Patent ID: 6056157
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: B65D,B67D

Abstract:
A combination for dispensing a flowable food product, said combination comprising:a flexible package having an outlet and containing the food product, wherein the food product is to be maintained at or above a predetermined temperature level after said package is initially opened; anda dispensing device includinga housing including opposed walls cooperating to define a compartment for holding at least one of said packages,a heating unit for maintaining said compartment at or above the predetermined temperature level,means for supporting said package in said compartment at an orientation promoting gravity flow of the food product toward and through said package outlet,a valve for selectively controlling flow of the food product from said package, said valve including a dispensing portion and an actuating portion, said dispensing portion being disposed entirely within said compartment and heated by said heating unit, said dispensing portion including a valve body having a flow passage, a valve outlet communicable with said flow passage, and a valve member mounted in said valve body for movement between an open position, in which the food product can flow from said package, through said flow passage and out through said valve outlet, and a closed portion to prevent such flow, said actuating portion being operably connected to said valve member for movement of said valve member between the open and closed positions,means for removably connecting said valve body to said package outlet with said flow passage in communication with said package outlet, anda dispensing outlet in one of said housing walls through which the food product flowing through said valve outlet is discharged from said compartment,wherein said actuating portion includes an elongated member having an outer end portion and an inner end portion operably connected to said valve member, means connected to the outer end portion of said elongated member and accessible from outside said compartment for moving said valve member from the closed position to the open position, and means for biasing said valve member toward the closed position,wherein said valve member further includes an outer end having a keyway, and wherein the inner end portion of said elongated member is releasably and operably received in said keyway.