
plurality of loaded carriers.
[0062] FIG. 50 is a front perspective view of a carrier support
member including two columns for supporting a plurality of hook
members for supporting a plurality of carriers in accordance with
the disclosure.
[0063] FIG. 51 is a front perspective view of a dispensing system
including a rack member and two columns for supporting multiple
hook members for supporting a plurality of carriers in accordance
with the disclosure.
[0064] FIG. 52 is a front perspective view of the dispensing system
of FIG. 51 supporting a stack of carriers on the rack member for
dispensing.
[0065] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a dual column carrier
support including a shelf in accordance with the disclosure.
[0066] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of another dual column carrier
support including a shelf in accordance with the disclosure.
[0067] FIG. 55 is side elevational view of the carrier support of
FIG. 54.
[0068] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a dual column carrier
support including a sign holder in accordance with the
disclosure.
[0069] FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a base of a dispensing
system component secured to an adjacent surface with C-clips.
[0070] FIG. 58 is an exemplary hook member mountable to a vertical
surface in accordance with the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0071] Turning now to FIG. 1, an exemplary food and beverage
carrier dispensing system for dispensing and supporting a carrier
12 for loading is illustrated and generally referenced by reference
numeral 10. The dispensing system 10 generally includes a rack
member portion 14 for storing and dispensing a plurality of
carriers 16 (shown in a dispensing position), and one or more
support members 18a and 18b for supporting a carrier for loading
(as shown in a loading position) and/or staging of the loaded
carrier 12. The dispensing system 10 provides a unique platform on
which to store multiple carriers for dispensing to facilitate
intuitive removal of a carrier by a consumer and positioning of
said carrier on a carrier support for loading of beverages and/or
food, and further provides a convenient place at which to
temporarily store a loaded carrier in a position to prevent
spills.
[0072] In FIG. 1, an individual carrier 12 has been removed from
the rack member portion 14 of the dispensing system 10. The
individual carrier 12 is supported by carrier support 18b such that
apertures 24 in the carrier 12 are in a position slightly above an
adjacent surface 26 such that beverage containers 30 can be
inserted positively through the apertures 24. As will be described
in further detail below, once the beverages are loaded into the
carrier 12, the distal ends 32a and 32b of the carrier 12 can be
brought together and the entire carrier 12 moved to the upper
carrier support 18a for temporary storage. With the carrier 12
supported on the upper carrier support 18a, the beverage containers
30 are secured between the panels of the bag and elevated above the
adjacent supporting surface 26. Items, such as hotdogs, candy etc.,
may then be loaded into the pockets of the carrier 12. Since the
beverage containers 30 are supported by the carrier 12, the risk of
spilling the beverage containers 30 by knocking them over is
greatly reduced.
[0073] Turning now to FIGS. 2-23, and initially to FIGS. 2-5, the
details of an exemplary rack portion 14 of the dispensing system 10
will be described. The rack portion 14 generally comprises a wire
frame member 36 including a base portion 38 and an upwardly
extending carrier support portion 40. In the illustrated
embodiment, the wire frame member 36 is a single piece of wire that
has been formed into both the base portion 38 and the carrier
support portion 40. Of course, the dispensing system 10 can be made
of other materials or combination of materials, such as plastics,
etc. The base portion 38 has a generally rectangular footprint and
the carrier support portion 40 extends upwardly from the base
portion 38 at an offset position such that the rack portion 14 is
located more towards the rear in FIG. 2.
[0074] The carrier support portion 40 has a pair of spaced apart
protrusions or humps 42 adapted to extend through the apertures of
a plurality of carriers such as shown in FIG. 1. The dimensions of
the humps 42 can be sized such that they accommodate a given number
of carriers. For example, the humps 42 may be sized to carry
approximately 200 carriers in a fully loaded condition. As will be
appreciated, the height of the humps 42 will generally dictate the
number of carriers that can be stored on the rack portion 14.
Indicators 44 can be provided on the humps 42 to indicate an
approximate number of carriers remaining on the rack portion 14.
Such indicators can be notches or indentations formed into the
material of the hump 42, painted marks, decals, etc. that provide
visual indicia of the level of carriers on the rack portion 14. For
example, the uppermost indicator in FIG. 2 can correspond to 200
carriers, and each successive lower indicator can correspond to 50
fewer carriers on the rack portion 14. In order to facilitate easy
loading of the rack portion 14, the humps 42 may be tapered as
illustrated.
[0075] In FIG. 3, the rack member 14 is illustrated in a loaded
configuration including a stack of carriers 16 supported thereon.
As will be appreciated, the humps 42 protrude through the apertures
24 in the carriers 16 and generally retain the stack of carriers
thereon. Retention tabs 46 have been fitted over the humps 42 to
further secure the carriers 16 on the rack member 14. Such
retention tabs 46 generally extend beyond the edges of the upper
portion of the humps 42 such that they may restrict removal of one
or more carriers 16 from the rack member 14. These tabs can be
useful for preventing inadvertent removal of one or more carriers,
such as by a gust of wind. The retention tabs 46 may be flexible
such that the outer edges thereof can yield to allow a carrier 12
to be pulled over and off of the rack member 14. When using
flexible retention tabs 46, the retention tabs may extend beyond
the apertures 24 in the carriers 12. In FIG. 3, the function of the
indicators 44 is also evident as the top surface of the uppermost
carrier is generally level with the uppermost indicator mark 44. In
the previously mentioned example, this may correspond to
approximately 200 carriers being loaded on the rack member 14.
[0076] Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, a large number of the carriers
have been removed from the rack member 14 and thus all of the
indicators 44 are now visible. It will be appreciated that in some
instances, the dispensing system 10 can comprise just the rack
member portion 14 of the assembly shown in FIG. 1, for example,
only the rack assembly as shown and described now in FIGS. 2-5.
Such assembly may be useful for storing a plurality of carriers 16
in position and ready to be dispensed. In many applications,
however, it is desirable to provide one or more carrier supports
for supporting a carrier after it is dispensed from the rack
member.
[0077] Turning to FIGS. 6-9 and initially to FIG. 6, a dispensing
system 10 is illustrated including both the rack member 14 and an
upper and lower carrier support 18a and 18b. Both the upper and
lower carrier supports 18a and 18b have studs 50 that are adapted
to be received within tubes 52 that are secured to the wire frame
member 36 of the rack member 14. As is evident in the figures, a
plurality of tubes 52 are provided at various heights on the rack
member 14. At some of the heights, there are more than one tube
provided, for example, a back tube, an outer tube and a front tube.
As will become more evident in the following description, the
various tube positions can be used to provide carrier supports in
different locations and also to allow or restrict rotation of a
given carrier support.
[0078] In FIGS. 6-9, the upper support 18a is adapted for rotation
about its point of attachment to the rack member 14 whereas the
lower support 18b is fixed against rotation relative to its
attachment point to the rack member. To facilitate rotation of the
upper carrier support 40, first and second studs 50 associated with
respective arms 54 of the upper support 40 are received in tubes 52
positioned on the front of the rack member along 14 a common
vertical axis. Accordingly, the upper carrier support member 40 is
free to rotate about said axis. Meanwhile, the lower support has a
first stud 50 received in a tube on a front side of the rack member
14 and a second stud received in a tube positioned on an outer side
of the rack member 14. Since the first and second studs of the
lower support member are supported in axially offset tubes, the
lower support member is thereby restricted from rotation.
[0079] In FIGS. 8 and 9, the upper carrier support 40 is shown in a
rotated position relative to FIGS. 6 and 7, while the lower support
remains in its fixed position. Movement of the upper carrier
support 40 can be desirable to facilitate positioning a carrier 12
in a loading position on the lower support.
[0080] Returning back to FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that an
individual carrier 12 has been removed from the rack member 14 of
the dispensing system 10 and placed in a loading position as shown
with a first end 32a of the carrier 12 being supported on a hook 56
associated with the lower support 18b. The remaining portion of the
carrier 12 is draped out across the adjacent surface such that the
apertures 24 or a portion thereof are slightly above the surface
and the opposing flap of the carrier 12 that is not supported by
the lower support is laid out flat. It is intended that the carrier
12 be loaded in such position such that the beverage containers can
be placed into the apertures with ease. By elevating a portion of
the aperture 24 slightly above the adjacent surface, a user can
more readily determine when a beverage container is properly
aligned within the aperture. Misalignment within the apertures such
as if the beverage container were to be placed on top of a portion
of the carrier, could result in spillage if a user carelessly then
attempts to lift the carrier by both handles without allowing the
beverage containers to fully seat within the apertures.
Accordingly, the height of the hook 56 in relation to the length of
the side panel of the carrier 12 is selected such that the
apertures 24 are slightly elevated above the adjacent surface to
allow a user to better detect proper alignment of the beverage
container prior to picking up the carrier 12.
[0081] Once the beverage containers are loaded in the apertures of
the carrier 12, the two ends 32a and 32b of the carrier can be
brought together such that handle portions 58a and 58b of each end
can be grasped with a single hand. The carrier 12 can then be
removed from the lower support and placed on the upper support 40
at which position the beverages will be suspended by the carrier 12
above the adjacent surface, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0082] Once supported on the upper support 40, a hook portion 58 at
the distal end of the upper support (e.g., distal hook) retains the
carrier 12 on the support 40. As will be described in more detail
below, layers of the bag can be pushed back from the front position
adjacent the hook to the inclined rear portion of the upper carrier
support 40 (e.g., beyond the proximal ridge located between the
distal hook end and the carrier support) in order to hold open a
pocket of the bag and provide access to the interior of the panels
of the bag.
[0083] For example, in order to load the pocket in the rear panel
of the carrier 12, the rear-most sheet of the carrier 12 can be
slid back along the upper carrier support 40 beyond the upwardly
sloping portion such that the handle is retained on the downwardly
sloping detent portion. Meanwhile, the three remaining panels are
held towards the front of the carrier support 40 thereby opening
the pocket in the rear panel. Once items are loaded into the pocket
in the rear panel, the inner sheet of the rear panel and the inner
sheet of the front panel can be slid back to the detent portion of
the upper carrier support 40 thereby opening the pocket in the
front panel of the carrier for loading. Once loading is complete, a
user can simply grasp the handle portions of each panel using a
single hand and remove the carrier from the upper carrier support
40.
[0084] It will now be understood that by making the upper support
18a pivotable such that it can be pivoted out of the way of the
lower support 18b enables a carrier removed from the rack member to
easily engage the lower support hook for loading of the beverage
containers. Then, once the beverage containers are loaded, the
upper carrier support 40 can be rotated back into position so that
a user simply needs to grasp the handles of the beverage loaded
carrier and relocate the handles to the upper carrier support 40
for stable loading of the pockets of the carrier 12.
[0085] In operation of the dispensing system 10, a user will
typically grab a single carrier from the top of the stack of
carriers supported on the rack member 14. As the user lifts the
carrier off of the rack member 14 and draws it towards the user,
the panel closest to the user as the carrier is drawn off the stack
of carriers will naturally tend to fall upon the lower support such
that the handle aligns with the hook portion 56 of the lower
support thus engaging that panel of the carrier 12 and encouraging
the user to lay out the carrier as shown in FIG. 1. As will be
appreciated, removing the carrier support away from the front of
the stack of carriers in this manner can be advantageous for
enabling a user to quickly and easily engage the panel of the
carrier with the lower support. The upper support, however, need
not be movable and in some instances, it may be desirable that it
be fixed.
[0086] Turning to FIGS. 11-13, two different embodiments of the
rack member 14 of the dispenser system 10 are shown having upper
and lower supports that are fixed against rotation. In FIGS. 11 and
12, the studs of the upper and lower carrier supports are received
in axially offset tubes thus restricting rotation, as previously
described. Similarly, in FIG. 12 the upper and lower carrier
supports are supported in axially offset tubes. The embodiment of
FIG. 13 differs from that of FIGS. 11 and 12 in that the hook
portion 56' of the lower carrier support extends generally upwardly
from the upper support arm 54.
[0087] Turning now to FIG. 14, yet another exemplary rack member 14
of the dispensing system 10 is illustrated. This rack member 14 is
similar to the previously described rack members and includes a
plurality of tubes 52 for supporting one or more carrier supports.
In the illustrated embodiment, a lower carrier support is shown
secured to each side of the rack member 14. A pivoting hook member
62 is attached to the lower support and pivots between the position
shown in FIGS. 14-15 to the position shown in FIGS. 16-17. The
pivoting hook member 62 is pivotally attached to the support arm 54
of the lower carrier support such as, for example, by eyelets 64
formed in the end of the pivoting hook 62. Such eyelets in the
illustrated embodiment are formed about the support arm 186 so as
to enable rotation of the hook about the support arm. A stop bar 66
is secured to the arm of the carrier support in a position to limit
rotation of the hook between the two positions shown. It will be
appreciated that the range of motion of the pivoting hook member 62
can be fixed by the placement of the stop bar such that more or
less rotation of the hook member 62 can be achieved as desired.
[0088] In the embodiment of FIGS. 14-17, it will be understood that
a carrier, when drawn from the stack of carriers supported on the
rack member 14, will engage the pivoting hook member 62 of the
lower carrier support in the position shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 and,
as the user further draws the carrier away from the stack, the
pivoting hook member 62 will rotate to the position shown in FIGS.
16 and 17, whereat the handle 58a of the first panel of the carrier
will be supported similar to the manner shown in FIG. 1. The
pivoting hook member can provide a more automatic engagement
between the distal end thereof and a handle of the carrier 12 given
that the distal end of the hook portion will be in closer proximity
to the path of the handle as the carrier is withdrawn from the rack
member. Accordingly, it is possible that the pivoting hook member
62 can achieve a more consistent result for consumers. In some
embodiments, the pivoting hook member 62 can be biased, such as by
a biasing member or gravity, to the position of FIGS. 14 and
15.
[0089] Turning to FIGS. 18 and 19, another embodiment of the
dispensing system 10 is illustrated having a rotating hook member
70. This embodiment of the rack member 14 is the same as that
illustrated in FIGS. 14-17, except for the shape of the pivotable
hook member 62, which in this case is generally flat.
[0090] Turning now to FIGS. 20-25, various other exemplary
embodiments of the dispensing system 10 and/or components thereof
are illustrated. Beginning with FIG. 20, in this embodiment, the
dispensing system 10 includes upper and lower carrier supports 18a
and 18b that are secured on each end to opposite sides of the rack
member. Such configuration can produce a slightly more stable
carrier support since the support is supported at both ends. The
hook 56 of the lower carrier support is a generally outwardly
extending hook having a shorter profile while the hook of the upper
carrier support is elongated and includes both a distal hook
portion and a detent region.
[0091] Turning to FIG. 21, a dispensing system 10 is illustrated
having just a lower carrier support 18b secured at each end to
opposite sides of the rack member. In this embodiment, the hook
associated with the lower support 18b extends generally
vertically.
[0092] With reference to FIG. 22, yet another exemplary dispensing
system is illustrated. In this embodiment, the dispensing system
includes a rack member supporting first and second carrier supports
18a and 18b on each side thereof. In this configuration, consumers
can access the rack portion from either side of the dispensing
system and utilize the carrier supports as previously
described.
[0093] In FIG. 23, a dispensing system 10 is illustrated wherein
the upper and lower carrier supports 18a and 18b are supported on
the right side of the rack member.
[0094] Turning now to FIG. 24, a rack member of a dispensing system
10 is illustrated having a pair of spaced apart feet as opposed to
the generally rectangular base of the previously described units.
As will be appreciated, any of the dispensing systems described
herein can utilize the spaced apart feet as shown in FIG. 25
instead of the rectangular base.
[0095] Referring now to FIGS. 25-36, various carrier support stands
80 are illustrated. In FIGS. 25 and 26, an exemplary carrier
support stand 80 includes a base portion 82 comprising a loop of
wire 84, in this case in the shape of a rectangle, and an upwardly
extending column 86 extending from a back edge of the base portion
82. The upwardly extending column as illustrated is comprised of
vertical, spaced apart, parallel rods 88 connected together by
cross-members 90. A support member 92 extends forward from the top
of the upwardly extending column 86 and supports a pair of hooks
94a and 94b upon which one or more carriers can be placed. The
hooks, of course, can be any suitable shape or design such as one
of the designs shown in the present disclosure, or other types of
hooks, as desired. The primary purpose of the carrier support stand
80 is to support one or more loaded carriers. For example, after
loading a carrier such as by inserting one or more beverages into
the apertures and/or inserting one or more items into one or both
of the respective pockets, the carrier can then be placed on the
carrier support stand 80 while the consumer attends to other
matters such as paying a cashier, loading another carrier, etc.
Thus, such support carriers may typically be placed adjacent to
points of sale and/or at points where the contents of the carrier
may need to be treated, such as a condiment stand, for example.
FIGS. 27-31 show the carrier support stand 80 supporting a carrier
in various positions and various stages of loading.
[0096] FIGS. 32-36 illustrate a carrier support stand 80' that is
essentially similar to the carrier support stand 80 of FIGS. 25-31,
except that the carrier support stand 80' includes an additional
hook 96 extending towards the front of the stand at the end of the
support member. Thus, this carrier support stand has a total of
three hooks on which one or more loaded carriers can be placed.
[0097] With reference to FIG. 37, a carrier stand 80'' is
illustrated including a shelf 102 located at a rear portion of the
stand 80'' and positioned above the respective hooks. This shelf is
designed to accommodate one or more items that may have been stored
in one of the loaded carriers stored upon one of the hooks. For
example, in the case of the condiment stand, a loaded bag may be
placed on one of the hooks and a hot dog may be removed from the
bag and placed on the shelf in order to apply condiments to the hot
dog before placing the hot dog back into the carrier. Of course,
the shelf can be used in any desired manner, and other uses of the
shelf will be apparent to the person of skill in the art. The shelf
102 is supported by a frame 104 that includes studs 106 received in
tubes 108.
[0098] Turning to FIGS. 38-41, an exemplary combined carrier
dispensing system and carrier support stand 110 is illustrated. As
will be appreciated, the carrier dispensing system 10 can be any of
the previously described dispensing systems. Accordingly, details
of the carrier dispensing system will not be repeated.
[0099] The carrier support stand 80' includes a base portion 82, an
upwardly extending column portion 84, and a hook member 94 secured
to respective tubes of the upwardly extending column. The carrier
support stand 14 is connected to the dispensing system via a stud
112, secured to the upwardly extending column. The stud 112 is
received in a corresponding tube 114 provided on an outside edge of
the rack member of the dispensing system.
[0100] It will be appreciated that the base portion 82 is tapered
such that the carrier support stand 80''' can be rotated between
several positions. For example, in FIG. 40 the carrier support
stand 80''' is rotated to the right (towards the foreground in FIG.
40) as compared to its position in FIG. 38. FIG. 41 illustrates a
plan view of the carrier support in the position shown in FIG. 40.
Although not shown, the carrier support stand 80''' can pivot in
the opposite direction as well. The pivoting action of the carrier
support makes the system versatile for use in a variety of
configurations and settings.
[0101] As mentioned previously, the carrier support stand can be
provided with a variety of different hook members and/or member of
hooks. FIGS. 42-46 illustrate a variety of different of exemplary
hook members that can be used in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0102] It will of course be appreciated, with reference to FIG. 47,
that the dispensing system 10 can include one or more carrier
supports such as the upper and lower carrier supports 18a and 18b
as previously described. This configuration of a combined
dispensing system and carrier support stand enables dispensing of
carriers from the rack member, loading of the carriers on one or
more of the carrier supports of the dispensing system 10 and
storage or staging of loaded carriers on the hook member of the
carrier support stand. An example of a combined unit with a
plurality of loaded carriers is illustrated in FIGS. 48 and 49.
[0103] Turning now to FIGS. 50-56, several different embodiments of
a dual carrier support stand are illustrated. Beginning in FIG. 50,
the exemplary dual carrier support stand 120 includes a base
portion 122 and a pair of upwardly extending columns 124a and 124b
extending from a rear portion of the base portion 122. The columns
generally comprise a pair of parallel, spaced apart, upwardly
extending rods 126. At an upper end of each column, a support
member 130a, 130b extends forward therefrom and supports one or
more hooks 132a, 132b on which one or more carriers can be
positioned. A pair of cross members 134 are provided for
interconnecting the two columns, and a brace 136 extends between
the base portion and each column portion for bracing the column
portions to improve overall stiffness of the assembly.
[0104] Turning to FIG. 51, a pair of humps 142 are provided on the
top cross member for receiving a stack of carriers in a manner
similar to that described in connection with previous embodiments.
It will be appreciated that the humps 142 can be of any desired
shape or size to accommodate a desired number of carriers. As in
other embodiments, the humps 142 can include graduation marks
and/or retention tabs can be provided. In FIG. 52, a stack of
carriers is supported on the humps 142.
[0105] In FIG. 53, an exemplary dual carrier support stand is
illustrated including a shelf 146. The shelf 146 in the illustrated
embodiment is generally supported on top of the support members and
provides a platform that is located above the level of the hooks on
which items can be placed. In one exemplary embodiment, the shelf
can be used for holding condiment containers. The shelf 146 can be
attached to the support members and/or upwardly extending columns
in any suitable manner, such as, for example, via a stud 148 and
tube 150 connection such as the stud and tube connections
previously described.
[0106] Turning to FIGS. 54 and 55, an upwardly extending rear panel
154 has been added to the combined unit of FIG. 53. The rear panel
154 can function as a sign holder for holding signs such as
advertising signs, promotions and/or instructions for using the
dual carrier support stand. It will be appreciated that the
upwardly extending panel can be used in conjunction with the shelf
or separately, for example, as shown in FIG. 56.
[0107] Referring now to FIG. 57, a base portion 180 of any
exemplary carrier support or carrier stand is illustrated. The base
portion 180 can be secured to an adjacent surface with one or more
c-brackets 182 designed to engage the rod 184 when secured to the
adjacent surface. This can prevent inadvertently knocking over the
dispensing system 10 or stand, and when used with tamperproof
fasteners, can provide security.
[0108] FIG. 58 illustrates a wall mount hook assembly 190 adapted
to support one or more carriers in a manner previously described.
The wall mount hook assembly 190 includes a mount portion 192
securable to a wall or other surface with, for example, fasteners
such as screws or bolts. The mount portion can include a pair of
tubes for receiving corresponding studs associated with a hook
portion 196. Alternatively, the studs can be included directly to
the mount portion 192 as shown.
[0109] The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference
to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and
alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the
preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary
embodiment be construed as including all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended
claims or the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *