Abstract:
The mobile confectionary apparatus for dispensing beverages and/or frozen confections and the like, includes a vehicle configured for travel over public roads to a location such as a parking lot, street, festival or fair grounds, or the like. The vehicle includes an enclosure having an interior space in which one or more persons can prepare and dispense confections, or containers for confections or beverages. The enclosure includes one or more service windows or openings for dispensing the prepared confections or containers; and a self-serve liquid dispensing system on or in an outer surface of the enclosure, usable by recipients of the dispensed confections or containers, for selectably dispensing toppings on the confections, or liquids into the containers, separately from the dispensing and selling thereof. The dispensing system is closable or coverable by a person from within the interior space, to prevent access from the outside, and for cleaning, service and travel.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/959,588, filed Jul. 11, 2007. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to a mobile confectionary apparatus for dispensing drinks and/or food items such as frozen confections and the like, and more particularly, to a vehicle including a side having a window through which confections, or confection containers are sold or distributed, and a protectible, self-service liquid dispensing system usable for adding a topping or dispensing liquid into the container, which dispensing system has an open, operational mode, and a closed, protected mode so as to be inaccessible by customers, and also for cleaning, service and preparation for travel. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/959,588, filed Jul. 11, 2007, is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
         [0004]    Mobile confectionaries for selling a variety of confections, e.g., snow cones, shaved ice, ice creams, beverages, have been around for years. The mobility is typically provided by incorporation into or onto a truck, trailer, kiosk, etc., and allows customers to purchase a beverage or the like in places they do not typically have an option to, e.g., festivals, parks, and on streets outside of customer&#39;s homes, etc. The dispensing of liquids, e.g., drinks, flavorings, etc, has typically been done by a person within the truck/trailer, or by the customer at a kiosk. The known kiosks used are generally inside a larger structure or temporarily at an event and left unprotected by the elements and need to be placed in a location by a secondary means of transportation. This is disadvantageous, as it either does not allow the units to be placed in locations where they are exposed to the elements, or it prevents easy portability. 
         [0005]    Structurally, a mobile confectionery will typically include an enclosure, e.g. a box, having an interior work space outfitted for the preparation and sale of the confections, and at least one service window through which the confections are dispensed and the transaction is conducted. The work space will be large enough for at least one person to work, and will contain apparatus for preparing the confections, e.g., ice shaving or crushing apparatus, slush making apparatus, ice cream/custard dispensing apparatus, or the like. 
         [0006]    It has been found that in the mobile confectionery field, profitability and customer satisfaction are largely dependent on consumer appeal and productivity, which are mainly the result of providing quality products and fast service. The sales opportunity may also be time sensitive, such as when crowds are present before or after a show or concert, or during an intermission, and can quickly dissipate. For instance, if the line of customers at one confectionary is longer than at others, a consumer may make a choice of another confectionery. Another important measure of product quality and customer satisfaction, particularly for frozen confections, such as shaved ice, snow cones, and the like, is the quantity of topping or flavoring applied to the confection. Still further from the productivity standpoint, particularly for sales to children, it has been observed that valuable time can be lost waiting for customers to select their topping or flavor. 
         [0007]    Thus, what is sought is a mobile confectionary apparatus, which increases customer satisfaction, productivity and sales, particularly for frozen confections, and which overcomes one or more of the shortcomings and problems set forth above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    What is disclosed is mobile confectionary apparatus, which increases customer satisfaction, productivity and sales, and which overcomes one or more of the shortcomings and problems set forth above. 
         [0009]    According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the mobile confectionary apparatus includes a mobile vehicle, such as a truck or trailer, including at least one upstanding side wall having an interior surface bounding an interior space on the vehicle adapted for receiving at least one person. The confectionery apparatus includes apparatus disposed in the interior space, configured to be usable or operable by a person for preparing a confection, or the space can be used for dispensing containers, such as, but not limited to, cups, for holding confections, such as beverages. For instance, such confection preparing apparatus can comprise, but is not limited to, apparatus for flaking, crushing and/or shaving ice, or for turning liquid into a frozen slush, and depositing the prepared confection in a cup or other container. Such apparatus can also include an insulated container, freezer or refrigerator. The side wall includes at least one opening or window through which the prepared confections, or confection containers, can be dispensed, and a monetary transaction for the confections conducted. 
         [0010]    The side wall additionally includes a liquid dispensing system at a location so as to be accessible by a person located outside of the vehicle, the dispensing system being alternatively configurable in a dispensing or open mode or configuration, and a closed or protected mode or configuration. In the dispensing mode, the dispensing system has at least one liquid dispenser positioned and manually operable by a person located outside of the vehicle for dispensing a liquid into a purchased container, or onto a confection, disposed generally beneath the dispenser. Thus, using the system, the recipient of a container can select a liquid to be dispensed, and fill the container to a desired extent with the selected liquid. Similarly, a recipient of a confection can select and apply one or more toppings to the confection, in a desired amount. Additionally, in either instance, if allowed, the recipient can even leave and return later to refill the container or add toppings, which can be advantageous from a customer satisfaction standpoint. If the confection is for a child, the external dispensary gives an attending adult the ability to limit the amount of the beverage received or topping applied, and it allows the child to take a longer time if desired or necessary to select a flavor or flavors, which can also increase customer satisfaction. This is also desirable from an operations standpoint as reduces transaction time and personnel requirements, and increases the speed at which the confections are served, thereby improving productivity compared to if the containers are filled, or the toppings were applied by a worker. 
         [0011]    As practical examples, a coach or parent purchasing confections for a team or several recipients can merely purchase a required number of confections, and the containers filled or toppings applied after the transaction, by the recipients. Since less worker time is required, fewer persons are required for serving. 
         [0012]    The dispensing system is preferably quickly and easily movable or convertible to the closed or protected mode or configuration, from within the interior space of the vehicle. This is advantageous, as in the closed mode, access to the liquid beverage or toppings by persons outside of the vehicle is prevented, and it configures the system for travel and protects it from environmental elements, such as dirt, rain, and road spray during travel, and, in at least some embodiments, also allows cleaning the dispensing apparatus of the system from inside the vehicle. 
         [0013]    According to another preferred aspect of the invention, each of the dispensers is connected by a liquid line to a reservoir carried on the mobile structure and containing a quantity of the beverage or topping for that dispenser. The system, in the dispensing configuration, additionally preferably includes a tray spaced at least generally below the dispenser or dispensers and configured for catching spilled or dropped liquid beverages or toppings and directing them to a waste container carried on the vehicle. 
         [0014]    As a preferred configuration of the invention, the dispenser and tray of the system are integrated so as to be positioned at an angular relationship one to the other, so as to be jointly configurable in the dispensing and closed positions, for instance, but not limited to, by a simple pivoting or rotating action or movement, or by a sliding movement. Also preferably, when closed, the bottom or non-serving side of the tray can serve as the cover member. 
         [0015]    According to various other preferred aspects of the invention, the system can include multiple dispensers for dispensing a variety of flavors of liquids can be provided, in connection respectively with reservoirs containing the liquids located within the vehicle, which liquids can be, for instance, flavored beverages such as soft drinks or juices, or toppings such as syrups. Gravity feed can be used for dispensing the liquids, or a pressurized system used. 
         [0016]    As examples of alternative constructions for the dispensing system, the cover member can be a hinged member preferably automatically movable between an open or dispensing position, and a closed or covering position. As another alternative, the cover member can be configured as a sliding member disposed within the wall and manually or automatically slidable between open and closed positions. And, as an alternative integrated construction, the cover member and dispenser or dispensers can be incorporated into a drawer slidable into and out of the side wall. 
         [0017]    As still another alternative configuration, the apparatus of the dispensing system can be recessed in an opening in the side wall, and the tray pivotally mounted to the side wall so as to be pivotable between a generally horizontal open or deployed position spaced at least generally below the dispenser, and an upstanding closed position covering and protecting the opening. In the open position, the tray is configured for catching overflowed or spilled liquid beverages or toppings, and directing the spillage to a waste container carried on the vehicle. 
         [0018]    As still another preferred aspect of the invention, the external apparatus of the dispensing system is sufficiently spaced from the opening or window from which the confections or containers are dispensed and sold, to allow dispensing of the confections or containers at the dispensing opening or window, separately from the filling of the containers or application of the toppings to the confections. 
         [0019]    In summary, a dispensing system for liquids is disclosed which is contained in a mobile structure, via wheels or motor/engine, so as to give or deny access to users, and when access is allowed, give them the option of dispensing the desired amount of liquid. The dispensing system has the ability to be exposed or enclosed within the structure to allow/limit the access to users, and when enclosed, allow for cleaning and transportation of the structure to prevent any damage to the dispensing system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is simplified side view of a mobile confectionary apparatus of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a simplified sectional view of the apparatus, showing aspects of a liquid dispensing system of the apparatus in an open or dispensing mode; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is another simplified sectional view of the confectionary apparatus, showing aspects of the dispensing system, and illustrating a person using the system to apply a topping on a confection; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is still another simplified sectional view of the dispensing system, being moved by a person from the dispensing mode to a closed mode; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4A  is still another simplified sectional view of the dispensing system, in the closed mode; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is another simplified sectional view of the apparatus, shown including an optional light in an air blower louver of the dispensing system; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a mobile confectionary apparatus including aspects of the liquid dispensing system embodied in an alternative support structure according to the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a mobile confectionary apparatus showing aspects of the liquid dispensing system embodied in another construction according to the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a mobile confectionary apparatus showing aspects of the liquid dispensing system embodied in another construction according to the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a mobile confectionary apparatus showing aspects of the liquid dispensing system embodied in still another construction according to the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a mobile confectionary apparatus showing aspects of the liquid dispensing system embodied in still another construction according to the invention, and including a cover member for the aspects of the system; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a mobile confectionary apparatus showing aspects of the liquid dispensing system embodied in still another construction according to the invention, shown being installed on a side wall of the apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    Referring now to the drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts, in  FIG. 1 , a mobile confectionary apparatus  20  constructed and operable according to the teachings of the present invention is shown. Apparatus  20  is shown here as including a conventional truck  22 , including an engine and drive line (not shown) operable for drivingly rotating a pair of rear wheels  24  in the well known conventional manner, for propelling truck  22  over roads and the like to various destinations. Truck  22  supports a mobile structure  26 , which is essentially a box, including a side wall  28 , enclosing an interior space  30 , viewable through a transparent service window  32  in side wall  28 . Window  32  includes a confection dispensing opening  34 , through which confections, or containers therefore, can be dispensed, and transactions for the confections conducted. Window  32  is located at a suitable elevation above a surface  36  on which truck  22  is located, for a person standing beside the truck to receive a confection through the window. Interior space  30  is sufficiently large for receiving a person, and is bounded on the opposite side by another side wall, on the bottom by a floor  38 , on the rear by a rear wall  40 , on the front by a front wall  42 , and above by a roof  44 . Roof  44  is spaced above floor  38  sufficiently for a person in interior space  30  to stand, and space  30  will preferably contain apparatus for use in making or preparing confections, as well as other apparatus, as required, for storing supplies, e.g., containers, for the confections, and for conducting the transaction, e.g., a cash register or the like (not shown). 
         [0033]    Mobile confectionary apparatus  20  is preferably configured for making and serving frozen confections, in particular, ice confections, such as, but not limited to, shaved ice and/or snow cones, onto which a topping, such as a flavored liquid such as a syrup, is to be applied. For this purpose, a machine  46  representative of well known machines usable for preparing shaved ice, snow cone, or other frozen confections, is illustrated in dotted lines in interior space  30 , operable by a user in the well known manner for preparing a frozen confection  48 . Here, it should be recognized and understood that apparatus  20  can include a wide variety of equipment and confectionary devices in addition to, or as an alternative to, machine  46  illustrated, such as, but not limited to, a freezer, cooler, and/or the like (not shown), as desired or required for a particular application. 
         [0034]    Referring also to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4  and  5 , apparatus  20  includes a liquid dispensing system  50  attached to or incorporated into mobile structure  26 , so as to be configurable in a dispensing or open mode for allowing use by persons outside of the structure for applying a liquid topping to a confection, or filling a container with a liquid confection, and in a closed or protected mode for denying access to dispensing of liquids, and protecting apparatus of system  50  from damage by a user and environmental elements, such as dirt, rain, road spray, and the like, and also for allowing cleaning of the apparatus from within interior space  30 . Generally, system  50  includes one or more liquid dispensers, e.g., with or without an overflow/spill or catch basin attached to, or creating a structural element to be attached to, the structure. 
         [0035]    Preferably, liquid dispensing system  50  is disposed in or on side wall  28  of apparatus  20 , and includes at least one liquid dispenser  52  positioned, when system  50  is in the dispensing mode, at a suitable height and location so as to be manually operable by a person located outside of the vehicle for dispensing a liquid, e.g., a topping such as a flavored syrup, on a confection (illustrated by confection  48  in  FIG. 3 ); or a beverage into a container such as a cup or the like, disposed generally beneath the dispenser  52 . Here, a row of dispensers  52  is utilized to provide a variety of flavored toppings, at a height sufficiently low to be accessible by children and disabled persons, which height can be within a range of from about 30 to about 48 inches above a surface on which truck  22  is located. Each dispenser  52  comprises a conventionally constructed and operable hand operated valve or spout, such as those commonly found on picnic jugs or commercial coffee makers, although alternatively, a variety of other selectably operable valve or closure devices could be used. Each dispenser  52  is connected by a liquid line  54 , which can be, for instance, a flexible plastic tube, to a reservoir  56  carried on mobile structure  26  and containing a quantity of the liquid to be dispensed by the dispenser. System  50  additionally includes a tray  58  spaced at least generally below dispensers  52  and configured for catching toppings or other liquids or matter dropped from dispensers  52 , or overflowing from a confection or container, such as confection  48 , and directing the waste liquid or matter to a waste container  60  carried on the vehicle. Additionally, when system  50  is in the closed mode, tray  58  comprises a cover member which covers and protects dispensers  52 . 
         [0036]    In this latter regard, tray  58  is preferably disposed on and/or forms a part of, a cover member  62  which is a portion of an L-shaped structure  64  including a backsplash  66  oriented at a fixed angle of about 90° to cover member  62 . L-shaped structure  64  is preferably of sheet metal or plastic material, and is pivotally mounted by a pivot joint  68 , which can be a piano or other hinge, to side wall  28  below an opening  70  therethrough, so as to be pivotable between an open or dispensing position wherein tray  58  and cover member  62  are substantially horizontal ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  5 ) and backsplash  66  is substantially vertical, and a closed or covered position wherein tray  58  and cover member  62  are generally vertical and disposed in covering relation to opening  70  ( FIG. 4A ), and thus in covering relation to and protecting dispensers  52  from access and damage by persons outside of the vehicle, and from contact with environmental elements. 
         [0037]    A detent  72 , which can be, but is not limited to, a mechanical latch, clamp, clip, or the like, is disposed on side wall  28  adjacent to opening  70  (here illustrated above opening  70 ) in a position for engaging a periphery of backsplash  66 , for releasably holding L-shaped structure  64  in the open position. Detent  72  is manually operable for releasing structure  64  by a person located within interior space  30 , for instance, by application of an upward force using one or more fingers of a person&#39;s hand  74 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Once released, structure  64  can be manually moved to the closed position (shown in  FIG. 4A , and in dotted lines in  FIG. 2 ), to engage cover member  62  with the outer surface of side wall  28  around the periphery of opening  70 , and to position dispensers  52 , tray  58 , and backsplash  66  within interior space  30 , so as to be accessible to a person located therein, for cleaning or other purposes. A suitable detent or latch (not shown) such as, but not limited to, another detent  72 , can be utilized for releasably holding L-shaped structure  64  in the closed position. 
         [0038]    Referring more particularly to  FIG. 2 , reservoirs  56  can be conveniently supported on racks  76  or other suitable structure or the like within interior space  30 , preferably above the elevation of dispensers  52 . Liquid lines  54  extending between reservoirs  56  and dispensers  52 , are preferably flexible, and of sufficient length, to facilitate movement of L-shaped structure  64  between the open and closed positions. Also preferably, each reservoir  56  includes a vent  78  in an upper portion thereof, to facilitate liquid flow therefrom when the associated dispenser  52  is opened. Additionally, each reservoir  56 , and the connecting liquid line, is preferably of a clear material, to enable viewing the quantity of liquid contained therein, as well as fluid flow characteristics, from within interior space  30 . Similarly, a liquid line  54  is preferably provided extending from tray  58  to waste container  60 , and is flexible to facilitate the pivotal movements of L-shaped structure  64 . To facilitate flow toward liquid line  54  in connection with waste container  60 , tray  58  has a overflow/spill catch basin  80  which slopes downwardly toward an inlet of line  58 , and a generally flat upper surface  82  of ribbed construction or the like, on which a container can rest, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . After waste container  60  is full, or is otherwise desired to empty the contents thereof, it is removable and detachable from line  54 . 
         [0039]    As an additional, optional feature, a blower  84  can be provided for directing a flow of air, as denoted by arrow A, over or across dispensers  52 , and tray  58 , for keeping bees, hornets, wasps and other insects away from those aspects of system  50 , as such insects may be attracted thereto, particularly when sugary liquids are present. The flow of air can be directed downwardly, sidewardly, or in any desired manner which achieves the desired effect. Blower  84  can be battery-powered or powered by an external power source in connection with apparatus  20 . As an example of one manner of directing the air flow, one or more louvers may be provided in connection with blower  84  through side wall  28 , for directing the air flow downwardly toward dispensers  52 . Here also, blower  84  is illustrated as being located within interior space  30 , but it could alternatively be located at a variety of other locations on apparatus  20 , including on L-shaped structure  64 , or the airf low could be directed over the dispensers  52  by a suitable duct from blower at a remote location on the vehicle. 
         [0040]    As still another feature, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a light  88  operable for illuminating the external components of system  50  for use after dark, as generally denoted by arrows B, can be provided on louver  86  or another location. Light  88  can be battery-powered, or powered by an external power source in connection with apparatus  20 , as desired or required for a particular application. 
         [0041]    Referring also to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10  and  11 , several alternative structures for housing and supporting aspects of liquid dispensing system  50  are shown, like elements of these structures to those of the previously described system  50  being identified by like numerals. Referring more particularly to  FIG. 6 , liquid dispensers  52  of system  50  are located within a recess  90  within mobile structure  26 , accessible through opening  70 . Liquid dispensers  52  are supported on a backsplash  66  above tray  58 , and are connected to reservoirs  56  (e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) in the above described manner. Tray  58  will also be connected to a waste container. Here, tray  58  and backsplash  66  are preferably fixed or fixable in position, and can be covered by a sliding cover member  92  carried within or behind side wall  28 , and movable by a person from within structure  26  to cover opening  70 , as denoted by the large arrow. 
         [0042]    Referring more particularly to  FIG. 7 , as another alternative, liquid dispensers  52  of system  50  are supported on backsplash  66  in a recess  90  accessible through an opening  70  on side wall  28  of structure  26 , dispensers  52  being individually connected to liquid lines  54  and pullable by a user outwardly through opening  70  for use. 
         [0043]    In  FIG. 8 , liquid dispensers  52  of system  50  are shown supported on a drawer  94  mounted in opening  70  of side wall  28  of structure  26 , for movement inwardly and outwardly by a person located within structure  26 , between a closed or protected position, and an open or dispensing position (shown). A cover member  96  pivotally mounted to side wall  28  adjacent the lower periphery of opening  70  by a self-closing hinge  98 , will automatically pivot into closing relation to opening  70  when drawer  94  is moved to its closed position. 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  shows still another alternative mounting structure for aspects of system  50 , here including a plurality of liquid dispensers  52  thereof, which mounting structure includes a backsplash  66  mountable by a person from within structure  26 , in an opening  70  of side wall  28  of the structure. Liquid lines  54  will connect with reservoirs carrying the flavored liquids, as disclosed and discussed above. Suitable detents, such as detents  72  discussed and disclosed above, or other retainer elements, e.g., slots or grooves (on the inside of side wall  28 ), can be utilized for engaging tabs  100  on backsplash  66 , for retaining it in the opening. 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 10 , still another alternative mounting structure for aspects of system  50  are shown. Here, backsplash  66  and an integral tray  58  are shown permanently affixed to the outer surface of side wall  28  of structure  26 , with a plurality of liquid dispensers  52  projecting from the backsplash. A removable cover member  102  is illustrated as being positionable and securable in covering relation to dispensers  52  and tray  58 , as denoted by the large curved arrow. Liquid dispensers  52  will connect with the reservoirs, as already explained. 
         [0046]      FIG. 11  shows still another structure  104  for supporting liquid dispensers  52  and tray  58  of system  50  on an outer surface of a side wall  28  of a mobile structure  26 , here, backsplash  66  and tray  58  being incorporated into structure  104 , which is hangable on the side wall using cooperatively engageable hanger brackets  106  and  108 , as illustrated by the large curved arrow. Again, dispensers  52  are connectable by liquid lines  54 , which will extend through side wall  28 , to the reservoirs for receiving the flavored liquids therefrom, as already explained. 
         [0047]    Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel mobile confectionary apparatus and liquid dispensing system, which overcomes many of the problems set forth above. It will be apparent, however, to those familiar in the art, that many changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and applications for the subject device are possible. All such changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.