Patent ID: 7163128
Filing Date: 2007-01-16
Classification: A23G

Abstract:
1. A hard ice cream dispenser comprising: a housing support structure; a drive assembly supported by said housing, said drive assembly comprising a plunger drive means for displacing a plunger; a container retaining assembly supportable within said housing and comprising a sleeve configured to receive and support a container of hard ice cream therein, said sleeve providing lateral and longitudinal support to said container as said plunger travels through said container to dispense said hard ice cream contained therein; and a nozzle removably coupled to an end of said support sleeve so as to be in fluid communication with said container of said hard ice cream, said nozzle comprising a spout for controlling the cross-sectional area of said dispense said hard ice cream; and said plunger supported within said housing and removably coupled to said plunger drive means, said plunger drive means being configured to displace said plunger, said plunger comprising a dynamic seal that flexes from a relaxed, non-energized state to an extended, energized state at a pre-determined compression pressure, wherein in an energized state said dynamic seal contacts and seals against a wall of said container, said plunger displacing said hard ice cream from said container, into and through said nozzle, and out said spout.