U.S. patent number RE48,104 [Application Number 15/615,887] was granted by the patent office on 2020-07-21 for utensil dispenser.
This patent grant is currently assigned to GPCP IP Holdings LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is GPCP IP Holdings LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffrey Bobroff, Mark Eyman, Todd Jongen, Christian Kulujian, Jeff Mathison, Michael Prince.
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United States Patent |
RE48,104 |
Jongen , et al. |
July 21, 2020 |
Utensil dispenser
Abstract
A utensil dispenser including a reservoir that stores utensils
and front and rear pedestals in contact with a next utensil. The
pedestals contain a plurality of utensils within the reservoir. A
gravity feed ramp moves the next utensil to an access port of the
utensil dispenser. The utensil dispenser includes an actuator
operably connected to a drive pin or other drive mechanism. The
actuator is configured to halt a dispensing utensil at a ready
position based upon contact between the dispensing utensil and the
actuator. In the ready position, a handle portion of the dispensing
utensil is accessible via the access port. The drive mechanism is
configured to contact the next utensil. The actuator is configured
to move the drive mechanism to move the next utensil to clear the
front pedestal to release the next utensil from the reservoir onto
the gravity feed ramp when the dispensing utensil is dispensed.
Inventors: |
Jongen; Todd (Rosemont, IL),
Bobroff; Jeffrey (Rosemont, IL), Prince; Michael
(Chicago, IL), Mathison; Jeff (Chicago, IL), Kulujian;
Christian (Chicago, IL), Eyman; Mark (Chicago, IL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GPCP IP Holdings LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GPCP IP Holdings LLC (Atlanta,
GA)
|
Family
ID: |
1000004337100 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/615,887 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
61591611 |
Jan 27, 2012 |
|
|
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Reissue of: |
13739820 |
Jan 11, 2013 |
9049948 |
Jun 9, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F
1/08 (20130101); A47G 21/00 (20130101); A47F
1/10 (20130101); H04W 4/023 (20130101); A47F
1/08 (20130101); A47F 13/00 (20130101); A63F
13/79 (20140902); H04L 67/38 (20130101); A63F
13/216 (20140902); A47F 1/10 (20130101); A47F
2001/103 (20130101); A63F 2300/5573 (20130101); A47F
2001/103 (20130101); A63F 2300/204 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47F
1/08 (20060101); A47G 21/00 (20060101); A47F
1/10 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;30/150
;221/22,23,191,194,195,197,198,293 |
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Primary Examiner: Stormer; Russell D
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application .Iadd.is an application for reissue of U.S. Pat.
No. 9,049,948, which issued from U.S. application Ser. No.
13/739,820, filed Jan. 11, 2013, which .Iaddend.claims .[.the.].
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/591,611, filed Jan.
27, 2012, which .[.is.]. .Iadd.are both .Iaddend.incorporated by
reference herein in .[.its.]. .Iadd.their .Iaddend.entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A utensil dispenser comprising: a reservoir configured to store
a plurality of utensils; a rear pedestal configured to contact a
rear portion of a .[.next.]. .Iadd.lowermost .Iaddend.utensil .[.to
be dispensed.]. of the plurality of utensils; a front pedestal
configured to contact .[.one or more detents in.]. .Iadd.a forward
portion of .Iaddend.the .[.next.]. .Iadd.lowermost
.Iaddend.utensil, wherein the front pedestal and the rear pedestal
are configured to contain the plurality of utensils within the
reservoir; a gravity feed ramp .[.configured to move the next
utensil to.]. .Iadd.that is sloped toward .Iaddend.an access port
.[.of the utensil dispenser.].; .Iadd.and.Iaddend. an actuator
operably connected to a drive mechanism, .[.the actuator configured
to halt a dispensing utensil at a ready position based upon contact
between the dispensing utensil and the actuator such that, in the
ready position, a handle portion of the dispensing utensil is
accessible via the access port;.]. wherein the drive mechanism is
configured to contact the .[.next.]. .Iadd.lowermost
.Iaddend.utensil, and wherein the actuator is .[.further.].
configured to move the drive mechanism .[.into.]. .Iadd.from a
ready position to .Iaddend.a release position .[.such that.].
.Iadd.where .Iaddend.the drive mechanism contacts the .[.next.].
.Iadd.lowermost .Iaddend.utensil to push the .[.next.].
.Iadd.lowermost .Iaddend.utensil .Iadd.in a longitudinal direction
.Iaddend.to clear the front pedestal .[.to release the next utensil
from the reservoir.]..Iadd., allowing that pushed utensil to drop
.Iaddend.onto the gravity feed ramp .[.when the dispensing utensil
is dispensed.]. .Iadd.and to slide toward the access port, and
wherein the actuator is further configured to hold the utensil that
dropped onto the gravity feed ramp, allowing its handle portion to
be accessible through the access port.Iaddend..
2. The utensil dispenser of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism
comprises a drive pin.
3. The utensil dispenser of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism
comprises a drive hammer.
.[.4. The utensil dispenser of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism
is further configured to move the next utensil to clear the rear
pedestal to release the next utensil from the reservoir onto the
gravity feed ramp when the dispensing utensil is dispensed..].
.[.5. The utensil dispenser of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism
includes the rear pedestal..].
.[.6. The utensil dispenser of claim 5, wherein the actuator is
further configured to return to a home position to clear the next
utensil from the rear pedestal..].
7. The utensil dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a manual
activation button configured to move the drive mechanism into the
release position when .Iadd.the manual activation button is
.Iaddend.activated .Iadd.to prime the dispenser when there is no
utensil accessible through the access port.Iaddend..
8. A utensil .Iadd.dispenser, .Iaddend.comprising: .Iadd.a front
pedestal disposed within the dispenser; a rear pedestal disposed
within the dispenser; a drive mechanism disposed within the
dispenser; an actuator operably connected to the drive mechanism,
and a stack of utensils disposed within the dispenser, wherein each
utensil comprises:.Iaddend. a utensil body .[.having a utensil body
front portion and a utensil body rear portion.].; a winged portion
.[.operatively connected to the utensil body front portion, the
winged portion.]. .Iadd.disposed on at least one side of the
utensil body and .Iaddend.configured to .Iadd.at least partially
.Iaddend.rest on .[.a.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.front pedestal .[.of a
utensil dispenser when the utensil is stored in a reservoir of the
utensil dispenser.].; and a tail portion .[.operatively connected
to the utensil body rear portion, the tail portion configured to:
rest on a.]. .Iadd.configured to at least partially rest on the
.Iaddend.rear pedestal .[.of the utensil dispenser when the utensil
is stored in the reservoir of the utensil dispenser, the utensil
remaining within the reservoir when the winged portion is resting
on the front pedestal and the tail portion rests on the rear
pedestal; and contact a drive mechanism of the utensil
dispenser.]., .Iadd.wherein the actuator is configured to move
.Iaddend.the drive mechanism .[.configured to selectively push the
utensil via.]. .Iadd.to a release position where the drive
mechanism pushes .Iaddend.the tail portion .Iadd.of a lowermost
utensil in the stack of utensils in a longitudinal direction,
.Iaddend.such that the winged portion .Iadd.of the lowermost
utensil .Iaddend.clears the front pedestal .[.and the tail portion
clears the rear pedestal.]., permitting the .Iadd.lowermost
.Iaddend.utensil to fall from the .[.reservoir.].
.Iadd.stack.Iaddend..
9. The utensil .Iadd.dispenser .Iaddend.of claim 8, wherein the
drive mechanism comprises a drive pin.
10. The utensil .Iadd.dispenser .Iaddend.of claim 8, wherein the
drive mechanism comprises a drive hammer.
11. The utensil .Iadd.dispenser .Iaddend.of claim 8, .Iadd.further
comprising a gravity feed ramp disposed beneath the front and rear
pedestals, .Iaddend.wherein .[.the drive mechanism moves.]. the
.Iadd.lowermost .Iaddend.utensil .[.to clear the rear pedestal to
release the utensil from the reservoir.]. .Iadd.falls .Iaddend.onto
.[.a.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.gravity feed ramp when .[.a dispensing
utensil is dispensed.]. .Iadd.released from the stack.Iaddend..
12. The utensil .Iadd.dispenser .Iaddend.of claim 8, wherein .[.the
drive mechanism includes.]. the rear pedestal .Iadd.is located on
the drive mechanism.Iaddend..
13. The utensil .Iadd.dispenser .Iaddend.of claim 12, wherein the
.Iadd.lowermost .Iaddend.utensil is configured to clear the rear
pedestal based upon .[.an.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.actuator returning
to a home position.
14. A method comprising: .Iadd.supporting a plurality of utensils
within a utensil dispenser, the dispenser having a front pedestal
and a rear pedestal for supporting the plurality of
utensils;.Iaddend. removing a utensil from .[.a.]. .Iadd.the
.Iaddend.utensil dispenser; moving an actuation component .[.based
upon.]. .Iadd.when .Iaddend.the utensil .Iadd.is .Iaddend.being
removed, wherein the utensil is in contact with the actuation
component while being removed; engaging a drive mechanism .[.based
upon the moving of.]. .Iadd.when .Iaddend.the actuation component
.Iadd.is being moved.Iaddend.; .[.freeing a next.].
.Iadd.separating a lowermost .Iaddend.utensil from .[.a reservoir
onto a gravity feed ramp based upon.]. .Iadd.the plurality of
utensils using .Iaddend.the drive mechanism, wherein the drive
mechanism pushes the .[.next.]. .Iadd.lowermost .Iaddend.utensil to
.[.free.]. .Iadd.separate .Iaddend.the .[.next.]. .Iadd.lowermost
.Iaddend.utensil .Iadd.from the plurality of utensils.Iaddend.; and
halting the .[.next.]. .Iadd.separated .Iaddend.utensil .[.on the
gravity feed ramp.]. such that a tail portion of the
.Iadd.separated .Iaddend.utensil .[.extrudes.]. .Iadd.extends
.Iaddend.from the utensil dispenser.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a
drive pin.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a
drive hammer.
.[.17. The method of claim 14, wherein the drive mechanism moves
the utensil to clear the rear pedestal to release the utensil from
the reservoir onto the gravity feed ramp when the dispensing
utensil is dispensed..].
.[.18. The method of claim 14, wherein the drive mechanism includes
the rear pedestal..].
19. The method of claim .[.18.]. .Iadd.14.Iaddend., wherein
.Iadd.the actuation component is operably connected to the drive
mechanism, the actuation component configured to move the drive
mechanism that in turn pushes .Iaddend.the .Iadd.lowermost
.Iaddend.utensil .[.is configured.]. to clear the .[.rear.].
.Iadd.front .Iaddend.pedestal .[.based upon an actuator returning
to a home position.]..
.Iadd.20. The utensil dispenser of claim 1, wherein each utensil
comprises one or more laterally extending detents that are
configured to contact and at least partially rest on the front
pedestal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The utensil dispenser of claim 1, wherein the rear
pedestal is located on the drive mechanism..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The utensil dispenser of claim 1, wherein the actuator is
further configured to return to a home position whereby the next
utensil is able to clear and drop from the rear
pedestal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The method of claim 14, wherein the rear pedestal is
located on the drive mechanism..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. A utensil dispenser comprising: a housing for containing
a stack of utensils; a front pedestal configured to contact a first
portion of a utensil to be dispensed, a drive mechanism configured
to contact and push the utensil to be dispensed, wherein the drive
mechanism comprises a rear pedestal formed thereon, the rear
pedestal configured to support a second portion of the utensil to
be dispensed; an actuator operably connected to the drive
mechanism; and an access port providing an exit from the housing,
wherein the actuator is configured to move the drive mechanism from
a ready position to a release position where the drive mechanism
pushes a lowermost utensil of the stack in a longitudinal direction
to clear the front pedestal, allowing the lowermost utensil to fall
from the stack toward the access port..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The utensil dispenser of claim 24, further comprising a
gravity feed ramp that is sloped toward the access port, wherein
the lowermost utensil falls from the stack onto the gravity feed
ramp..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The utensil dispenser of claim 24, wherein the actuator
is further configured to hold the fallen utensil at least partially
within the dispenser such that a handle portion of the fallen
utensil is accessible through the access port..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The utensil dispenser of claim 26, wherein the actuator
is configured to hold the pushed utensil that has fallen from the
stack at least partially within the dispenser such that a handle
end of that utensil extends through the access port..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The utensil dispenser of claim 24, further comprising a
manual activation button configured to move the drive mechanism
into the release position when the manual activation button is
activated to prime the dispenser when there is no utensil
accessible through the access port..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The utensil dispenser of claim 24, further comprising a
reservoir disposed within a lower portion of the housing for
holding a plurality of utensils..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The utensil dispenser of claim 24, further comprising a
reservoir disposed within a lower portion of the housing for
holding at least a portion of the stack of utensils..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The utensil dispenser of claim 24, further comprising a
moveable hinged member to provide access to an interior of the
housing, above the access port..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The utensil dispenser of claim 24, wherein the rear
pedestal is defined by a recessed portion formed on an outer
surface of the drive mechanism..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. A utensil dispenser comprising: a housing for containing
a stack of utensils, each utensil comprising a functional end, a
tail end, and at least one detent extending outwardly from the
utensil at a location between the functional end and the tail end,
a front pedestal disposed within the housing, the front pedestal
configured to contact the at least one detent of the utensil to be
dispensed, a rear pedestal disposed within the housing, the rear
pedestal configured to contact the tail end of the utensil to be
dispensed; a drive mechanism disposed within the housing, the drive
mechanism configured to contact and push the tail end of the
utensil to be dispensed; an access port providing an opening to the
housing, and an actuator operably connected to the drive mechanism,
wherein the actuator moves the drive mechanism from a ready
position to a release position where the drive mechanism contacts
and pushes the tail end of the utensil to be dispensed, allowing
the pushed utensil to move in a longitudinal direction to clear the
front pedestal and then fall from the stack of
utensils..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The utensil dispenser of claim 33, wherein the drive
mechanism comprises a drive pin or a drive hammer disposed on one
end of the drive mechanism..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The method of claim 33, wherein the rear pedestal is
located on the drive mechanism..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The method of claim 33, wherein the rear pedestal is
located on the housing..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The utensil dispenser of claim 33, wherein the actuator
is configured to hold the pushed utensil that has fallen from the
stack at least partially within the dispenser such that the tail
end of that utensil extends through the access port..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The utensil dispenser of claim 33, wherein the stack of
utensils is loaded into the housing by inserting a portion of the
stack into the housing at an angle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. The utensil dispenser of claim 33, further comprising a
manual activation button configured to move the drive mechanism
into the release position when the manual activation button is
activated to prime the dispenser when there is no utensil
accessible through the access port..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. The utensil dispenser of claim 33, further comprising a
reservoir disposed within a lower portion of the housing for
holding a plurality of utensils..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. The utensil dispenser of claim 40, wherein the reservoir
holds at least a portion of the stack of utensils..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. The utensil dispenser of claim 33, further comprising a
moveable hinged member disposed on the housing to provide access to
an interior of the housing above the access port..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND
Many restaurants, food courts, eateries, etc. require the
distribution of utensils. Placing a multitude of utensils in a
canister is one common way in which utensils are distributed to
customers. Utensils distributed in this manner, however, are
subject to the environment and can be exposed to germs, dirt, etc.
In addition, fitting a maximum number of utensils in each cup can
be time consuming.
SUMMARY
In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this
specification can be embodied in a utensil dispenser that includes
a reservoir configured to store a plurality of utensils. The
utensil dispenser further includes a rear pedestal configured to
contact a rear portion of a next utensil in the plurality of
utensil and a front pedestal configured to contact one or more
detents in the next utensil. The front pedestal and the rear
pedestal are configured to contain the plurality of utensils within
the reservoir. A gravity feed ramp is configured to move the next
utensil to an access port of the utensil dispenser. The utensil
dispenser further includes an actuator operably connected to a
drive pin or other drive mechanism. The actuator is configured to
halt a dispensing utensil at a ready position based upon contact
between the dispensing utensil and the actuator. In the ready
position, a handle portion of the dispensing utensil is accessible
via the access port. The drive pin or other drive mechanism is
configured to contact the next utensil. The actuator is further
configured to move the drive mechanism into a release position that
moves the next utensil to clear the front pedestal to release the
next utensil from the reservoir onto the gravity feed ramp when the
dispensing utensil is dispensed. Other implementations of a utensil
dispenser are also described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter
described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying
drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and
advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the
description, the drawings, and the claims.
FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with an illustrative implementation.
FIG. 1B is a right side plane view of the utensil dispenser of FIG.
1A in accordance with an illustrative implementation.
FIG. 1C is a rear perspective view of the utensil dispenser of FIG.
1A in accordance with an illustrative implementation.
FIG. 1D is a front perspective view of the utensil dispenser of
FIG. 1A in accordance with an illustrative implementation.
FIG. 1E is a front perspective view of three utensil dispensers in
accordance with an illustrative implementation.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an open utensil dispenser and
cartridge in accordance with an additional implementation.
FIGS. 3A-3C are detailed portions of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with another implementation.
FIG. 4 is a right side plane view and expanded detailed view of
stacked utensils in accordance with an additional illustrative
implementation.
FIG. 5 is a right side plane view and expanded detailed view of
stacked utensils in accordance with another illustrative
implementation.
FIG. 6 is a view of various features of utensils in accordance with
an additional illustrative implementation.
FIGS. 7A-7E are cross sectional views of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with an additional illustrative implementation showing a
utensil moving from a reservoir to a ready position.
FIGS. 8A-8E are cross sectional views of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with another illustrative implementation showing a
utensil moving from a reservoir to a ready position.
FIGS. 9A-9E are cross sectional views of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with an additional illustrative implementation showing a
utensil moving from a reservoir to a ready position.
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with another illustrative implementation.
FIG. 11 is a multi-view illustration of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with an additional illustrative implementation.
FIG. 12 is a multi-view illustration of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with another illustrative implementation.
FIG. 13 is a multi-view illustration of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with an additional illustrative implementation.
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with another illustrative implementation.
FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with an additional illustrative implementation.
FIG. 16 is a view of utensils for use in a utensil dispenser in
accordance with another illustrative implementation.
FIG. 17 is a view of handles of utensils for use in a utensil
dispenser in accordance with an additional illustrative
implementation.
FIG. 18 is a flow-illustration of loading a utensil dispenser in
accordance with another illustrative implementation.
FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate opening a cartridge of utensils for use in
a utensil dispenser in accordance with an additional illustrative
implementation.
FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view a fork for use in a utensil
dispenser in accordance with another illustrative
implementation.
FIG. 21 illustrates a cross sectional view of a utensil dispenser
in accordance with an additional illustrative implementation.
FIG. 22 illustrates a cross section view of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with an additional illustrative implementation.
FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded view of an internal portion of a
reservoir of the utensil dispenser of FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 illustrates a portion of a reservoir of the utensil
dispenser of FIG. 22.
FIG. 25 illustrates an exploded view of an external portion of a
reservoir of the utensil dispenser of FIG. 22.
FIG. 26 illustrates an exploded view of the utensil dispenser of
FIG. 22.
FIGS. 27A-33A illustrate a front perspective view of the utensil
dispenser of FIG. 22.
FIGS. 27B-33B illustrate a rear perspective view of the utensil
dispenser of FIG. 22.
Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings
indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1A-1D are various views of a utensil dispenser in accordance
with an illustrative implementation. A utensil dispenser 100 can
include three access ports 102a-c. Each access port allows for the
removal of a single utensil at a time. In some implementations, the
utensil dispenser dispenses plastic cutlery, e.g., polystyrene
utensils. As one utensil is removed, another utensil is moved into
position such that its handle 110 is outside the access port. Head
portions of utensils that can come into contact with food, e.g.,
fork tines, spoon bowls, knife blades, etc., remain within the
utensil dispenser 100. Accordingly, these portions of the utensils
are protected from the environment. The utensil dispenser 100 can
be used to dispense various utensils such as, but not limited to,
spoons, forks, knives, sporks, chopsticks, etc.
In one embodiment, fill level windows 104 allow a visual indication
of the fill level of utensils in a cartridge. In another
embodiment, a fill level window 114 is transparent and allows a
visual indication of the fill level of all of the cartridges in a
dispenser. A utensil dispenser can be hung on a wall using wall
mounting bracket attachment holes 112. In other implementations,
the utensil dispenser 100 can be attached to a pedestal base 108.
The pedestal base 108 provides support for the utensil dispenser
and allows the utensil dispenser 100 to be free standing. The
pedestal base 108 can be removable such that the utensil dispenser
100 can be wall mounted using wall mounting bracket attachment
holes 112. Multiple utensil dispensers can be hung on a wall. FIG.
1E is a front perspective view of three utensil dispensers in
accordance with an illustrative implementation. In some
implementations, a utensil dispenser can incorporate an
ultra-violet light to sanitize the exposed handle of the
utensil.
Utensils stored in the utensil dispenser 100 can be stored in a
cartridge. The utensil dispenser 100 can be opened allowing the
replacement of cartridges to refill the utensil dispenser 100. In
one implementation, the utensil dispenser 100 opens using a hinge
106. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an open utensil
dispenser and cartridge in accordance with an illustrative
implementation. A hinged access door 202 allows access to the
internal compartment of the utensil dispenser 100. In other
implementations, the hinge location can be located on the top of
the utensil dispenser 100. In these implementations, the access
door 202 opens vertically instead of horizontally. The access door
202 can have fill level windows 204. Cartridges have corresponding
fill level windows 206 that allow a visual indication of the stock
of utensils in each respective cartridge to be seen. A cartridge
208 can be attached to the utensil dispenser 100 and provides
utensils that can be dispensed. The cartridge 208 can be
pre-packaged with utensils. In some implementations, the cartridge
208 is replaced with a new cartridge and is not reused. In other
implementations, the cartridge 208 can be refilled and reused in
the utensil dispenser 100. The utensil dispenser 100 can accept one
or more cartridges 208. For example, in one implementation the
utensil dispenser 100 can accept a single cartridge 208. As another
example, the utensil dispenser 100 can accept three cartridges 208,
e.g., one for each of a spoon, fork, and knife. In some
implementations, the dispensing slot that a cartridge 208 is
inserted into is not dependent upon the type of utensil that is
dispensed. Accordingly, a cartridge 208 of any type of utensil can
be placed into any available dispensing slot. In other
implementations, each cartridge 208 and dispensing slot is unique
to the utensil being dispensed. In these implementations, a
cartridge 208 can be designed individually to fit the corresponding
utensil. The footprint and dimensions of the cartridges can be
distinct from one another in these implementations.
FIGS. 3A-3C are a detailed portion of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with an illustrative implementation. In some
implementations, a cartridge 302 can have a restraint panel 304.
The restraint panel 304 prohibits the stored cutlery from falling
out of place during the installation of the cartridge 302. Once the
cartridge 302 is installed, the restraint panel 304 can be removed.
After the restraint panel 304 is removed, cutlery can move into a
utensil reservoir 306. In one implementation, gravity moves the
utensils from the cartridge into the reservoir 306. In some
implementations, the reservoir 306 holds between 10 and 20 pieces
of cutlery. The reservoir allows the cartridge 302 to be replaced
prior to the dispenser becoming completely empty. Manual activation
levers 308 can be accessed when the front panel is open. Using the
manual activation levers 308, a utensil can be dispensed. This is
useful, for example, when loading an empty utensil dispenser. The
manual activation levers 308 can be used to move a first utensil
into its dispensing position, e.g., with its handle exposed through
an access port. FIG. 3C illustrates a fork 310 in its ready or
dispensing position based upon activation of a manual activation
lever 312. Once the fork 310 is in its ready position, removing the
fork 310 will cause the next fork to be moved into its ready
position.
Each cartridge can include a large number of utensils. For example,
a cartridge can hold 100, 120, 140, 150, 160, 250, etc., utensils.
In some implementations, the utensils are stacked on top of one
another. FIG. 4 is a right side plane view and expanded detailed
view of stacked utensils in accordance with an illustrative
implementation. A utensil 402 is stacked vertically on top of a
second utensil 404. The utensils 402 and 404 are the same height,
width, and length. A chamfer 406 allows for a thinner endpoint that
can be used by the dispensing portion of the utensil dispenser to
separate individual utensils.
To help increase stability of the stack of utensils and maximize
the usage of space within a cartridge, the utensils can include
nesting features. FIG. 5 is a right side plane view and expanded
detailed view of stacked utensils in accordance with an
illustrative implementation. Similar to the utensils illustrated in
FIG. 4, a utensil 502 is stacked vertically on a second utensil
504. The utensils 502 and 504 are the same height, width, and
length. A cut out 506 in a handle of the utensil 502 allows for a
thinner endpoint that can be used by the dispensing portion of the
utensil dispenser to separate individual utensils. A nesting
feature 508 can be used to help hold the utensils 502 and 504 in
place within the cartridge and the reservoir of the utensil
dispenser.
The dispensing of utensils can be enhanced based upon one or more
features of the utensils themselves. FIG. 6 is a view of various
features of utensils in accordance with an illustrative
implementation. The handle end 602 of utensils can be chamfered.
The chamfer can make it easier for the dispensing unit to pick
between utensils. Similar to the chamfer, cutouts from the handle
end 604 of utensils can also make it easier for the dispensing unit
to pick between utensils. As the utensils can be stacked in
cartridges, nesting features can be used to stabilize the utensil
stack. A concave cavity 606 can be used such that one utensil can
nest into another utensil. Detents 608 can be used to hold utensils
in place when in the utensil dispenser. Detents 610 can be
integrated into the ribbing of a utensil. One or more of these
features can be used by various implementations of a utensil
dispenser.
Each utensil dispenser dispenses a single piece of cutlery at a
time. Various mechanisms can be used to dispense the utensils.
FIGS. 7A-7E are a cross sectional view of a utensil dispenser in
accordance with an illustrative implementation. A utensil 718 falls
from a reservoir 720. The utensil 718 moves down a gravity feed
ramp 716. The utensil 718 continues down the gravity feed ramp 716
until detents 724 on the utensil 718 come into contact with a drive
pin actuation lever 710. At this point, the utensil's descent is
stopped and a handle portion 726 of the utensil is exposed through
an access port 728.
The drive pin actuation lever 710 is a spring loaded lever that
operates a linear drive pin 704. The drive pin actuation lever 710
is connected to the linear drive pin 704 by a connection pin 702.
An actuation lever return spring 708 returns the drive pin
actuation lever 710 to a home position following a dispense cycle.
In the home position, the drive pin actuation lever 710 stops the
descent of the utensil 718 on the gravity feed ramp 716. When the
handle portion 726 of the utensil 718 is pulled out from the
utensil dispenser, the drive pin actuation lever 710 rotates around
a pivot pin 706. Due to the rotation, the detents 724 become free
of the drive pin actuation lever 710 allowing the utensil to be
released from the access port 728 of the utensil dispenser.
The drive pin actuation lever 710 also operates the linear drive
pin 704 to engage a next utensil 730 to fall from the reservoir 720
onto the gravity feed ramp 716. Prior to being released from the
reservoir 720, the utensil 730 was held in the reservoir 720 by a
front pedestal 714 and a rear pedestal 712. A handle portion of the
utensil 730 rests on the rear pedestal 712 and detents 722 on
either or both sides of the utensil 730 rest on the front pedestal
714. The drive pin actuation level 710 moves the linear drive pin
704 from a home position to a release position. When the drive pin
actuation lever 710 engages the next utensil 730, the linear drive
pin 704 is moved to a release position. In this position the linear
drive pin 704 contacts a tail portion of the utensil 730, pushing
the utensil in an opposite direction of the utensil 718 being
removed. The next utensil 730 is pushed, causing the detents 722
and the handle portion to move past the front pedestal 714 and the
rear pedestal 712. Once freed, the utensil 730 falls due to gravity
to the gravity feed ramp 716. Once the utensil 718 passes the drive
pin actuation lever 710, the actuation lever returns spring 708
return the drive pin actuation lever 710 to its home position. The
detents 722 engage the drive pin actuation lever 710, and the next
utensil is positioned to be dispensed.
In another implementation, utensils are dispensed using a barrel
mechanism. FIGS. 8A-8E area cross sectional view of a utensil
dispenser in accordance with an illustrative implementation.
Similar to the implementation illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E, utensils
are dispensed handle first from a dispensing unit. A utensil 818
slides down a gravity feed ramp 816 until a portion of the utensil
818 comes into contact with a drive pin actuation barrel 832. As
the utensil 818 is pulled from the dispenser, the drive pin
actuation barrel 832 rotates around a pivot pin 806. As the drive
pin actuation barrel 832 moves, it engages the linear drive pin
804. The linear drive pin 804 is connected to the drive pin
actuation barrel 832 by a connection pin 802.
A utensil 830 located initially in a reservoir 820 is freed from
the reservoir by the linear drive pin 804. Wings or detents 822 on
the utensil 830 are in contact with a front pedestal 814 and a tail
portion of the utensil 830 rests on a rear pedestal 812. When
actuated, the linear drive pin 804 pushes the utensil toward a back
end of the dispenser. As the utensil 830 moves forward, the detents
822 move past the front pedestal 814 and the tail portion of the
utensil 830 moves past the rear pedestal 812, causing the utensil
830 to fall to the gravity feed ramp 816. Once the utensil 818 is
dispensed, the drive pin actuation barrel 832 returns to a home
position. The utensil 830 continues to move down the gravity feed
ramp 816 until the drive pin actuation barrel 832 stops its
movement. In this position, a handle of the utensil 830 is exposed
from the dispenser and is used to dispense the utensil 830.
In another implementation, utensils are dispensed using a hopper
mechanism. FIGS. 9A-9E are a cross sectional view of a utensil
dispenser in accordance with an illustrative implementation.
Similar to the previously described dispensers, utensils are
dispensed, handle first, from a utensil dispenser. Utensils waiting
to be dispensed are kept in a reservoir 920. Utensils are held in
the reservoir 920 by one or two doors 938. In one implementation, a
single door is used to hold the utensils in the reservoir 920. In
another implementation, a pair of doors is used. When a utensil 918
is pulled from the dispenser, an actuator 934 rotates around a
pivot pin 906. A boss 936 at one end of the actuator 934 is in
contact with the doors 938. As the boss 936 pushes against the
doors 938, the doors 938 separate and a utensil 930 falls onto a
gravity feed ramp 916. In one implementation, a second set of doors
(not shown) are attached at an angle to a pivot point of the doors
938. As the boss 936 opens the doors 938, the second set of doors
rotates inward such that the stack of utensils remain within the
reservoir 920. The second set of doors open when the actuator 934
returns to a home position, allowing a utensil to move into
position for being dispersed. A spring 940 causes the doors to
close once the actuator 934 returns to a home position. The utensil
930 continues down the gravity feed ramp 916 until a portion of the
utensil 930 comes into contact with the actuator 934. An actuator
return spring 908 returns the actuator 934 to the home position. In
this home position, the actuator 934 stops the utensil 918 such
that the handle of the utensil 918 is accessible.
In another implementation, utensils are dispensed using a picker
mechanism. FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a utensil dispenser
in accordance with an illustrative implementation. In this
implementation, a utensil 1018 is held in place by an actuator
1044. When a utensil is held in place a tail portion of the utensil
1018 is located outside the dispenser while the head portion of the
utensil 1018 remains within the dispenser. Utensils located in a
reservoir 1020 are stored for future dispersing. A utensil 1030
remains in the reservoir 1020 based upon a notch 1042 within an
actuator 1044 and a top portion of a gravity feed ramp 1016. For
example, one end of the utensil 1030 rests on the top portion of
the gravity feed ramp 1016, and its opposite end fits within the
notch 1042. When the utensil 1018 is pulled out from the dispenser,
the actuator 1044 rotates around a pivot pin 1006. The rotation
causes the notch to move and release the utensil 1030. The utensil
falls onto and proceeds down the gravity feed ramp 1016 until a
portion of the utensil comes into contact with the actuator 1044 in
a home position. In the home position, the actuator 1044 stops a
utensil 1018 such that the tail portion of the utensil 1018 is
exposed.
Various other implementations of a utensil dispenser are also
possible. FIG. 11 is one such example and is a multi-view
illustration of a utensil dispenser in accordance with an
illustrative implementation. In this implementation, utensils are
not stacked horizontally on top of one another in a storage
cartridge. Rather, the utensils are stacked in a semi-vertical
configuration on a guiding rail. As a piece of cutlery is removed,
a switch releases the cutlery from the guiding rail. In this
implementation, each utensil has a key slot molded into it that can
be used to bundle the utensils for loading into the dispenser. The
guiding rail can also engage the molded slot in the utensils to
convey each utensil to a user. This configuration allows utensils
to be presented in a vertical fashion as illustrated in FIG.
11.
In another implementation, the stored utensils can be wrapped in
plastic. FIG. 12 is a multi-view illustration of a utensil
dispenser in accordance with an illustrative implementation. The
plastic encases the utensils and each utensil is linked together
with a perforation between each utensil. As a utensil is pulled
away from the dispenser, the next connected utensil is brought out
of the dispenser. The perforation allows the plastic wrapped
utensil to be removed from the other utensils. A similar
implementation is shown in FIG. 14, which is a front perspective
view of a utensil dispenser in accordance with an illustrative
implementation. A cartridge 1414 contains plastic wrapped utensils
that are linked together. A hinge 1404 in the back of the dispenser
can be used to open the dispenser for loading the cartridge 1414. A
lip 1402 keeps the cartridge 1414 in place near the back of the
dispenser. In other implementations one or more tabs can be used to
hold the cartridge in place. The plastic wrapped utensils are
threaded through an opening 1416 in the front of the dispenser.
Corners 1412 of the opening can provide a mechanism to tear a
perforation in the linked utensils. A space 1406 located between
the cartridge 1414 and the opening 1416 allows room for the linked
utensils to unfold from the cartridge 1414.
In another implementation, the dispenser removes the plastic wrap
from the utensil as the utensil is dispensed. FIG. 13 is a
multi-view illustration of a utensil dispenser in accordance with
an illustrative implementation. A number of plastic wrapped
utensils are linked together by the plastic wrap and stored in a
cartridge. The plastic wrap has a perforation along the entire
length of the linked utensils. A sensor, such as an infra-red
sensor, movement sensor, light sensor, etc., can be used to detect
a presence of a user. Upon such detection, the dispenser
automatically dispenses one utensil. Rollers are used to push the
linked utensils forward toward an opening of the dispenser. A
second roller is used to pull the plastic away from the utensil,
causing the perforation to open and the unwrapped utensil to be
dispensed.
FIG. 15 is a related implementation, in that the plastic wrap is
removed from the utensil as the utensil is dispensed. A cartridge
1514 holds the plastic wrapped utensils. A perforation 1502 in the
plastic wrap extends along the entire length of utensils. A hand
crank 1504 is used to rotate a first pair of rollers 1506. In
another implementation, a single roller can be used along with an
immobile body. The rollers 1506 pull the linked utensils forward.
An opening 1510 within the dispenser allows the linked utensils an
area to unfold. A second set of rollers 1508 is attached to the
plastic wrap and pulls downward on the plastic wrap as the utensil
exits the first set of rollers 1506. The second set of rollers 1508
cause the perforation 1502 to open. The unwrapped utensil then
exits through an opening in the dispenser. A waste collection area
can be included in the dispenser to collect the plastic wrap. In
another implementation, a handle portion of the utensils exits the
dispenser before the head portion.
In various implementations, features of the utensils are used to
help control the dispensing of the utensils. FIG. 16 is a view of
utensils for use in a utensil dispenser in accordance with an
illustrative implementation. Cutouts 1602 at the end of utensils
can be used to help the various linear drive pins separate
utensils. The utensils can include a concave cavity 1604 that can
be used to help nest utensils together. Such cavities 1604 can
provide stability to a vertical stack of utensils. Detents 1606 can
be included in utensils and can be used to halt the movement of a
utensil down a gravity feed ramp.
In addition to the above described features, various
implementations of the dispensers dispense utensils handle first.
In some implementations, the handle portion of utensils can be
visible prior to the utensil being dispensed. The handle portion
therefore provides an opportunity to provide information to users
of the dispenser. FIG. 17 is a view of handles of utensils for use
in a utensil dispenser in accordance with an illustrative
implementation. Various textures can be used on the handles for an
aesthetic feature. For example, a protrusion 1702, textures 1704,
depressions 1706, lettering 1708, or icons 1710 can be used. The
lettering and/or the icons can indicate the type of utensil being
dispensed. In addition, Braille can be added to the handle of the
utensil that identifies the utensil.
Various described implementations can use a cartridge to load the
dispenser. FIG. 18 is a flow-illustration of loading a utensil
dispenser in accordance with an illustrative implementation. A
cartridge 1802 can indicate the type of utensils contained within
the cartridge. A perforation at the bottom of the cartridge can be
removed 1804. A piece of tape covers a portion or all of the
utensils, such that the tape helps retain the utensils as the
cartridge is being loaded into the dispenser. Prior to placing the
cartridge in the dispenser, a tab connected to the tape can be
folded over 1806. Once the cartridge is placed in the dispenser,
the tab can be pulled to remove the tape and release the utensils
into the dispenser 1808. In another implementation, a chipboard
panel is used to help hold the utensils in place. Pulling the tab
also pulls the chipboard off of the cartridge to complete the drop
of utensils into the dispenser. FIGS. 19A-19A illustrate opening a
cartridge of utensils for use in a utensil dispenser in accordance
with an illustrative implementation. A cartridge 1902 includes an
attached chipboard and tape 1906. A tab 1908 is connected to the
tape. The tab 1908 is used to pull the tape and the chipboard 1906
to open the cartridge 1904. Once the tape and chipboard 1906 are
removed from the cartridge, the utensils within the cartridge fall
into the reservoir of the dispenser.
Various utensils can be used in the numerous utensil dispensers
described herein. FIG. 20 illustrates one such utensil and is a
perspective view a fork for use in a utensil dispenser in
accordance with an illustrative implementation. In the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 20, wings or detents 2002 are on each side of the
fork 2000. The wings or detents 2002 are molded into the fork and
other utensils and provide a surface to rest against a front
pedestal of a utensil dispenser. The front pedestal can provide
support for the fork 2000 as well as any other stacked forks within
the utensil dispenser. The wings or detents 2002 also contact an
activation lever, for example, but not limited to, the drive pin
actuation lever 710 of FIGS. 7A-7E; or a cam actuation lever of
FIG. 21. When a utensil is pulled from the dispenser, the wings or
detents 2002 pull the activation lever forward activating the
mechanism to dispense the next piece of cutlery from the
reservoir.
The fork 2000 can also includes a tail support 2004 molded into the
fork 2000. The tail support 2004 can rest against a rear pedestal
of the utensil dispenser. The rear pedestal, along with the front
pedestal, provide support for the stack of utensils in the
reservoir. The tail support 2004 also provides a surface for a
drive pin to contact the fork 2000 to dispense the fork 2000 from
the reservoir. A user of the fork 2000 can also use the tail
support 2004 as a surface to hold onto the fork 2000 while pulling
the fork 2000 from the utensil dispenser. The wings or detents 2002
and the tail support 2004 can be incorporated into other utensils
such as, but not limited to, spoons, knives, sparks, etc.
In another implementation, utensils are dispensed using a cam
system. FIG. 21 illustrates a cross sectional view of a utensil
dispenser in accordance with an illustrative implementation.
Similar to the implementation illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E, utensils
in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 21 are dispensed handle first
from a dispensing unit. A utensil 2118 slides down a gravity feed
ramp 2116 until a portion of the utensil 2118 comes into contact
with an actuating cam lever 2146. For example, in the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 21, wings or detents on the utensil 2118 contact
the actuating cam lever 2146. This contact prevents the utensil
2118 from continuing to move down the gravity feed ramp 2116. The
actuating cam lever 2146 is a spring loaded lever that rotates an
actuating cam 2148 against a cam follower 2154 to activate a drive
hammer 2156. The actuating cam 2148 is connected to the cam
actuating lever 2146. The drive hammer 2156 pushes cutlery off of
one or more pedestals, for example front and rear pedestals as
described above, allowing a single utensil to drop onto the gravity
feed ramp 2116. The cam follower 2154 includes a roller that
follows the actuating cam 2148 that activates the drive hammer
2156.
A utensil 2130 located initially in a reservoir is freed from the
reservoir by the drive hammer 2156. Wings or detents on the utensil
2130 are in contact with a front pedestal 2114 and a tail portion
of the utensil 2130 rests on a rear pedestal 2112. When actuated,
the drive hammer 2156 pushes the utensil toward a back end of the
dispenser. As the utensil 2130 moves forward, the detents move past
the front pedestal 2114 and the tail portion of the utensil 2130
moves past the rear pedestal 2112, causing the utensil 2130 to fall
to the gravity feed ramp 2116. Once the utensil 2118 is dispensed,
the cam actuation lever 2146 returns to a home position. The
utensil 2130 continues to move down the gravity feed ramp 2116
until the cam actuation lever 2146 stops its movement. In this
position, a handle of the utensil 2130 is exposed from the
dispenser and can be used to dispense the utensil 2130.
The utensil dispenser can include a manual activation button 2150.
The manual activation button 2150 is connected to a manual
activation lever 2152 that bypasses the cam activated mechanism to
dispense a utensil. The manual activation level 2152 is connected
to the drive hammer 2156. Pressing the manual activation button
2150, engages the drive hammer 2156 to push the utensil 2130 off of
the pedestals and onto the gravity feed ramp 2116.
FIGS. 22-26, 27A-33A, and 27B-33B illustrate another implementation
that uses a cam system to dispense utensils similar to the
implementation shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 22 illustrates a cross
section view of the utensil dispenser. Utensils to be dispensed are
located in a reservoir and are supported by a front pedestal 2214
and a rear pedestal 2212. The utensils are positioned to rest on
the front pedestal 2214 and the rear pedestal 2212. The next
utensil to be dispensed (not shown) is positioned on a gravity feed
ramp 2216, such that a tail portion of the utensil extrudes from
the utensil dispenser. In this position, the utensil is in contact
with an actuating cam lever 2246, which prevents the utensil from
continuing to move down the gravity feed ramp 2216.
When the tail portion is pulled away from the utensil dispenser,
the actuating cam lever 2246 moves to allow the utensil to be
removed from the utensil dispenser. In addition, removing the
utensil causes the next utensil to be freed from the reservoir and
to slide down the gravity feed ramp 2216 as the next utensil to be
dispensed. Freeing the next utensil can be accomplished by using
the actuating cam lever 2246, which is a spring loaded lever that
rotates an actuating cam 2248 against a cam follower 2254 to
activate a drive hammer 2256. The rear pedestal 2212 is part of the
drive hammer 2256. A spring 2260 provides tension to return the
drive hammer 2256 to a resting position. In the resting position,
the rear pedestal 2212 is positioned to support the utensils in the
reservoir that have not been dispensed onto the gravity feed ramp
2216. The drive hammer 2256 pushes cutlery off of one or more
pedestals, for example the front and rear pedestals as described
above, allowing a single utensil to drop onto the gravity feed ramp
2216. The cam follower 2254 includes a roller that follows the
actuating cam 2248 that activates the drive hammer 2256.
When actuated, the drive hammer 2256 pushes the utensil toward a
back end of the dispenser such that the detents of the utensil move
past the front pedestal 2214 and the tail portion of the utensil
moves past the rear pedestal 2212, causing the utensil to fall to
the gravity feed ramp 2216. Once the utensil is dispensed, the
actuating cam lever 2246 returns to a home position. The utensil
continues to move down the gravity feed ramp 2216 until the
actuating cam lever 2246 stops its movement. In this position, a
handle of the utensil is exposed from the dispenser and can be used
to dispense the utensil.
The utensil dispenser can include a manual activation button 2250.
The manual activation button 2250 is connected to a manual
activation lever 2252 that bypasses the cam activated mechanism to
dispense a utensil. The manual activation level 2252 is connected
to the drive hammer 2256. Pressing the manual activation button
2250, engages the drive hammer 2256 to push the utensil off of the
pedestals and onto the gravity feed ramp 2216.
FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded view of an internal portion of a
reservoir of the utensil dispenser in accordance with the
aforementioned illustrative implementation. FIGS. 24 and 25
illustrate the opposite side of the reservoir. FIG. 24 illustrates
a portion of the reservoir of the utensil dispenser, and FIG. 25
illustrates an exploded view of an external portion of the
reservoir of the utensil dispenser. The opposite side of the
reservoir includes a ratchet gear 2404 that attaches to a portion
of the actuating cam 2248 that protrudes into the opposite side of
the reservoir. A snap 2402 fits into an opening of the reservoir
and a ratchet paw 2408 attaches to the reservoir. For example, a
dowel pin and a torsion spring (not shown) can be used to attach
the ratchet paw 2408 to the reservoir. Once installed, the ratchet
paw 2408 engages the snap 2402 and the ratchet gear 2404 as shown
in FIG. 24.
FIG. 26 illustrates an exploded view of the utensil dispenser,
illustrating the components of both sides of the reservoir as shown
in FIGS. 22-25. In addition, screws 2602, such as cap head screws,
can secure a left portion 2612 and a right portion 2614 of the
reservoir together using screw inserts 2604. A torsion spring 2610
and a dowel pin 2608 can be used to connect the ratchet paw 2408 to
the reservoir such that the ratchet paw 2408 engages the ratchet
gear 2404 and the snap 2402. The extension spring 2406 provides
tension to return the ratchet gear 2404 into a resting
position.
FIGS. 27A-37A and 27B-27B illustrate the operation of the utensil
dispenser from both a front perspective view and a corresponding
rear perspective view. FIGS. 27A and 27B show the utensil dispenser
loaded with utensils 2702. There is no utensil, however, in the
ready to be dispensed position. This can occur, for example, when
the utensil dispenser is first loaded with utensils. In one
implementation, the utensil dispenser can be loaded using a
cartridge, such as the cartridge 302 shown in FIG. 3A, that
contains utensils and can connect to the utensil dispenser. To load
utensils, a restraint panel can be removed. Upon removal of the
restraint panel, the utensils can fall into the utensil
dispenser.
To prime the utensil dispenser for use, a manual activation button
2250 can be used to move a first utensil 2704 into the dispensing
position. As shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, when the manual activation
button 2250 is engaged, the manual activation lever 2252 retracts
the drive hammer 2256, which causes the rear pedestal 2212 to move
such that the rear pedestal 2212 no longer supports the first
utensil 2704. Without support of the rear pedestal 2212, the first
utensil 2704 drops in preparation for being moved to the gravity
feed ramp 2216. In addition, the movement of the drive hammer 2256
also causes the cam follower 2254 and the actuating cam 2248 to
move. The movement of the actuating cam 2248 causes the ratchet
gear 2404 to move in a clockwise fashion, thereby stretching the
extension spring 2406. When the manual activation button 2250 is
released, the extension spring 2406 pulls the ratchet gear 2404
back into its initial position. The ratchet gear 2404 causes the
actuating cam 2248 and the drive hammer 2256 to also return to
their original position, as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B. As the
drive hammer 2256 moves to its supporting position, the rear
pedestal pushes the first utensil off of the front pedestal 2214 to
eject the first utensil from the utensil stack. Once the first
utensil 2704 is pushed off of the front pedestal 2214, the first
utensil 2704 falls to the gravity feed ramp 2216. The first utensil
2704 then slides down the gravity feed ramp 2216 as shown in FIGS.
30A and 30B. Eventually, the first utensil 2704 is stopped by the
actuating cam lever 2246. Once stopped by and in contact with the
actuating cam lever 2246, the utensil is in a dispensing position.
The first utensil 2704 is shown in its dispensing position in FIGS.
31A and 31B. In the dispensing position, a portion of the first
utensil 2704 extrudes from the utensil dispenser. FIGS. 32A and 32B
illustrate the utility dispenser when the first utensil is pulled
and is partially dispensed. Pulling the first utensil 2704, causes
the actuating cam lever 2246 to turn the actuating cam 2248 in a
counter-clockwise motion, which in turn, cocks the drive hammer
2256. Cocking the drive hammer 2256, moves the rear pedestal 2212
from under the utensil stack causing the next utensil to drop into
place for ejection. The ratchet gear 2404 prevents kick-back while
the first utensil 2704 is being pulled from the utensil dispenser.
FIGS. 33A and 33B illustrate the utensil dispenser after the first
utensil 2704 is completely removed. Once the first utensil 2704 is
removed, the drive hammer 2256 returns to its initial position due
to the extension spring 2406 and ejects the next utensil on the
gravity feed ramp 2216. In addition, the actuating cam lever 2246
has returned to its initial position such that it will stop the
next utensil's progress down the gravity feed ramp 2216, at which
point, the next utensil will be in its dispensing position. This
process can continue, allowing each of the utensils 2702 to be
dispensed. Further, as described above, a cartridge can be used to
replenish the utility dispenser.
While this specification contains many specific implementation
details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope
of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as
descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of
particular inventions. Certain features described in this
specification in the context of separate implementations can also
be implemented in combination in a single implementation.
Conversely, various features described in the context of a single
implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations
separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although
features may be described above as acting in certain combinations
and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a
claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the
combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a
subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a
particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that
such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances,
multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover,
the separation of various system components in the implementations
described above should not be understood as requiring such
separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that
the described program components and systems can generally be
integrated in a single software product or packaged into multiple
software products.
Thus, particular implementations of the subject matter have been
described. Other implementations are within the scope of the
following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims
can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable
results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying
figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or
sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain
implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be
advantageous.
* * * * *
References