Abstract:
The present invention provides an improved system and method for dispensing solid food product containers. It comprises a shaped dispensing tube ( 62 ) of a predetermined length, having a plurality of support clips ( 76 ) arranged inside the dispensing tube ( 62 ) for holding a stack of solid food product containers ( 70 ) in place within the tube ( 62 ). The dispensing tube ( 62 ) preferably includes a bracket ( 68 ) for mounting the entire device on a wall or the like. A nested stack of containers ( 70 ) is fed into the preferably open top ( 78 ) of the dispensing tube ( 62 ) until the bottommost container engages (or is engaged by) the support clips ( 76 ). This results in the bottommost container extending a predetermined distance below the bottom of the dispensing tube ( 62 ). By minimizing the amount the bottommost container extends below the dispensing tube ( 62 ), a user&#39;s ability to take more than one solid food container at a time is greatly minimized.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/762,707, filed Jan. 27, 2006. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to dispensers for dispensing products and more particularly to a system and method for dispensing containers for solid food products. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In a fast food environment, solid food products such as French fries are typically provided to consumers in small paper bags or larger cardboard containers. A store of bags or containers is generally provided in a stack from which one is selected. In one common approach, the selected bag or container is fitted on the bottom of a scoop and French fries funneled into the container or bag with the scoop. In another common approach, where the container is more like a traditional drinking cup, the fries are scooped or poured into the container without fitting the container on the end of the scoop. 
         [0004]    Where cardboard containers are used (as opposed to paper bags), the containers have historically had two shapes. The first shape, shown in  FIG. 1 , is the shape of a traditional drinking cup  10  with a lip  12 . The second shape is consistent with the more flattened container  20  shown in  FIG. 2 . This container  20  is of a generally rectangular configuration with a higher back wall  22  providing for or assisting in the scooping of the fries into the container. 
         [0005]    Each of these shapes has drawbacks. The traditional drinking cup shape does not display the French fries in the cup except to the extent they extend above the lip of the cup. Moreover, such a shape is generally relatively expensive to make because of the thickness of cardboard used to make the cup. With the rectangular shape shown in  FIG. 2 , the container, when filled, will normally lie flat on its back panel such that the contents will tend to spill from the open mouth, unless the container is held upright in the consumer&#39;s hand or is otherwise physically maintained in a vertical position, for example, being wedged in a serving tray by adjacent products. Where a scoop is used to fill this container shape, problems may arise because of the relatively narrow elongate nature of the scoop and the angular interior corners of the scoop. 
         [0006]    Various alternatives have been suggested to overcome the problems inherent in the shapes shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . More particularly, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,053,403 and 6,561,414, incorporated herein by reference, disclose improved container designs having substantially circular upper cross sections and generally rectangular lower cross sections. These containers  40  are made without a rim, with a minimum of folds and can be made of lighter weight materials than traditional drinking cup shapes. (See  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). They can not only be readily accommodated within a conventional cup holder, whether in a carrying tray or a vehicle, but also provide a stable base for self-standing. 
         [0007]    In the process of providing solid food products to consumers, the ready availability of containers is critical. However, not only must containers be readily available, they must be kept sanitary and out of harm&#39;s way. With prior shaped packages for dispensing French fries, two principal types of dispensers have been used to keep containers available. The first type of dispenser is a standard cup dispenser for rimmed standard drink cups that are used for French fries of the type shown in  FIG. 1 . The second type of dispenser is for holding the rectangularly shaped elongated containers of the type shown in  FIG. 2 . This type of dispenser, shown in  FIG. 3 , has a long channel open along its centerline. While this dispenser  30  holds solid food product containers securely, all of the containers are exposed to the air—a configuration that is not ideal from a sanitary standpoint. Moreover, this configuration does not sufficiently inhibit multiple container dispensing. 
         [0008]    With the invention of the improved solid food product containers depicted in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,053,403 and 6,561,414 additional dispensing problems have arisen. These new designs do not work in standard drinking cup dispensers since they lack the rim necessary to fully engage the dispensing mechanism. Still further, the nearly circular cross-section of the top of the new container designs such as that shown in  FIG. 4  cannot fit in the same dispenser previously used to dispense the more rectangularly shaped elongated containers. (See  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
         [0009]    As can be seen, the current approaches to providing solid food product containers to persons who have the task of filling them with solid food products suffer from certain drawbacks and limitations. Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method that provides an improvement over existing dispensing systems and methods, and solves certain problems associated with existing systems and methods. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention provides an improved system and method for dispensing solid food product containers. It comprises a shaped dispensing tube of a predetermined length, having a plurality of support clips arranged inside the dispensing tube for holding a stack of solid food product containers in place within the tube. The dispensing tube preferably includes a bracket for mounting the entire device on a wall or the like. A nested stack of containers is fed into the preferably open top of the dispensing tube until the bottommost container engages (or is engaged by) the support clips. This results in the bottommost container extending a predetermined distance below the bottom of the dispensing tube. By minimizing the amount the bottommost container extends below the dispensing tube, a user&#39;s ability to take more than one solid food container at a time is greatly minimized. 
         [0011]    The dispenser of the present invention provides a number of significant advantages over prior solid food container dispensers. First, since the dispensing tube completely surrounds a nested stack of solid food product containers to be dispensed, it maintains the containers in a more sanitary state. Second, the shape of the dispensing tube itself forces a stack of nested solid food product containers to be placed in the dispenser in the proper orientation. Third, the configuration of the clips and the amount to which the bottommost solid food container extends beneath the bottom of the dispensing tube minimizes a user&#39;s ability to deliberately or accidentally take multiple solid food product containers with a single pull. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a solid food container in the form of a traditional drinking cup; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a second type of solid food container with a generally rectangular shape; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a prior art solid food container dispenser; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of a one type of solid food container used in conjunction with the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the solid food container of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention filled with a nested stack of solid food product containers with the dispensing tube shown in phantom; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is bottom view of one embodiment of the dispenser of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the support clips with the dispensing tube shown in phantom; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the support clips with the dispensing tube shown in phantom; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention filled with a nested stack of solid food product containers with the dispensing tube shown in phantom. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the present invention filled with a nested stack of solid food product containers; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention filled with a nested stack of solid food product containers; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention taken along line A-A of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a front view of one embodiment of a clip of the present invention showing certain preferred dimensions 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the clip of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is bottom view of the clip of  FIG. 16  showing certain preferred dimensions; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the clip of  FIG. 16  showing certain preferred dimensions and angles; 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a side view of a second embodiment of the tube of the present invention; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 20 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 6-15 , the dispenser  60  of the present invention includes a central tube  62  and a plurality of support clips  63 ,  64 ,  65  and  66 . The dispenser  60  preferably also includes a bracket  68  for mounting the dispenser to a wall or the like (not shown). 
         [0034]    The dispensing tube  62 , as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , is an irregular oval shape. Four clips  63 ,  64 ,  65  and  66  are placed substantially evenly around the tube  62 . The clips are placed in channels  72  that are defined by longitudinal areas of increased thickness  74 . While not necessary to the operation of the present invention, these areas of increased thickness provide increased stability, resistance to breakage and further define the interaction between a nested stack of solid food product containers  70  and the dispensing tube  62 . The tube  62  is preferably made from polycarbonate to withstand the heat of the traditional French fry and other solid food preparation environments, but may be made of metal or any other rigid material with heat resistance appropriate to the particular environment. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIGS. 6-15 , the clips  63 ,  64 ,  65  and  66  are mounted in opposing pairs inside the lower portion of the dispensing tube  62 . Clips  63  and  64 , located in the front and back of the inner portions of the tube  62 , are set lower in the tube  62  while clips  65  and  66 , located on the sides of the inner portions of the tube  62 , are set higher. This juxtaposition is helpful for achieving optimal dispensing. The higher, side mounted clips  65  and  66  do most of the work as far as dispensing and cup separation. The front and back clips  63  and  64  are positioned lower than the side clips  65  and  66  mainly because the fronts of most solid food product containers are angled down from back to front. This lower position enables the front clip  63  to engage the lower-most solid food container while the rear clip  64  acts to position the stack  70  that simply pushes the cup stack forward and helps to hold the stack  70  in position within the tube. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 10-12  and  15 , preferably, the lower end of the front and back clips  63  and  64  is located about 0.8 inches above the bottom of the tube  62  (Distance A) when the solid food container to be dispensed has a height of approximately 4.75 inches. In other words, the height of the bottom of the clips  63  and  64  is set at approximately 50% of the height of a 4.75 inches container when the container is properly seated in the dispenser  60  for dispensing. Distance A is about 2.3 inches when the solid food container to be dispensed has a height of approximately 6.0 inches, or approximately 65% of the height of a 6.0 inch container when the container is properly seated in the dispenser  60  for dispensing. Distance A is about 2.8 inches when the solid food container to be dispensed has a height of approximately 6.25 inches, or approximately 70% of the height of a 6.25 inch container when the container is properly seated in the dispenser  60  for dispensing. All of these heights are adjustable depending upon various factors including the exact configuration and dimensions of the container, the width of the tube  62  and the degree of angle and rigidity of the clips  63  and  64 . 
         [0037]    Preferably, the lower end of the side clips  65  and  66  is located about 1.5 inches above the bottom of the tube  62  (Distance B) when the solid food container to be dispensed has a height of approximately 4.75 inches. In other words, the height of the bottom of the clips  65  and  66  is set at approximately 65% of the height of a 4.75 inch container when the container is properly seated in the dispenser  60  for dispensing. Distance B is about 3.0 inches when the solid food container to be dispensed has a height of approximately 6.0 inches, or approximately 75% of the height of a 6.0 inch container when the container is properly seated in the dispenser  60  for dispensing, Distance B is about 3.5 inches when the solid food container to be dispensed has a height of approximately 6.25 inches, or approximately 80% of the height of a 6.25 inch container when the container is properly seated in the dispenser  60  for dispensing. All of these heights are adjustable depending upon various factors including the exact configuration and dimensions of the container, the width of the tube  62  and the degree of angle and rigidity of the clips  65  and  66 . 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 7-11  and  15 - 19 , all the clips  63 ,  64 ,  65 , and  66  have an angled extension  76  that permits the clips to “dig in” to the containers to facilitate the separation of the individual containers from the stack  70 . The tension imparted by the clips  63 ,  64 ,  65  and  66  and the manner and location that it is imparted is what ultimately facilitates the maintenance of the containers within the dispenser  60  and the one-by-one withdrawal of the containers without damage. The thickness and material of the clips, as well as their angle and location of contact with the containers principally determines the tension imparted on the containers. In one embodiment of the present invention the clips initially have an angle α which, as shown in  FIG. 19 , is preferably about 160° as measured from the side of the tube  62 . In one embodiment, the ends of the clips have a second angle θ as measured from the first part of the clip which is preferably about 145°. As with most other clip dimensions described herein, these angles may be adjusted depending upon various factors including the exact configuration and dimensions of the container, the width of the tube  62  and the degree of rigidity of the clips  63 ,  64 ,  65  and  66 . 
         [0039]    The exact shape and size of the tube  62  also plays a role in determining the tension applied to the stack  70 . For example, the front and back mounted clips  63  and  64 , because of the shape of the tube  62 , are much closer, as measured from their point of attachment to the tube  62 , to the nested stack  70  of containers as compared to the side mounted clips  65  and  66 . However, since the shape of the containers tapers inwardly from top to bottom, the location of the clips (the front and back ones  63  and  64  being mounted lower than the two side ones  65  and  66 ) also affects the imparted tension. 
         [0040]    Preferably, the clips  63 ,  64 ,  65  and  66  are made from metal, most preferably stainless steel having a thickness of about 0.24 inches. The thickness can be adjusted depending on various factors including the exact tensile strength of the stainless steel employed, the size of the containers in the stack and the width and exact shape of the tube  62 . The clips  63 ,  64 ,  65  and  66  could also be made from plastic or other rigid material capable of imparting sufficient tension on the stack of nested containers  70  and creating an appropriate point of contact. In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between containers in a stack of nested containers is only about 0.1 inches and only one container at a time is preferably contacted by a given clip. As such, the width of the clip can be a factor in ensuring the proper operation of the present invention. 
         [0041]    In use, a nested stack of containers  70  is fit into the tube  62  through the top  78 . Because of the shape of the tube  62 , the stack  70  can only be placed in the tube  62  in proper orientation. The stack  70  is pushed into the tube  62  until it engages all the clips  63 ,  64 ,  64  and  66 . At that point, the bottommost container in the stack  70  will preferably protrude between about 1-2 inches below the bottom of the tube  62 , and most preferably, about 1.5 inches below the bottom of the tube  62 . This is preferably something less than about 30% of the height of a single container stored in the tube  62 . This limited extension of the container outside the tube prevents a user from grasping the bottommost cup and pinching it in a way that would result in the dispensing of multiple cups at a given time. 
         [0042]    The tube  62  is preferably about 8 inches in length but need not be so limited. Keeping the tube  62  shorter has the advantage of minimizing the likelihood of any jams and providing for relatively easy correction if one should occur. A longer tube, on the other hand, can support a greater supply of containers requiring less monitoring and refilling. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 20 and 21  show a second embodiment of the tube of the present invention. In this embodiment, the tube  62 ′ has extended areas  80  that substantially cover the front and back of the bottommost cup in the stack  70 . This configuration limits still further, the ability of a user to pinch the stack of nested containers  70  and remove more than one container since access is limited to grasping the bottommost container from the sides. 
         [0044]    The dispenser of the present invention may be implemented in a variety of configurations, using certain features or aspects of the several embodiments described herein and others known in the art. Thus, although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is perceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific features and embodiments set forth above. Rather, it is recognized that modifications may be made by one of skill in the art of the invention without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention and, therefore, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter disclosed herein.