Abstract:
A system for dispensing a bulk product includes an interactive display. The system may be linked to another system which selects a variety of the bulk product and automatically causes the dispenser to dispense the selected variety. The dispensing system may also include a container associated with a remote carrier, so that the bulk product may be dispensed into the container in which the user wishes to store the bulk product long term.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to a system for selecting and distributing a bulk product. In particular, the present invention is a system that includes an interactive display associated with a bulk product dispenser, where the interactive display assists a user in selecting and dispensing the bulk product. 
     Many types of products are distributed in a retail setting as bulk products in bins. For example, many types of foods, such as nuts and candy, are stored in bins so that a shopper may purchase any desired quantity, as the bulk products are typically sold by weight. To facilitate the process, lightweight plastic bags are often provided by the retail location proximate the bins so that the shopper may dispense the bulk product into the bags. In other scenarios, reusable containers may also be used. 
     In certain sports and games, certain pieces of game equipment are consumed rapidly during play. For example, in games that use balls, the balls deteriorate or are lost during play much sooner than the other pieces of equipment. Common examples of this consumed equipment include golf balls, tennis balls, baseballs, softballs, among others. Replacements for this consumed equipment are sold separately in stores, often in set quantities and in packaging designed to catch a shopper&#39;s eye, advertise the product, and assist the shopper in selecting the product. 
     Purchasers everywhere are increasingly interested in so-called “green” packaging, i.e., environmentally-friendly packaging. Bulk packaging for consumer items appears to be a green way in which to reduce the resources consumed in getting the consumer items from the manufacturer to the consumer. However, bulk packaging does little to advertise the consumer item or differentiate between one type of consumer item and another, similar product. 
     Therefore, a need exists in the art to reduce packaging on bulk item consumer goods while still informing the consumer of the specifications and benefits of a particular consumer item. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the invention provides a system for dispensing a hulk product with an interactive display. A user may interact with the display to determine whether or not to purchase the bulk product, the quantity to purchase, a particular type of bulk product to purchase, and to control the dispenser to dispense a desired quantity of the bulk product. 
     In one aspect, the system includes a hopper configured to contain the bulk product, an interactive display associated with the hopper, wherein the interactive display is configured to facilitate a selection of a quantity of the bulk product by a user, and wherein the hopper is configured to dispense the quantity of the bulk product to the user. 
     In one aspect, the system includes a dispenser configured to contain the bulk product, a display associated with the dispenser, an input device operatively associated with the display, a processor operatively associated with the display, the input device, and the dispenser, and a container removably associated with the dispenser, wherein the processor signals the dispenser to dispense the bulk product into the container. 
     In another aspect, the system includes a hopper configured to contain the golf balls, a base associated with the hopper, a dispensing opening disposed in the base, a conduit associating the hopper with the dispensing opening, a metered conveyor disposed in the conduit, wherein the metered conveyor separates the hopper from the dispensing opening, and an input/output device operatively associated with the metered conveyor, wherein the input/output device is configured to provide information to a user, wherein the input/output device is configured to receive an instruction from the user. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is a drawing of an embodiment of an interactive system for dispensing a bulk product with a user approaching the system, 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interactive dispensing system; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the interactive dispensing system shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an embodiment of an interactive system employing a servo driving a screw; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of an interactive dispensing system associated with a ball fitting system; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an interactive dispensing system having multiple compartments and a single dispensing opening; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic drawing of a user obtaining golf balls from an embodiment of an interactive dispensing system into a container and then fitting that container into a golf bag having a compartment configured to correspond to the container; 
         FIG. 8  is a screen shot of an embodiment of an interactive display where a spokesperson is describing the attributes of the bulk product; 
         FIG. 9  is a screen shot of an embodiment of an interactive display where multiple types of a bulk product are presented for selection; 
         FIG. 10  is a screen shot of an embodiment of an interactive display where a specific type of a bulk product is described to the user; 
         FIG. 11  is a screen shot of an embodiment of an interactive display where various attributes of two types of the bulk product are presented for comparison; 
         FIG. 12  is a screen shot of an embodiment of an interactive display where a specific type of a bulk product has been selected and the user is prompted to enter quantities for dispensing; 
         FIG. 13  is a screen shot of an embodiment of an interactive display where a user is prompted to confirm a selection of a type of bulk product and/or enter payment; and 
         FIG. 14  is an embodiment of an interactive system for dispensing system configured to allow for customization of the bulk product. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments presented in this description relate to an interactive system for dispensing bulk products. This system is appropriate for use with any type of bulk product, which for the purposes of this disclosure may be considered to be any item capable of being purchased in varying quantities. The items may be sold by weight, volume, or per piece. Examples of bulk products include but are not limited to liquids, powders, food, candy, spices, loose tea, coffee beans, toys, jewelry, and sporting equipment, such as balls. Throughout this description, golf balls are provided as the discussed example of a bulk product. However, “bulk product” is intended to encompass a much broader category of items. 
       FIG. 1  is an embodiment of an interactive system  100  for dispensing a bulk product  108  shown in a retail location  102  with a user  104  approaching interactive system  100  with a container  116 . Interactive system  100  generally includes a hopper  110  for holding the bulk product  108  prior to dispensing, an interactive display  114  associated with hopper  110 , and, optionally, a base  112  for facilitating the dispensing of bulk product  108  from hopper  110  into container  116 . In this embodiment, bulk product  108  is golf balls and user  104  is a golfer. However, in other embodiments, bulk product  108  may be any type of bulk product, and user  104  may be any person or entity. 
     Interactive system  100  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 2 . Hopper  110  is shown in this embodiment as a transparent or semi-transparent box having a first side wall  130 , a second side wall  132 , a third side wall  134 , a fourth side wall  136 , a top wall  138 , and a bottom wall  140 . These side walls are associated with each other to generally form a cube, though in other embodiments hopper  110  may include any number of walls and have any shape, such as spherical, polyhedrons, or irregular shapes. The walls of hopper  110  are configured to define an internal space, void, or volume for holding bulk product  108 . The internal volume of hopper  110  may be selected according to any number of design factors, including but not limited to the size of the individual items of bulk product  108 , the number of items of bulk product  108  desired to be contained within hopper  110 , the amount of unused volume or dead space desired to be provided within hopper  110 , aesthetic considerations, and retail location/size considerations. 
     The transparency of hopper  110  serves as a first level of advertising of bulk product, so that user  104  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be provided with a visual of the actual available product. However, in other embodiments, transparency of hopper  110  may not be desirable, such as if bulk product  108  were susceptible to degradation when exposed to certain frequencies of light, such as UV light. For example, golf balls often discolor or degrade at the surface of the golf ball when exposed to UV light, while candy may melt or foods lose freshness when exposed to UV light. Therefore, hopper  110  may include light filters to filter undesirable frequencies of light in order to protect bulk product  108 , or hopper  110  may be substantially opaque. 
     Hopper  110  may be made from any type of material known in the art to have sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape over time. Examples of appropriate materials for hopper  110  include various types of plastics, metal, and composite materials. Hopper  110  may be formed using any type of manufacturing process, such as any type of molding, casting, and metalworking including machining, die cutting, and the like. In some embodiments, each side wall may be separately formed and then joined together to form the desired shape. The joining could be with an adhesive, welding, epoxy, joint compound, or the like. In some embodiments, hopper  110  may be formed to be air and water-tight so that bulk product  108  will not degrade when exposed to oxygen, humidity, pollutants, or other types of materials. In some embodiments, hopper  110  may be formed so that a vacuum may be established within hopper  110  to preserve bulk product  108 . In other embodiments, hopper  110  may include a gas in addition to bulk product to preserve the freshness of bulk product. For example, golf balls may be placed inside hopper  110  and then the remaining space within hopper  110  may be filled with nitrogen in order to preserve the golf balls. 
     Hopper  110  may be provided with one or more ports to allow hopper  110  to be refilled with bulk product  108  and/or preservatives. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , hopper  110  is provided with two ports: a top port  122  which creates an entry through top wall  138  and a side port  124  which creates and entry into hopper  110  through second side wall  132 . Top port  122  and side port  124  may be any type of entry known in the art, such as a sealed nozzle having a one-way valve for inputting liquids or gas, sliding drawers with multiple openings to allow for refilling without contaminating the bulk product within hopper  110 , or any other type of port. In the embodiments shown in the figures, top port  122  and side port  124  are shown as doors, with portions of material covering a hole cut through or formed in top wall  138  and side wall  132 . These portions of material may be sealed, such as with an elastomeric member, to prevent leakage of liquids or introduction of air or other unwanted materials. 
     The portions of material of ports  122 ,  124  may lift entirely away from top wall  138  and side wall  132 , or, as shown, the portions of material may be hingedly attached to top wall  138  and side wall  132 . Top port  122  may include a top hinge  126 , while side port  124  may include a side hinge  128 . Hinges  126 ,  128  may be any type of hinge known in the art, including but not limited to pivot hinges, barrel hinges, strap hinges, mortise hinges, and living hinges, among other types of hinges. 
     Additionally, top port  122  may include a top handle  123  and side port  124  may include a side handle  125  to facilitate manipulation of ports  122 ,  124 . For example, in the embodiments shown in the figures, handles  123 ,  125  may be used to lift the portions of material away from top wall  138  and side wall  132 , respectively. Handles  123 ,  125  may be any type of handle known in the art, ranging from simple knobs and pulls to interlocking mechanisms for securing the openings of ports  122 ,  124 . In some embodiments, ports  122 ,  124  may be provided with a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access to hopper  110 . The locking mechanism may be any type of locking mechanism known in the art, such as pin tumbler locks, wafer tumbler locks, lever locks, cam locks, electronic locks, padlocks, or the like. 
     Hopper  110  may include a dispensing portion separate from any port or ports which may be provided with hopper  110 . One embodiment of the dispensing portion is shown in  FIG. 3 . The dispensing portion may be positioned proximate a bottom or lower portion of hopper  110  so that gravity may be used to assist in the dispensing of bulk product  108  from hopper  110 . The dispensing portion may include an aperture  148  defined by a portion of bottom wall  140 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , bottom wall  140  may be sloped so that a lowest portion of bottom wall  140  defines aperture  148 . Such a configuration may assist in moving bulk product  108  toward aperture  148 . 
     Aperture  148  may be any size or shape sufficient to allow a quantity of bulk product  108  to pass through aperture  148 . Similar to ports  122 ,  124  described above, aperture  148  may include seals, nozzles, and valves to control the passage of bulk product  108  through aperture  148 . In some embodiments, aperture  148  may simply be an opening in bottom wall  140 . 
     Aperture  148  may define a boundary between the interior volume of hopper  110  and a conduit  120  which leads to a dispensing opening  118 . In some embodiments, conduit  128  and dispensing opening  118  may be disposed in or associated with a base or stand  112  associated with hopper  110 . Base  112  may be made from similar materials as hopper  110 . Base  112  may have any shape or size. Base  112  may be fixedly attached to hopper  110 , where a permanent connection between base  112  and hopper  110  is established. Examples of fixed attachments include adhering, welding, and the like. In other embodiments, base  112  may be removably associated with hopper  110 , where a readily undone connection between base  112  and hopper  110  is established. Examples of removable attachments include mechanical connectors such as latches, interlocking threaded portions, screws, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , dispensing opening  118  is associated with base  112 . In some embodiments, dispensing opening  118  may be a chamber or platform formed in base  112 . Dispensing opening  118  may be any size or shape. In some embodiments, dispensing opening  118  may be sized and shaped so that container  116  may be fully inserted into dispensing opening  118 . In other embodiments, dispensing opening  118  may be sized and shaped so that a portion of container  116  may be inserted into dispensing opening  118 . In some embodiments, container  116  may be securely fitted to dispensing opening  118  or a mechanism associated with dispensing opening  118 , such as a nozzle, so that bulk product  108  may be passed from the dispensing mechanism into container  116  without the need for a user to hold container  116  in position or otherwise to maintain the position of container  116 . In yet other embodiments, dispensing opening  118  may include trays, drawers, doors, pushing mechanisms, or any other configuration desirable to assist in dispensing bulk product  108  with minimal loss of bulk product  108 , such as due to spillage. 
     It may be desirable in some embodiments to dispense bulk product  108  in particular, discrete quantities. In such embodiments, a metering mechanism  152  for measuring out the particular, discrete quantities of bulk product  108  may be provided. In some embodiments, metering mechanism  152  may be provided in hopper  110 . In other embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , metering mechanism  152  may be provided within conduit  120 . In these embodiments, metering mechanism  152  may also include a conveying mechanism so that metering mechanism  152  both measures a quantity of bulk product  108  and moves that quantity and only that quantity toward dispensing opening  118 . 
     A first example of metering mechanism  152  is shown in  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, metering mechanism  152  includes a segmented wheel associated with a rod  150 . Segmented wheel contains various chambers, shown as four chambers in this embodiment: first chamber  154 , second chamber  156 , third chamber  158 , and fourth chamber  160 . In other embodiments, more or fewer chambers may be provided. Each chamber  154 ,  156 ,  158 , and  160  may define a specific volume so that a specific quantity of bulk product  108  may be inserted into any chamber  154 ,  156 ,  158 , and  160 . For example, chambers  154 ,  156 ,  158 , and  160  may be sized and shaped to hold three and only three golf balls. 
     Rod  150  may extend outside of base  112  to a knob  119  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Knob  119  may be configured so that when a user turns knob  119 , rod  150  also rotates, carrying the segmented wheel along with the rotation. As segmented wheel moves, different chambers are exposed to aperture  148 . In  FIG. 3 , third chamber  158  is exposed to aperture  148 . As each chamber is exposed to aperture  148 , that chamber is filled with bulk product  108 . When knob  119  is turned further, the filled chamber is exposed to dispensing opening  118 , and bulk product  108  is passed from the filled chamber to dispensing opening  118  so that bulk product  108  may be dispensed into container  116 . In  FIG. 3 , first chamber  154  is exposed to dispensing opening  118 , and bulk product  108  is moving from first chamber  154  to dispensing opening  118 . 
     Container  116  may be any type of container capable of holding a quantity of bulk product  108 . In some embodiments, container  116  may be a disposable container, such as a plastic bag, a cardboard receptacle, or the like. In some embodiments, the cardboard receptacle may include post-consumer content, such as recycled paper or even recycled bulk product  108 . For example, in some embodiments, bulk product  108  may include golf balls. Golf balls may be constructed using a number of materials, including but not limited to natural and synthetic rubber, ionomers, thermoset materials, and thermoplastic materials. Recycling golf balls often includes removing the cover of the golf ball from the core or other internal layers for separate recycling. One example of such a process is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,430, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In the &#39;430 patent, mechanical rotors strip the cover off of a golf ball so that the ionomer cover and the rubber core may be recycled using separate processes. Another method often used in recycling golf balls is to pulverize or grind the materials into a powder. One example of such a process is described in US Patent Publication Number 2003/0148824, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The pulverized materials may then be incorporated into container  116 , such as using pulverized rubber in cardboard or pulverized ionomer in a recipe for making thin film plastic bags. 
     In some embodiments, container  116  may be packaging specific to a particular bulk product. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , multiple dispensers may be provided in the same retail location, where each dispenser contains the same general type of bulk product, for example, golf balls. However, each dispenser  100  may contain a different specific type of bulk product, such as a specific make or brand of golf ball, or a product with a specific, individualized SKU (stock-keeping unit). Container  116  may be provided proximate a dispenser  100 , where container  116  may include printing or other indicia to reflect the type of bulk product  108  in container  116 . For example, container  116  may include brand names, specific product names, technical specifications, or the like. In some embodiments, container  116  may be packaging designed to reduce the amount of material in the packaging. For example, golf balls are typically packaged in rectangular parallelepiped sleeves containing three spherical balls. These sleeves necessarily include empty or dead space due to geometry, as the sleeves are at least as wide as the largest length of the ball. This type of geometrical arrangement requires more material than alternative types of packaging. One example of alternative packaging is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0024731, entitled “Open Packaging” published Feb. 2, 2012 and filed on Jul. 30, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , user  104  is shown using container  116  to collect golf balls as bulk product  108  from an embodiment of an interactive dispensing system  100 . In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , container  116  may be configured to be integrated into a carrier  170 . This type of arrangement may be particularly useful when bulk product  108  is a replacement part for a system with consumable parts, such as sporting equipment, where other, non-consumable parts of the system may be stored in carrier  170  full-time. In this embodiment, carrier  170  is a golf bag. In other embodiments, carrier  170  may be any other type of carrier, such as a tennis bag, a bat bag, or the like. 
     Container  116  and carrier  170  may include various elements associating container  116  with carrier  170 . In other words, container  116  may be sized, shaped, and/or contain fastening elements that correspond with the size, shape, and/or fastening elements of a pocket or portion of carrier  170 . For example, container  116  may be a soft-sided bag with snaps (i.e., either the male or female portion of a complete snap) spaced a certain distance apart. A pocket of carrier  170  may include corresponding snaps (i.e., the other of the male or female portion of a complete snap) spaced the same distance apart so that container  116  may be inserted into the pocket of carrier  170  and secured in position by aligning the snaps on container  116  and the snaps in the pocket of carrier  170  and completing a mechanical connection between the snaps on container  116  and the snaps on carrier  170 . In other embodiments, other types of mechanical fasteners may be used, including but not limited to hooks, hook-and-loop connectors, and zippers. In other embodiments, the size and shape of container  116  may be keyed to the size and shape of a pocket on carrier  170 . For example, container  116  may be a hard-sided cube of a certain dimension. The pocket on carrier  170  may be a receptacle having the same cubical shape and slightly larger than the certain dimension of container  116 . 
     Interactive system  100  is intended to both dynamically advertise and provide bulk product  108 . In some traditional systems, such as gumball machines, the hopper or the base may include a label or signage of some sort advertising or providing information on the bulk product on display, such as brand name, type of bulk product, pricing information, and the like. However, interactive system  100  is intended to provide dynamic information, as opposed to static information. Therefore, interactive system  100  is provided in some embodiments with an interactive display  114 , where interactive display is configured to both provide information to user  104  and receive information from user  104 . 
     The information provided to user  104  may include advertising information, including but not limited to technical specifications of bulk product  108 , pricing information for bulk product  108 , benefits of using bulk product  108 , comparisons between various specific types of bulk product  108 , and the like. The type of information received by interactive display  114  may include but is not limited to requests for different types of information, inputs regarding desired quantities, inputs regarding selection characteristics, user identification information, and prior purchase information. 
     Interactive display  114  is configured as an input/output device. As shown in  FIG. 2 , interactive display  114  may include a screen  117  for visual display, one or more speakers  113  for audio display, and an input device  115 . In some embodiments, as shown, screen  117 , speaker(s)  113 , and input device  115  may be integrated into a single unit. In other embodiments, one or more of these elements may be separate from the other elements. In other embodiments, one or more of these elements may be eliminated from interactive display. 
     Speaker(s)  113  may be any type of audio display known in the art, including but not limited to electroacoustic transducers, piezoelectric speakers, and magnetostrictive speakers. Speaker(s)  113  may include full range drivers, subwoofers, woofers, mid-range drivers, tweeters, and coaxial drivers. Screen  117  may be any type of visual display screen known in the art. Screen  117  may be a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, a cathode ray tube display, or any other type of display. In some embodiments, screen  117  may have touch screen capabilities so that screen  117  and input device  115  are the same mechanism. 
     Input device  115  may be any type of input device known in the art. In some embodiments, as discussed above, input device  115  may be screen  117  when screen  117  is a touch screen. In other embodiments, input device  115  may include mechanical or electromechanical devices, such as pushbuttons, dials, and switches. In other embodiments, input device  115  may include a microphone and voice recognition software for voice-driven inputs. In some embodiments, combinations of these different types of input devices may be used. 
     Generally, interactive display  114  may be operatively associated with the dispensing mechanism of interactive dispensing system  100 . In some embodiments, interactive display  114  may include a computer, processor, or central processing unit (not shown) which may send a signal to a motor (not shown) operatively associated with metering mechanism  152 . If a user inputs information to dispense bulk product  108 , interactive display  114  will transmit a signal to the motor, where the signal actuates the motor, i.e., causes the motor to create motion. The motion created by the motor may be translated to rod  150  using any of a number of known connection/gearing systems so that rod  150  rotates. As described above, the rotation of rod  150  may cause dispense a metered quantity of bulk product  108 . 
     Another embodiment of a dispensing system  200  is shown in  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, no base need be provided. In many respects, however, dispensing system  200  is similar to dispensing system  100 . Dispensing system  200  includes a hopper  210  similar to hopper  110  in materials, volume, and construction. As shown in  FIG. 4 , hopper  210  is generally frustoconical in shape and includes a sidewall  230  and a cover  222 . Cover  222  is removably associated with sidewall  230 , shown in  FIG. 4  to be hingedly attached to sidewall  230  by a hinge  226 , which may be any type of hinge known in the art. A handle  223  may be provided to facilitate manipulation of cover  222 . 
     A lower portion of hopper  210  includes an aperture  248  that opens into a conduit  220 . Conduit  220  may be integrally formed with hopper  210 . However, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , conduit  220  is an elongated hollow tube, such as a pipe, and is formed separately and associated with hopper  210 , either fixedly or removably. In this embodiment, a metered mechanism  252  includes a threaded portion associated with a rod  250  disposed with in conduit  220 . Three screw threads are shown as being helically wound around rod  250 : first thread  254 , second thread  256 , and third thread  258 . The spaces between the threads may be sized and shaped to contain a single unit or quantity of bulk product  108 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , these spaces each contain a single golf ball. 
     One end of rod  252  is operatively associated with a motor, such as servo motor  219 . Servo motor  219  is operatively connected to a CPU  216  of an interactive display  214 , which is similar in description as interactive display  114  discussed above. The connection between servo motor  219  and CPU  216  may be any connector  228 , such as a wire, wireless signal, or the like. If a user inputs a dispensing signal into interactive display via input device  215 , CPU  216  transmits a signal to servo motor  219  via connector  228 , where the signal actuates servo motor  219 . Servo motor  219  rotates rod  250 , so that bulk product  108  advances along the length of rod  250  due to the helical shape of threads  254 ,  256 , and  258 . Bulk product  108  is pushed toward dispensing opening  218  and into container  116 . 
     In some embodiments, interactive display  114 ,  214  may be configured to receive inputs automatically, i.e., without direct intervention from a user. For example, in some embodiments, interactive dispensing system  100 ,  200  may contain golf balls. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the CPU of interactive display  114 ,  214  may be linked to a ball fitting system, such as the ball fitting system described in U.S. Patent Publication Number 2011/0009215, which is incorporated herein by reference. Using various inputs from sources such as a launch monitor  302 , a swing speed detector  304 , a motion capture device  306 , and information gathered from the golfer, the ball fitting system  300  may select a particular ball for a golfer. The ball selection may be transmitted directly to the CPU of a dispenser, to the dispenser via the Internet. In other embodiments, the ball selection may be provided to a removable electronic memory device  308  such as a flash memory drive, or printed to a card or paper and provided to the user. If not automatically transmitted to the dispenser  100 ,  200 , the user may transfer removable memory device  308  to dispenser  100 ,  200 . When inserted into a slot provided on interactive display  114 ,  214  such as slot  221  shown in  FIG. 4 , the ball selection is provided to dispenser  100 ,  200  and a desired quantity is dispensed. 
     When using a ball fitting system to provide the input/selection for a particular golf ball, interactive dispensing system  400  as shown in  FIG. 6  may be desirably used. In most respects, interactive dispensing system  400  is constructed similarly to interactive dispensing systems  100 ,  200  discussed above. In this embodiment, hopper  410  may be divided into multiple compartments: first compartment  402 , second compartment  404 , third compartment  406 , and fourth compartment  407  containing first bulk product  408 A, second bulk product  408 B, third bulk product  408 C, and fourth bulk product  408 D. While hopper  410  may contain a generic category of bulk product, such as golf balls, each compartment  402 ,  404 ,  406 ,  407  may contain a different specific type of bulk product, for example a specific brand and type of golf ball (an individual SKU, for example.) In some embodiments, hopper  410  may contain bulk product from a specific manufacturer, while each compartment  402 ,  404 ,  406 ,  407  contains a different product in that manufacturer&#39;s line. As shown, each compartment  402 ,  404 ,  406 , and  407  is associated with a different interactive display, respectively  414 A,  414 B,  4140 , and  414 D. However, in other embodiments, a single interactive display may be associated with all compartments  402 ,  404 ,  406 , and  407 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , a single computer  431 , which may be any device capable of processing digital information, is operatively connected to doors  450 ,  451 ,  452 , and  453  which control apertures formed at the bottoms of first compartment  402 , second compartment  404 , third compartment  406 , and fourth compartment  407 , respectively. Each door  450 ,  451 ,  452 , and  453 , when opened allowed bulk product to be released from its respective compartment. Doors  450 ,  451 ,  452 , and  453  may be held in a closed position with a magnetic locking mechanism (not shown), which may be controlled by computer  431 . Doors  450 ,  451 ,  452 , and  453  may also be spring-loaded, such as with springs  409 , so that doors  450 ,  451 ,  452 , and  453  are biased to return to a closed position or held to an open position until magnetic locks engage. 
     A first connection  460  links computer  431  with first door  450 . A second connection  461  extends the link from computer  431  to second door  451 . A third connection  462  extends the link from computer  431  to third door  452 . A fourth connection  463  extends the link from computer  431  to fourth door  453 . Each connection  460 ,  461 ,  462 ,  463  may be any type of connection capable of transmitting signals from computer  431 , such as wireless and wireline linkages, which are commonly known. Similar connections may link computer  431  with each display  414 A,  414 B,  414 C,  414 D (not shown) so that a user may directly input information to computer  431  by interacting with displays  414 A,  414 B,  414 C,  414 D. 
     Computer  431  may receive an input from a display  414 A,  4143 ,  414 C,  414 D, or from the Internet, a removable memory unit  308 , or directly from a user, such as a user directly inputting information from printed selection card  309 . Computer  431  may then send a signal to open one of doors  450 ,  451 ,  452 ,  453  in order to dispense a particular selected product via conduit  420  to dispensing opening  418  in base  412 . Other configurations, such as multiple openings, lack of a base, or the like are also contemplated.  FIG. 6  shows just one example of a single dispensing unit having multiple types of bulk product available. 
       FIGS. 8-13  show various examples of screen shots which may appear on an interactive display such as interactive display  114 . In these examples, golf balls are used as examples of a bulk product to be dispensed by system  100 . However, similar screen shots could be adapted to any number of bulk products. 
       FIG. 8  shows an example of an advertising screen. A graphical representation  506  is used to identify the product, such as by manufacturer, brand name, trademark, colloquial name, etc. A spokesperson, such as a model, actor, athlete, celebrity, or everyday user, may be graphically represented, such as with an image or icon  504 . In other embodiments, other types of icons  504  may be used, such as animated characters, static objects, or the like. Icon  504  may present the user with audio information, including but not limited to specifications on the contents or construction of a particular available product (such as technical specifications, nutrition information, etc.), reasons to purchase the particular available product, performance characteristics of the products, and other types of information. This information may also be provided graphically in features list  505 , so that hearing impaired users or other users who prefer to read the information may also be given the information. Buttons  115  may include a start button  500  for initiating the information delivery, a select button  502  for choosing a menu item or a product or other choice presented to a user, and a volume control button  503 . 
     If multiple types of bulk products are offered,  FIG. 9  shows a possible screen shot presenting the user with various selection possibilities: a first golf ball  508 , a second golf ball  510 , and a third golf ball  512 . Each golf ball choice may be graphically represented with a different icon on display  114 . Additionally, each golf ball choice may be identified with by an alphanumeric graphic label, such as a tradename, like first label  506 A, second label  506 B, and third label  506 C. A selection button  514  may be associated with each choice. Selection button  514  may be separate from the icons or, on a touch screen, may be the icons. Instructions for selecting and/or otherwise operating the dispenser may also be provided, either graphically or via an audio performance. An options button  518  may be provided to allow a user to provide or request information from the system. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , options button  518  directs the user to a screen for inputting information from a ball fitting system (not shown). 
       FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of a screen displaying technical information about a selection choice. An alphanumeric graphic label  506  shows which bulk product is being described. A second alphanumeric graphic label  522  describes a first set of features, as related to an enlarged icon  509  of the bulk product, in this example a golf ball. A third alphanumeric graphic label  524  describes a second set of features. Icon  509  is a cutaway view of a golf ball showing the interior technology of a core  520  and a cover  521 . Such information may be interesting to golfers and influence their purchasing decisions. In other embodiments, other types of informational icons may be used, such as cutaway views of candy, enlarged views of objects with small surface features, or the like, depending upon the types of information anticipated to be used by a purchaser in making a purchasing decision. 
       FIG. 11  shows a screen where two similar products are compared side-by-side to facilitate purchasing decisions. A first selection  508  and a second selection  512  may be graphically represented with icons and/or alphanumeric labels  506 A,  506 B. A list of comparison features  530  may be presented, with a graphical representation or chart showing which selection includes which features. The list of features may be adjustable by the user. The list of comparison features may include available quantities, pricing, technical specifications, performance characteristics, positive or negative user feedback, or any other type of comparison feature a user may find interesting or helpful in making a purchasing decision. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  show embodiments of screens for finalizing a selection of a particular bulk product.  FIG. 12  shows a selection screen with a fourth alphanumeric graphic  544  providing a headline that a selection has been made. Icon  512  and label  506 C are used to describe the selected bulk product, in this embodiment a golf ball. A fifth alphanumeric graphic  540  provides an input prompt for a user to enter a quantity of bulk product to purchase. A minimum amount may be required, or any amount may be inputted using any of the input mechanisms described herein. 
       FIG. 13  shows a screen shot which may optionally show a final confirmation screen. A sixth alphanumeric graphic  550  may request the input of the user to specifically confirm the selection prior to dispensing. A seventh alphanumeric graphic  552  may display to the user a total cost, given the quantity inputted in an earlier screen, such as the screen shown in  FIG. 12 . An eighth alphanumeric graphic  553  may prompt a user to enter payment, such as via a credit card, or a money inserting slot such as is commonly used on vending machines for accepting paper and coin currency. A ninth alphanumeric graphic  554  may prompt a user to exit the transaction should the user have changed his or her mind regarding the purchase. 
     In some embodiments, a user may wish to customize the selected golf balls  108 . In some embodiments, that customization may entail printing onto the surface of a selected golf ball, such as printing golf ball  108 A as shown in  FIG. 14 . The printing interactive dispensing system  1400  shown in  FIG. 14  is similar to interactive dispensing system  100  and alternative interactive dispensing system  200 , discussed above. Similar elements between these various systems include hopper  1410  having various side walls such as first side wall  1430  and third side wall  1434 , which are similar to first side wall  130  and third side wall  134 , discussed above. Hopper  1410  may also include a top door  1422  hingedly attached to the side walls of hopper  1410  via a first hinge  1426 , similar to first door  122  and first hinge  126 , discussed above. Hopper  1410  may also include an interactive display  1414 , similar to interactive display  114 , with such elements as a central processing unit (CPU)  1416 , similar to CPU  116 , an optional speaker  1413 , similar to speaker  113 , optional buttons  1415 , similar to buttons  115 , an optional screen  1417 , similar to screen  117 , and an optional input slot  1421 , similar to input slot  121 . 
     Printing interactive system  1400  may include a dispensing conduit  1420 , similar to conduit  120 . Dispensing conduit  1420  may include a metered conveyor  1452 , similar to metered conveyor  152 , that includes a rod  1450 , similar to rod  250 . Rod  1450  may include several metered chambers or threads, such as first thread  1454 , second thread  1456 , third thread  1458 , which are all similar to the metered chambers and threads discussed above, such as first metered chamber  154 , second metered chamber  156 , and third metered chamber  158 , first thread  254 , second thread  256 , and third thread  258 . 
     Dispensing conduit  1420  may include a printer  1476 . Printer  1476  may be any device capable of transferring an indicia  1472  to the articles in hopper  1410 . In some embodiments, indicia  1472  may include a logo, alphanumeric characters, or graphics, though in other embodiments, other types of indicia may be provided. 
     In some embodiments, printer  1476  may be an ink or paint dispenser and/or applicator. In such embodiments, printer  1476  may include a compartment  1480 . Compartment  1480  may be a chamber or housing configured to contain the medium to be transferred to the articles in hopper  1410 . In some embodiments, the medium may include, but is not limited to, ink, paint, decals, and films. Compartment  1480  may also include electronics configured to control the application of the medium to the articles in hopper  1410 . Compartment  1480  may be associated with CPU  1416 . A user may input customizing information into interactive display  1414 , which may be stored or entered into CPU  1416  and is then transferred to compartment  1480  via the association between CPU  1416  and compartment  1480 . The association between CPU  1416  and compartment  1480  may be wireline or wireless or any other type of information-transferring association. 
     In some embodiments, printer  1476  may be positioned within conduit  1420 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , printer  1476  is positioned within conduit  1420  between metered conveyor  1452  and the outlet feeding into container  116 . In this embodiment, compartment  1480  is attached to an inner surface of conduit  1420  by mount  1478 . Depending upon which type of printer is provided, mount  1478  may be a static or a dynamic device. In those embodiments where mount  1478  is a static device, mount  1478  may include, but is not limited to, a rod, a pin, a mechanical connector such as a screw, snap, or other similar connector, a post, combinations of these devices, or the like. In those embodiments where mount  1478  is a dynamic device, mount  1478  may include, but is not limited to, a hydraulic-, a pneumatic-, a servo-driven piston or rod, or combinations of these devices. 
     In some embodiments, printer  1476  includes a transfer device  1482 . Transfer device  1482  may be any device capable of transferring the medium within compartment  1480  to the article within hopper  1410 . In some embodiments, transfer device  1482  may include a printing pad, stamp, or decal applicator. In such embodiments, mount  1478  is most likely a dynamic device configured to move compartment  1480  and/or transfer device  1482  towards and away from the printing article  108 A, which is positioned proximate printer  1476  and transfer device  1482 . 
     In some embodiments, transfer device  1482  may include a printer head. In such embodiments, mount  1478  is most likely a static device configured to hold compartment  1480  and/or transfer device  1482  steady while the printing article  108 A is positioned proximate printer  1476  and/or transfer device  1482 . In some such embodiments, printer  1476  may be any type of printer known in the art, such as an inkjet printer, a laser printer, or a dot matrix printer. 
     In some embodiments, a stop  1474  may be associated with an interior surface of conduit  1420  to prevent printing article  108 A from moving past printer  1476  before the transfer of indicia  1472 . In some embodiments, stop  1474  may be a hinged or retractable flange extending into the interior space defined by conduit  1420 . Stop  1474  may be controlled by CPU  1416  and/or compartment  1480 . Stop  1474  may be configured to be actuated to extend into the interior space defined by conduit  1420  and then flatten against an interior surface of conduit  1420  and/or retract into a sidewall of conduit  1420  to allow printing article  108 A to move along conduit  1420  and into container  116 . An optional dryer (not shown), such as a heater, an air blower, a light configured to dry or cure the medium, may be provided to ensure that indicia  1472  is sufficiently dried/cured to avoid smudging or smearing as article  108 A advances into container  116  or is stored in container  116 . 
     A user may input an indicia into interactive display  1414  using any method known in the art, such as keyboarding, scanning, uploading from a portable drive or card, or speaking into a microphone in embodiments where CPU  1416  is provided with voice recognition software. In some embodiments, interactive display  1414  may be provided with a camera for taking photographs, including, but not limited to photographs of people, items, graphics, logos, alphanumeric characters, and combinations of these features. Indicia may be stored in CPU  1416  using any kind of memory known in the art, such as flash memory, RAM, or ROM. The user may elect to customize all of the selected articles, a portion of the selected articles, or only one of the selected articles. Similarly, a user may provide more than one indicia, so that more than one indicia is transferred to each of the selected articles, or that only one of the indicia is transferred to each of the selected articles, but different articles may be provided with different indicia. 
     After a user inputs the desired indicia into interactive display  1414 , indicia  1472  is transmitted to printer  1476 . As each article, such as golf balls  108 , advance to a position proximate printer  1476 , each article becomes printing article  108 A in turn. When printing article  108 A is positioned proximate printer  1476 , printing article  108 A is brought into contact with transfer device  1482 . Printer  1476  then directs transfer device  1482  to transfer indicia  1472  onto printing article  108 A. Article  108  then advances through conduit  1420  and into container  116 . 
     As will be apparent to those in the art, the alphanumeric graphics providing messages to users and/or prompting the user to input information may themselves be a touch screen button allowing the user to input the requested information. 
     Any of the electronic systems described herein may be programmed to perform the desired functions using any of a number of known algorithms, computer programming languages, off the shelf software, or the like. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. Further, any element of any embodiment may be used in any other embodiment described herein, unless specifically limited in the specification to prohibit such adaptations as should be apparent to those of skill in the art.