MACHINE FOR MAKING FROZEN CONFECTIONARY PRODUCT IN RE-USEABLE PRODUCT TUBES

A dispensing machine for dispensing a frozen confectionary product, the machine comprising: a first storage area for storing a first storage tray with one or more first tubes in the dispensing machine, a serving station for receiving one or more first tubes comprising a composition that is a frozen confectionary from the first storage tray. The serving station comprises a first position under the one or more first tubes for receiving a container, a means for extruding the frozen confectionary out of the tubes located in the serving station, a cutting device for cutting at least a portion of the frozen confectionary into the container. The dispensing machines further comprises means for transferring the one or more first tubes in the first storage area to the serving station and from the serving station to a storage area, and wherein the one or more first tubes are reusable; and at least two zones, the at least two zones comprising a first zone wherein the temperature is lower than the temperature in the second zone, and wherein the first storage area is located in the first zone and the serving station is located in the second zone.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to frozen food compositions such as frozen confectionary products. More particular, the present invention relates to a dispensing machine for dispensing frozen confectionary product.

BACKGROUND

Dispensing of frozen confectionary products is typically done by an operator working at a counter, truck, or kiosk. However, the speed at which a consumer is able to receive a frozen confectionary product is greatly limited by the speed at which the operator is able to prepare the frozen confectionary product. Moreover, when the frozen confectionary product comprises multiple flavors, sauces, and/or toppings, the time to dispense the frozen confectionary product increases.

Additionally, dispensing of frozen confectionary products generates a great deal of waste. For example, each frozen confectionary flavor, sauce and/or topping is stored in a separate container prior to being dispensed to a consumer. Moreover, the containers holding the frozen confectionary product dispensed to the consumers and the spoons used in frozen confectionary products can all generate waste.

Vending machines with frozen wrapped or packed frozen confectionary products exist. The wrapping and packaging material is disposed as waste when the product is consumed.

There is a need to reduce waste of packaging material in order to preserve the environment.

There is also a need for sustainable vending solutions for frozen products such as frozen confectionary.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of present invention to provide a sustainable dispensing machine, which provides a solution to one or more or all of the above-mentioned needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides the improvement by a dispensing machine, which can dispense product from re-usable tubes. The dispensing machine design allows products to be prepared from multiple frozen confectionary flavours and topping and/or sauces. The dispensing machine removes the need for wrapping of the product and thus provides zero waste of packaging material.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a dispensing machine for dispensing a frozen confectionary product, the machine comprising:a first storage area for storing a first storage tray with one or more first tubes in the dispensing machine,a serving station for receiving one or more first tubes comprising a composition that is a frozen confectionary from the first storage tray, the serving station comprisesa first position under the one or more first tubes for receiving a container,a means for extruding the frozen confectionary out of the tubes located in the serving station,a cutting device for cutting at least a portion of the frozen confectionary into the container, andmeans for transferring the one or more first tubes in the first storage area to the serving station and from the serving station to a storage area, and wherein the one or more first tubes are reusable; andat least two zones, the at least two zones comprising a first zone wherein the temperature is lower than the temperature in the second zone, and wherein the first storage area is located in the first zone and the serving station is located in the second zone.

By means of the dispensing machine according to the present invention, the consumer can receive a customizable frozen confectionary product from an automated dispensing machine.

In the dispensing machine according to the invention, one or more tubes containing a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary, can be placed on a storage tray and transferred from a production facility to a dispensing machine. The tubes can be placed directly in the dispensing machine without the need to transfer the tubes off the storage tray or the contents of the tubes (i.e., the frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary) out of the tubes.

The frozen confectionary and/or component thereof provides a consumer with a customizable frozen confectionary product.

In an embodiment of the invention the dispensing machine can also identify when a tube is below a pre-determined threshold and then send the tube to a second location (i.e., the production facility or an intermediate location) to be subsequently cleaned and reused.

For example, a tube can be filled with a frozen confectionary at a production facility and placed on a tray. The tray can be shipped to a dispensing machine and placed in the dispensing machine to provide a consumer with a customizable frozen confectionary product. After the tube is used, the tube can be collected, washed and reused (e.g., re-filled with another frozen confectionary product). Preferably, the tubes can be washed at a production facility and then delivered to a production line located in the facility to be re-filled. Preferably, the refilled frozen confectionary tubes can be placed on a tray to be shipped back to the dispensing machine in, for example, a refrigerated shipping box.

In a preferred embodiment, the means for transferring the one or more first tubes in the first storage area to the serving station and from the serving station back to the first storage area. This allows for a compact layout of the dispensing machine. In this embodiment, the first tubes are returned back in the first tube trays and there is no need for additional storage space is needed. Once the first trays are filled empty first tubes then tray can be removed from the dispensing machine, and the tubes washed and re-used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With the dispenser according to the invention, it is possible to re-use one of more tubes. For example, the frozen confectionary composition made at the factory can be provided in the tubes.

The dispensing device allows the loading of one or more first tubes comprising a composition that is a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary from a first storage tray located in a first storage area to a serving station; dispensing at least a portion of the composition that is a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary from at least one of the one or more first tubes into a container; optionally placing a spoon into the container; and conveying the frozen confectionary product to an outlet. Preferably the first storage area, the serving station, and the outlet are located at the same venue.

In a preferred embodiment of the machine it comprises a second storage area separate from the first storage area for storing a second storage tray comprising one or more second tubes comprising an additional component, means for transferring the one or more second tubes from the second storage area to the serving station, and wherein the serving station comprises a second position under the one or more of the second tubes for receiving a container. The second storage area may comprise toppings or sauce, which allows the multiple variations of the decorations of the frozen confectionary that can be added to the product.

The confectionary component may comprise a frozen confectionary sauce, for example, a syrup or a hot fudge. In an embodiment, the additional confectionary component may comprise a frozen confectionary topping, for example, nuts, candies, fruit or sprinkles.

These components may be provided in the second tube or tubes.

A dispensing machine preferably comprises a third zone wherein the second storage area is positioned, and wherein the temperature of the third zone is higher than the temperature of the first zone.

The temperature of the first zone is preferably −20 to −16° C., the temperature of the second zone is preferably −10 to −6° C., and the temperature of the third zone is preferably ambient temperature, e.g. from 6° C. to 8° C.

Advantages, the dispensing machine according to the invention comprises means for transferring the one or more first tubes is a robotic arm, preferably a robotic arm comprising a tube changer plate configured to grip the one or more first tubes. This has the benefit that the dispensing machine can run without an operator. It also allows a fast and consistent preparation of the product. Finally, the use of one or more robotic arms allows for a compact design of the dispensing machine.

To automate the preparation of the frozen confectionary product, the dispensing machine may comprises means for conveying the frozen confectionary product to an outlet on the dispensing machine.

Preferably the machine comprises heaters for heating the one or more second tubes in the serving station prior to dispensing the portion of the component of the frozen confectionary into the container. This allows product to be created with both hot and cold elements.

To facilitate the running of the dispensing machine it comprises means for detecting when contents of one of the one or more first tubes is below a pre-determined threshold, and means for moving the one of the one or more first tubes having contents below the pre-determined threshold into an empty tube location in a tray located in the dispensing machine.

For example, when detecting that the contents of a tube are below a pre-determined threshold; transferring the substantially emptied tube to an empty tube tray located in the dispensing machine; shipping the emptied tube tray to a location different from the dispensing machine (e.g., the production facility or an intermediate location); cleaning the emptied tubes at the location different from the dispensing machine; transferring the cleaned tubes to a production line (e.g., the production facility); and filling the cleaned tubes with a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary.

When the dispensing machine is in the form of a vending machine the machine may advantageously comprise a user interface for receiving an indication of a type of frozen confectionary product to be dispensed.

To facilitate the handling of the tubes in the dispensing machine the tube may comprise a first flap located on a first end of the tube and a second locking flap located on a second end of the tube.

Furthermore, the tube comprises a sealing cap, preferably a sealing cap configured to be pushed into the tube may be used.

The dispensing machine preferably comprises a door for receiving and removing trays with tubes. The position of the tubes in the trays facilitates the filling and replacement of the tubes in the storage areas.

In one embodiment the machine according to the invention may comprise a buffer unit located in the dispensing machine prior to conveying the frozen confectionary product to the outlet.

To ease the position of the frozen confectionary portions cut from the tubes, the dispensing machine may comprise a rotating table located in the dispensing machine on which the containers can be placed. Preferably, the tubes have an inner profile having a shape selected from the group consisting of a disc, a star, a hexagon, a square or a polygon. This allows a variation of the shape of the portions of the frozen confectionary.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with other embodiments of the disclosure and are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the disclosure and do not limit the scope of the disclosure when taken into consideration with the claims and the following detailed description.

As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an ingredient” or “the ingredient” includes two or more ingredients.

The words “comprise,” “comprises” and “comprising” are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. Likewise, the terms “include,” “including” and “or” should all be construed to be inclusive, unless such a construction is clearly prohibited from the context. Nevertheless, the compositions disclosed herein may lack any element that is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, a disclosure of an embodiment using the term “comprising” includes a disclosure of embodiments “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” the components identified.

The term “and/or” used in the context of “X and/or Y” should be interpreted as “X,” or “Y,” or “X and Y.” Similarly, “at least one of X or Y” means “X” or “Y,” or “X and Y.” Where used herein, the terms “example” and “such as,” particularly when followed by a listing of terms, are merely exemplary and illustrative and should not be deemed to be exclusive or comprehensive.

As used herein, “about,” “approximately” and “substantially” are understood to refer to numbers in a range of numerals, for example the range of −10% to +10% of the referenced number, preferably −5% to +5% of the referenced number, more preferably −1% to +1% of the referenced number, most preferably −0.1% to +0.1% of the referenced number. All numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers, whole or fractions, within the range. Moreover, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range of from 1 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth.

The term “frozen confectionary” refers to any frozen or chilled confection. Non-limiting examples are ice cream, sorbet, sherbet, water ice, frozen yogurt, frozen dairy, soft ice, granitas, mellorine, frozen custard, non-dairy frozen confection, milk ice, ice lolly, gelato or frozen jelly, or chilled desserts such as mousses, whipped yogurt, milk shakes or smoothie or coffee latté.

The term “topping” refers to any topping for a frozen or chilled confection. Non-limiting examples are nuts, sprinkles, fruit, or candies.

The term “sauce” refers to any sauce for a frozen or chilled confection. Non-limiting examples include chocolate syrup, caramel, hot fudge, strawberry sauce, or other syrups.

The term “frozen confectionary component” refers to a topping and/or a sauce for a frozen confectionary.

The term “frozen confectionary product” refers to a frozen confectionary and any sauce and/or topping.

FIG.1is a front view of a frozen confectionary tube2that may be used in the presently disclosed machine. The frozen confectionary tube2may have a circular cross-section, such as a circular opening of the tube and/or a circular bottom surface of the tube. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a specific shape of the tube and additional shapes such as a star, hexagon, square or polygon are contemplated. The frozen confectionary tube may be made of stainless steel, for example.

The frozen confectionary tube2may be held in a specific position and/or location by tube holding clamps15. Preferably the tube holding clamps15are configured to prevent the frozen confectionary tube2from moving out of place when positioned in a dispensing machine1as described in greater detail hereafter.

In an embodiment, the frozen confectionary tube2may interact with a servo drive12which is preferably connected to a jack screw13and/or a pusher plate14to control the amount of the frozen confectionary dispensed from the frozen confectionary tube2. For example, the servo drive12may drive the jack screw13and/or the pusher plate14to dispense a specified amount of frozen confectionary from the frozen confectionary tube2. The servo drive12may be controlled by a controller27. Preferably a cutting device5may be used to slice the frozen confectionary. For example, the cutting device5may comprise a slicer or a heated wire configured to cut the frozen confectionary. The frozen confectionary may be dispensed into a container8.

FIG.2is a front view of an embodiment of the dispensing machine1. The dispensing machine1may comprise one or more of the servo drive12, the jack screw13or the pusher plate14.

The dispensing machine1may be configured to automatically dispense a frozen confectionary product. For example, the dispensing machine1may comprise a rotating table3configured to hold and move the container8into a first position for receiving a first frozen confectionary from a first frozen confectionary tube2. In an embodiment, after receiving a first frozen confectionary, the rotating table3may move the container8into a second position to receive a second frozen confectionary from a second frozen confectionary tube2and so forth. Preferably the rotating table3is configured to move sideways or front and back through the dispensing machine1to receive one or more frozen confectionaries and deliver a resultant frozen confectionary product28to an outlet7from which a consumer may remove the frozen confectionary product28from the dispensing machine1(i.e., the dispensing process).

Preferably the rotating table3moves through a visible area26that is visible to consumers outside the dispensing machine1.

The dispensing machine1may comprise the outlet7, which can convey the frozen confectionary product28to the consumer. The dispensing machine1may comprise a user interface56. A consumer may enter information regarding a type and/or an amount of frozen confectionary into the user interface56(e.g., selected from options displayed by the user interface56). The information may be conveyed to the controller27which can be at least partially located in the rotating table3.

The dispensing machine1may comprise a buffer unit6. The buffer unit6may receive the frozen confectionary product28from the rotating table3. The buffer unit6may be used to store the frozen confectionary product28in the dispensing machine1after production from the corresponding frozen confectionary tube2and/or prior to conveying the frozen confectionary product28to the consumer. In an embodiment, the buffer unit6may remove a frozen confectionary product28from the outlet7that has not been picked up by a consumer within a pre-determined time.

Optionally the dispensing machine1may further comprise one or more topping tubes10and/or one or more sauce tubes11. The rotating table3may be configured to move the container8into one or more further positions whereby the container8may receive toppings from the topping tubes10and/or sauces from the sauce tubes11.

FIG.3depicts an example of a topping tube10that may be used in an embodiment of the presently disclosed dispensing machine. The topping tube10may comprise a first flap81to prevent slipping when the topping tube10is moved as will be discussed later in greater detail. The topping tube10may further comprise a locking flap82to lock the topping tube into a storage tray95and/or the dispensing machine1. The topping tube10may further comprise a slide gate91which may be removed to allow the topping tube10to be filled with toppings and/or to allow the topping tube10to dispense toppings into the container8. The topping tube10may further comprise a sealing cap83. The sealing cap83can keep the toppings in the topping tube10.

FIG.4depicts an example of a sauce tube11for use in an embodiment of the presently disclosed dispensing machine. The sauce tube11may comprise a first flap81to prevent slipping when the sauce tube11is moved. The sauce tube11may further comprise a locking flap82to lock the sauce tube11into the storage tray95and/or the dispensing machine1. The sauce tube11may further comprise a slide gate91which may be removed to allow the sauce tube11to be filled with sauce and/or to allow the sauce tube11to dispense sauce into the container8. The sauce tube11may comprise a sealing cap83. The sealing cap83may prevent the sauce from leaking out of the sauce tube11.

FIG.5depicts an example of the frozen confectionary tube2for use in an embodiment of the presently disclosed dispensing machine. The frozen confectionary tube2may comprise a first flap81to prevent slipping when the frozen confectionary tube2is moved. The frozen confectionary tube2may further comprise a locking flap82to lock the frozen confectionary tube2into the storage tray95and/or the dispensing machine1. The frozen confectionary tube2may further comprise a slide gate91which may be removed to allow the frozen confectionary tube2to be filled with frozen confectionary and/or to allow the frozen confectionary tube2to dispense frozen confectionary into the container8. The frozen confectionary tube2may comprise a sealing cap83. The sealing cap83may prevent the frozen confectionary from leaking out of the frozen confectionary tube2. In an embodiment, the slide gate91and/or the sealing cap83may act as a contact point for the pusher plate14.

In a preferred embodiment, the storage tray95is a stainless steel tray.FIG.6depicts a top view of an embodiment of the storage tray95which may be used to transport the tubes with the tube holding clamps15.FIG.7depicts a side view of an embodiment of the storage tray95for transport. The storage tray95may be configured to allow the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11to be locked and unlocked by an arm16located in the dispensing machine1. The storage tray95is preferably configured to be stacked on top of a second storage tray95for ease in transport.

In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing machine1may further comprise one or more arms16for moving the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11from the storage tray95located in a storage area to a serving station as will be discussed in greater detail later.

The dispensing machine1may further comprise a tube holder35.FIG.9shows the tube holder35which may be configured to hold the frozen confectionary tubes2, the sauce tubes11, and/or the topping tubes10. For example, a spring operated holding clamp36may be used to hold the frozen confectionary tubes2, the sauce tubes11, and/or the topping tubes10in place during transferring of the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11from the storage tray and during dispensing of the frozen confectionary components from the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11.

FIG.10andFIG.11depict an embodiment of the rotating table3and the cutting device5that may be used in an embodiment of the presently disclosed machine. The rotating table3may comprise a suction head44that may comprise grids configured to rotate, move up and down, and/or move sideways. The rotating table3may further comprise a detection system43to control the dispensing of the frozen confectionary product28. The detection system43may comprise a distance measuring laser40and/or a laser curtain41to detect the amount of sauce and/or toppings dispensed into the container8.

The detection system43may further detect if the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11are below a pre-determined threshold. For example, the detection system43may be configured to control the replacement of one or more of the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11when the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11reach a minimum pre-determined threshold of content as will be discussed in greater detail later.

In an embodiment, the outlet7may comprise a conveyor sling55configured to move sideways to transfer the frozen confectionary product28from the serving unit50into the buffer unit6or from the buffer unit6into the serving unit50.

FIG.12depicts an example of the buffer unit6that may be used in an embodiment of the presently disclosed machine. Preferably the buffer unit6may be provided to store and serve the frozen confectionary products28. The buffer unit6may further transfer frozen confectionary products28that were not removed by a consumer from the outlet7in a pre-determined amount of time. The buffer unit6may comprise a chain61and/or one or more buffer plates62. The frozen confectionary product may be loaded onto the one or more buffer plates62and/or moved up and down by the chain61.

FIG.13depicts an overview of the dispensing machine1according to the invention. Preferably the dispensing machine1can comprise at least three different temperature zones. Preferably the first zone may be kept at a temperature lower than the second and third zones. Preferably the second zone may be kept at a temperature lower than the third zone. For example, the first zone may be kept at a temperature of approximately −12° C. or less. The second zone may be kept at a temperature of approximately −10° C.-0° C. The third zone may be kept at a temperature of approximately 6° C.-12° C. Preferably the zones are moisture controlled.

Preferably the frozen confectionary tubes2may be stored in a frozen confectionary storage area29located in the first zone. Preferably the sauce tubes11and/or topping tubes10may be stored respectively in a sauce storage area37and a topping storage area36located in the third zone. Preferably a serving station17may be located in the second zone.

The serving station17may comprise a sealing cap removal station59to remove the sealing caps83from the frozen confectionary tubes2, the sauce tubes11, and/or the topping tubes10to allow the contents of the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11to be dispensed. The serving station17may further comprise a frozen confectionary turntable25which can dispense one or more frozen confectionaries from the frozen confectionary tubes2. The serving station17may further comprise a topping turntable24which can dispense one or more toppings from topping tubes10. The serving station17may further comprise a sauce turntable49to dispense one or more sauces from the sauce tubes11. Preferably the topping turntable24and/or the sauce turntable49are heated. For example, the topping turntable24and/or the sauce turntable49may comprise heated jackets for heating the topping tubes10and/or the sauce tubes11. In an embodiment, the topping turntable24and/or sauce turntable49may comprise a heating coil and/or a heated plate.

In an embodiment, the topping turntable24may comprise an outlet valve (e.g., a star valve) to dispense a topping serving from the topping tubes10. In an embodiment, the sauce turntable may comprise peristaltic pumps to dispense a sauce serving from the sauce tubes11. The peristaltic pumps may be heated.

The dispensing machine1may further comprise an emptied tube storage area39for storing tubes that have lower than a pre-determined threshold amount of frozen confectionary and/or sauce and/or toppings. The arm16may move substantially emptied tubes to the emptied tube storage area39.

The dispensing machine1may further comprise a spoon dispenser18configured to dispense spoons. For example, spoons may be placed in the container8or dispensed directly to the outlet7. The dispensing machine1may further comprise a waste bin19to collect any unused containers8(e.g., wafers) and/or spoons.

In an embodiment, a cutter cleaning station20may be provided to clean the cutting device5. For example, the cutting device5may be cleaned and sanitized by UV light.

A non-limiting example of the method100is generally illustrated inFIG.14. Some embodiments of the method100can omit one or more of the steps depicted inFIG.14, and some embodiments of the method100can include one or more additional steps. The depicted steps are preferably performed in the order in which they are illustrated (as shown by arrows), but some embodiments can perform the steps in a different order. Indeed, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiment shown inFIG.14.

The method100generally may comprise receiving an indication of a selected frozen confectionary product; providing a container; loading one or more first tubes comprising a composition that is a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary from a first storage tray located in a first storage area to a serving station; dispensing at least a portion of the composition that is a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary from at least one of the one or more first tubes into the container; optionally placing a spoon into the container; and conveying the frozen confectionary product to an outlet. A detailed explanation of the method100now follows.

The method100can comprise receiving an indication of a selected frozen confectionary product28(Step101). For example, the indication may be received by the controller27which may be at least partially located in the rotating table3. The indication may comprise an amount and a type of frozen confectionary, an amount and a type of sauce, and an amount and a type of topping to be included in the frozen confectionary product28. The indication may be provided by the user input device56. In an embodiment the indication may be provided automatically in response to a user input at a location remote from the dispensing machine1(e.g., from an application on a mobile phone).

In an embodiment, the method100can comprise providing the container8to hold the frozen confectionary product28(Step102). Preferably the container8is made of edible materials. For example, the container8can be a wafer plate or a wafer cup. In an embodiment, providing the container8comprises the arm16picking up and placing the container8on the rotating table3. For example, the arm16may pick up the container8from a container storage area38using the suction head30and place the container8on the rotating table3to be filled with the frozen confectionary and, optionally, one or more toppings and/or sauces. The arm16may be configured to provide the container8automatically in response to a signal from the controller27. In this manner, no user input is required to provide the container8.

In an embodiment, providing the container8may comprise using the distance measuring laser40to check the integrity of the container8. The distance measuring laser may be at least partially located on the rotating table3. If the container8is cracked or broken, the arm16may automatically dispose of the container8in the waste bin19and select a new container8. For example, the distance measuring laser40may send a signal to the controller27which can direct the arm16, without user input, to dispose of the container8if the container8is broken or cracked.

The method100can comprise loading at least one frozen confectionary tube2from a storage tray95located in the frozen confectionary storage area29to the serving station17(Step103). Preferably the arm16may be used to load the frozen confectionary tube2from the frozen confectionary storage tray95into the serving station17(shown inFIG.15). For example, the arm16may be configured to rotate about 360° to remove the frozen confectionary tube2from the storage tray95. The tube changer plate33preferably grips the frozen confectionary tube2and moves the frozen confectionary tube2to the serving station17. The movable bar33of the arm16preferably moves up and down to rotate the frozen confectionary tube2into the proper position.

The method100can comprise dispensing a serving of the frozen confectionary into the container8(Step104). In an embodiment, dispensing the serving of the frozen confectionary comprises positioning the container8under a first frozen confectionary tube2to receive a first frozen confectionary. Optionally the method100can comprise positioning the container8under a second frozen confectionary tube2to receive a second frozen confectionary additional or alternate to the first frozen confectionary. Optionally the method100can comprise positioning the container8under a third frozen confectionary tube2to receive a third frozen confectionary additional or alternative to the first frozen confectionary or the second frozen confectionary. It is contemplated any number of frozen confectionaries may be dispensed into the container8. Preferably the frozen confectionary is disc shaped. However, additional shapes are contemplated such as a star, hexagon, square or polygon.

In a preferred embodiment, the arm16may be configured to load the frozen confectionary tubes2automatically without user input, most preferably by the controller27in direct response to the user input. For example, the controller27directs the arm16to load the frozen confectionary tubes2corresponding with the selected frozen confectionary product.

In an embodiment, dispensing the serving of the frozen confectionary comprises the servo drive12driving the jack screw13and/or the pusher plate14down a pre-determined distance dispense a serving of the frozen confectionary from the frozen confectionary tube2. For example, a consumer may input a selected amount of a frozen confectionary into the user input device56and the controller27may be operable to control the servo drive12, without user input, to dispense the selected amount of frozen confectionary from the frozen confectionary tube2. In an embodiment, the cutting device5is used to cut the serving of frozen confectionary dispensed from the frozen confectionary tube2. Preferably the controller27may be operable to control the cutting device5to cut the serving of frozen confectionary.

In an embodiment, after the frozen confectionary serving is dispensed from the frozen confectionary tube2, the controller27may be operable to direct the arm16to return the frozen confectionary tube2containing any remaining frozen confectionary back to the frozen confectionary storage tray95.

In an embodiment, the method100further comprises loading at least one sauce tube11from a storage tray95located in the sauce storage area37to the serving station17(Step105). Optionally the arm16may transfer the sauce tubes11from the sauce storage area37to the serving station17and vice versa. Preferably the sauce tube11is placed on the sauce turntable49located in the serving station17.

The method100may further comprise heating the sauce tube11prior to dispensing the sauce. For example, the sauce tube11may be heated in the serving station17by the sauce turntable49. In such an embodiment, the sauce turntable49is heated. For example, the method100may comprise activating a heating plate located in the sauce turntable49to uniformly heat the sauce tube11. In another example, the method may comprise using a heating coil located in the sauce turntable49to heat the sauce tube11. In yet another example, the sauce tube11is placed in heated jackets located in the sauce turntable49.

In an embodiment, the method100further comprises removing a sealing cap83from the sauce tube11to allow a serving of the sauce to be dispensed. For example, the sealing cap83can be removed at the sealing cap removal station59. Optionally the sealing cap83may be pushed into the sauce tube11to allow dispensing of a serving of the sauce contained in the sauce tube11.

In an embodiment, the method100comprises dispensing a serving of one or more sauces from one or more sauce tubes11into the container8(Step106). Dispensing the serving of the sauce may comprise, for example, dispensing hot fudge into the container8.

Preferably dispensing the serving of sauce comprises using the laser curtain41to detect the amount of sauce dispensed to ensure the correct amount of sauce is dispensed as determined by the controller27. If the laser curtain41determines the correct amount of sauce has been dispensed, the container8may automatically proceed through the dispensing process without user input. If the laser curtain41determines not enough sauce has been dispensed, more sauce can automatically be dispensed. If the laser curtain41determines too much sauce has been dispensed, the container8may proceed through the dispensing process or the container8may be sent to the waste bin19.

In an embodiment, the method100further comprises loading at least one topping tube10from a storage tray95located in the topping storage area36to the serving station17(Step107). Optionally the arm16may transfer the topping tubes10from the topping storage area36to the serving station17and vice versa.

Optionally the method100further comprises dispensing a serving of one or more toppings from one or more topping tubes10into the container8(Step108). Dispensing a serving of the topping may comprise, for example, dispensing nuts into the container8.

In an embodiment, the laser curtain41may to determine if the correct amount of topping as determined by the controller27has been dispensed into the container8. If the laser curtain41determines the correct amount of topping has been dispensed, the container8may automatically proceed through the dispensing process. If the laser curtain41determines not enough topping has been dispensed, more toppings will be dispensed. If the laser curtain41determines too much topping has been dispensed, the container8may proceed through the dispensing process or may be sent to the waste bin19.

In an embodiment, the method100further comprises dispensing a spoon. For example, the method100may comprise placing a spoon into the container8. In an embodiment, the spoon dispenser18may dispense the spoons. In an embodiment, the spoons are edible. In an embodiment, placing the spoon into the container8comprises using a gripper to pick up and place the spoon. In an embodiment, placing the spoon comprises placing the spoon into the container8prior to conveying the container8to the outlet7. In an embodiment, placing the spoon comprises placing the spoon in the outlet7separately from the container8.

In an embodiment, the frozen confectionary product28is provided to the outlet7(Step108). In an embodiment, a consumer removes the frozen confectionary product from the outlet7. Preferably the outlet7is visible to the consume

In an embodiment, the method100comprises transferring the frozen confectionary product28to a buffer unit6if the consumer has not removed the frozen confectionary product28from the outlet7in a pre-determined amount of time. In an embodiment, a consumer may pre-order a frozen confectionary product28. In such an embodiment, a buffer unit6with an elevator stacker can be used to store the frozen confectionary product28for a pre-determined amount of time and provide the pre-ordered frozen confectionary product28to the outlet7. Preferably the conveyor sling55may be configured to transfer the frozen confectionary product28to the buffer unit6to remove a frozen confectionary product28located in the outlet7that has not been removed by a consumer within a pre-determined time.

In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor sling55automatically transfers the frozen confectionary product28to the buffer unit6without user input after a pre-determined amount of time has passed. For example, the serving unit50may comprise a timer configured to measure the amount of time a frozen confectionary product28has been placed on the serving unit50. Preferably, in response to a signal from the serving unit50, the conveyor sling55may transfer the frozen confectionary product28to the buffer unit6.

In an embodiment, the method100may comprise receiving the storage tray95comprising the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11from a production facility. In such an embodiment, the service doors9may be configured to open and receive the storage tray95. For example, the service doors9may comprise sliding skids configured to be pulled out to receive the storage tray95. As a result, the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11can advantageously be easily inserted and removed from the dispensing machine1. In an embodiment, the service doors9may comprise alarms. Preferably the frozen confectionary tubes2are shipped in a refrigerated box from the production facility.

In an embodiment, the method100may comprise detecting if the amount of frozen confectionary, sauces, and/or toppings in the frozen confectionary tubes2, the sauce tubes11, and/or the topping tubes10is lower than a pre-determined threshold. For example, less than ten percent full. Preferably if the system detects the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11are lower than a pre-determined threshold, the system will trigger an exchange for a replacement tube. In an embodiment, the detection system43may determine if the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11are lower than a pre-determined threshold. If the frozen confectionary tubes2, the topping tubes10, and/or the sauce tubes11are lower than a pre-determined threshold, the dispensing machine1can automatically contact a production facility (e.g., through wireless communication) to order more frozen confectionary tubes2, topping tubes10, and/or sauce tubes11as will be discussed later in greater detail.

In an embodiment, the substantially emptied tubes are moved to an empty tube tray39located in the dispensing machine1. Preferably the emptied tubes are then removed and transported to a remote location (e.g., the production facility or an intermediate location) to be cleaned and reused.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method200of supplying frozen confectionary and/or frozen confectionary components to a dispensing machine. A non-limiting example of the method200is generally illustrated inFIG.15. Some embodiments of the method200can omit one or more of the steps depicted inFIG.15, and some embodiments of the method200can include one or more additional steps. The depicted steps are preferably performed in the order in which they are illustrated (as shown by arrows), but some embodiments can perform the steps in a different order. Indeed, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiment shown inFIG.15.

The method200preferably comprises providing a tube with a first flap, a locking flap and a sealing cap; filling at least a portion of the tube with a frozen confectionary, a sauce, or a topping; placing the tube onto a storage tray; transporting the storage tray containing the tubes to a dispensing machine1; and placing the storage tray directly into the dispensing machine1without removing the tubes from the storage tray or removing the contents from the tubes. A detailed description of the method200now follows. In an embodiment, the tube may be a frozen confectionary tube2, a topping tube10and/or a sauce tube11.

In an embodiment, the method200comprises providing a tube comprising a first flap71to avoid slipping during the movement of the tube (Step101). In an embodiment, the method200may comprise providing a tube comprising one or more locking flaps82configured to lock the frozen confectionary tube2into the transport tray95. In an embodiment, the method200comprises providing a tube with at least one sealing cap83. In an embodiment, the method200comprises providing a tube with a sliding gate91.

In an embodiment, the method200comprises filling the tube with a frozen confectionary, sauce, and/or topping (Step202). The tube may be filled at a production facility.

In an embodiment, the method200comprises placing the tubes on a storage tray95(Step203). Placing the tubes on the storage tray95may comprise using the one or more locking flaps82to lock the tubes onto the storage tray95.

In an embodiment, the method200comprises placing the storage tray95in a box (Step204). In an embodiment, the box may be a refrigerated box.

In an embodiment, the method200may comprise transporting the box from a remote location to the dispensing machine1(Step205).

In an embodiment, the method200may comprise placing the storage tray95directly into the dispensing machine1without removing the tubes from the storage tray95. In such an embodiment, the service doors9may be configured to open and receive the storage tray95. For example, the service doors9may comprise sliding skids configured to be pulled out to receive the storage tray95. As a result, the tubes can advantageously be easily inserted and removed from the dispensing machine1.

In an embodiment, the method200further comprises cleaning the tubes prior to providing the tubes to be filled with a frozen confectionary, sauce, and/or topping. The cleaning may be performed at a different location than the dispensing machine1. Preferably cleaning the tubes comprises cleaning the tubes with hot water and sanitizing the tubes. For example, water at a temperature of about 90° C. can be used.

As a non-limiting example, the cleaning can comprise ultra-sonic cleaning such as a pH 12 ultra-sonic bath (e.g., at a pH of about 12.0); and the tubes can comprise or consist of materials that can withstand such washing. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a specific embodiment of the cleaning, and the cleaning can be any means known in the art that reduces the residual material on the tubes.

A method for real-time ordering and inventory management of the dispensing machine1is also disclosed. The method comprises detecting if one or more tubes have an amount of content lower than a pre-determined threshold and automatically ordering replacement tubes from a remote location and/or automatically producing a frozen confectionary product or component thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the remote location is a production facility.

For example, the dispensing machine1may be in in direct communication with the production facility (e.g., a wireless communication connection). When the contents of the frozen confectionary tubes2, the sauce tubes11, and/or topping tubes10are lower than a pre-determined threshold, the dispensing machine1can alert the production facility that more tubes are needed and/or the tubes are automatically shipped from the production facility to the dispensing machine1. Preferably the replacement tubes are shipped automatically after receiving an indication from the dispensing machine1with minimum or no user input.

In an embodiment, the method for real-time ordering and inventory management further comprises receiving an indication at a location remote from the dispensing machine the production facility that the empty tube tray39is full. In such an embodiment, the dispensing machine1can alert the remote location that the empty tube tray39is full and the remote location automatically arranges for removal of the empty tube tray39from the dispensing machine1. In a preferred embodiment, the remote location is a production facility. The empty tube tray39may then be shipped to the remote location which can clean and optionally reuse the tubes located on the empty tube tray39.

As noted above, some embodiments of the methods100and200can omit one or more of the steps depicted in the figures, and some embodiments of the methods100and200can include one or more additional steps. The depicted steps are preferably performed in the order in which they are illustrated (as shown by arrows), but some embodiments can perform the steps in a different order. Indeed, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown inFIGS.15and16.

FIG.16Ais a top view of a dispensing machine according to the invention. It shows an alternative layout of the positions of the first storage area, the second storage and the serving station.FIG.16Bis a top view of a dispensing machine according to the invention with temperature zones indicated. The layout shows that the first storage area is positioned in the first zone which has a temperature of −18° C., the serving station is positioned in a second zone which has a temperature of −10° C., and the second storage area is positioned in a third zone, the temperature of the third zone is ambient e.g. 6° C.