Patent Publication Number: US-10327567-B2

Title: Cutlery dispenser

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to cutlery utensils and more particularly to a cutlery dispenser and related methods for dispensing disposable cutlery utensils one at a time in a controlled and hygienic manner with simplified components. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Restaurants and other types of retail outlets often provide disposable cutlery utensils in open self-serve dispensing bins. In this manner, consumers may retrieve a cutlery utensil, such as a fork, a spoon, a knife, a spork, and the like, directly from a dispensing bin. Such open dispensing bins, however, may have at least the appearance of being somewhat unhygienic because the cutlery utensils may not be enclosed or wrapped. As a result, consumers may react negatively because the remaining cutlery utensils may be touched or otherwise contacted while a selected cutlery utensil is being removed from the dispensing bin. 
     To address these concerns relating to cutlery utensils, enclosed cutlery dispensers have been used. Cutlery utensils may be placed and stored in a utensil compartment of the dispenser and may be dispensed therefrom one at a time on command. Generally described, such cutlery dispensers may operate via gravity or via a dispensing lever, a rotating belt, and/or other types of dispensing mechanisms. The mechanics of such dispensing mechanisms, however, may be complex and hence may be subject to malfunction. Further, such cutlery dispensers typically may be somewhat bulky and may occupy a significant footprint on an already crowded countertop and the like. 
     There is thus a desire for an improved cutlery dispenser for cutlery utensils. Preferably, such an improved cutlery dispenser may be easy and hygienic to load and to dispense the cutlery utensils therefrom and may provide a reduced overall footprint and simplified dispensing mechanics. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils which may be at least partially wrapped. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing, a cover, a wedge protrusion, and a pair of sweeper arms. The housing may include an interior space configured to receive a number of cutlery utensils loaded therein. The cover may enclose a portion of the interior space and be configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space. The wedge protrusion may be configured to engage a leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position. The sweeper arms may be configured to engage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped or partially wrapped cutlery utensils. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing, a cover, and a trough. The housing may include an interior space configured to receive a number of cutlery utensils loaded therein. The cover may enclose a portion of the interior space and be configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space. The trough may be attached to the cover and configured to receive handles of the cutlery utensils therein, and the trough may include a stop wall positioned at or near an end of the trough opposite the cover and configured to engage a trailing one of the cutlery utensils when the dispenser is at a maximum fill level. 
     In still another aspect, the present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped or partially wrapped cutlery utensils. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing, a cover, and a trough. The housing may include an interior space configured to receive a number of cutlery utensils loaded therein. The cover may enclose a portion of the interior space and be configured to translate between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space. The trough may be attached to the cover and configured to receive handles of the cutlery utensils therein, such that the cutlery utensils are oriented in a substantially upright manner with functional heads of the cutlery utensils positioned above the handles. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped or partially wrapped cutlery utensils. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing, a cover, and a wedge protrusion. The housing may include an interior space configured to receive a number of cutlery utensils loaded therein. The cover may enclose a portion of the interior space and be configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space. The wedge protrusion may be configured to engage a leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position. The wedge protrusion may include a contact surface oriented at an acute angle relative to an interior surface of the cover. 
     In still another aspect, the present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped or partially wrapped cutlery utensils. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing, a cover, and a follower arm. The housing may include an interior space configured to receive a number of cutlery utensils loaded therein. The cover may enclose a portion of the interior space and be configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space. The follower arm may be attached to the housing and configured to pivot relative to the housing. The follower arm may include one or more indicators configured to indicate a fill level of the loaded cutlery utensils or available capacity of the dispenser. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped or partially wrapped cutlery utensils. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing and a cover. The housing may include an interior space configured to receive a number of cutlery utensils loaded therein. The cover may enclose a portion of the interior space and be configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space. The cover may include a slot or other opening configured to receive a skewer to facilitate loading of the cutlery utensils into the interior space. 
     These and other aspects and improvements of the present disclosure will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the several drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating example embodiments of the disclosure, in which use of the same reference numerals indicates similar or identical features or components. Certain embodiments may include features and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some features and/or components may not be present in certain embodiments. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a cutlery dispenser as may be described herein. 
         FIG. 1B  is a partially-exploded perspective view of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1D  is a partially-exploded perspective view of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1E  is a perspective view of a portion of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A , showing a front cover of the cutlery dispenser in an open position. 
         FIG. 1F  is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A , showing a pusher assembly and sweeper arms of the cutlery dispenser. 
         FIG. 1G  is a perspective view of the front cover and a trough of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1H  is a perspective view of the front cover and the trough of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1I  is a perspective view of the front cover of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1J  is a perspective view of the front cover of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1K  is a perspective view of the pusher assembly of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1L  is a perspective view of the pusher assembly of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1M  is a perspective view of a portion of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A , showing a housing portion, a follower arm, a sweeper arm, and a biasing member of the cutlery dispenser. 
         FIG. 1N  is a perspective view of the sweeper arms of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1O  is a top view of the sweeper arms of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1P  is a perspective view of the follower arm of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1Q  is a perspective view of the follower arm of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1R  is a cross-sectional side view of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A , showing the pusher assembly in a rearward position relative to a housing of the cutlery dispenser. 
         FIG. 1S  is a cross-sectional side view of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A , showing the pusher assembly in a forward position relative to the housing. 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of a cutlery utensil that may be used with the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of the cutlery utensil of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a front view of the cutlery utensil of  FIG. 2A , with a wrapper enclosing a functional head of the cutlery utensil. 
         FIG. 2D  is a side view of the cutlery utensil of  FIG. 2A , with the wrapper enclosing the functional head of the cutlery utensil. 
         FIG. 2E  is a side view of a skewer that may be used with a number of the cutlery utensils of  FIG. 2A  and the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2F  is a top view of the skewer of  FIG. 2E . 
         FIG. 2G  is a side view of a number of the cutlery utensils of  FIG. 2A  and the skewer of  FIG. 2E , showing the skewer extending through skewer apertures of the cutlery utensils to maintain the cutlery utensils in a stack. 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A , showing the front cover of the cutlery dispenser in an open position. 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional side view of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A , showing the front cover in an open position and a number of the cutlery utensils of  FIG. 2A  positioned on the skewer of  FIG. 2E  and partially within the trough of the cutlery dispenser. 
         FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional side view of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A , showing the front cover in a closed position and the number of the cutlery utensils of  FIG. 2A  positioned on the skewer of  FIG. 2E  and within an interior space of the housing of the cutlery dispenser. 
         FIG. 3D  is a cross-sectional side view of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A , showing the front cover in the closed position and the number of the cutlery utensils of  FIG. 2A  positioned within the interior space. 
         FIG. 3E  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A , showing the front cover in an open position and a number of the cutlery utensils of  FIG. 2A  positioned within the interior space and retained therein by the sweeper arms of the cutlery dispenser. 
         FIG. 3F  is a front view of a portion of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A  with the front cover removed from view, showing the number of the cutlery utensils of  FIG. 2A  positioned within the interior space and retained therein by the sweeper arms. 
         FIG. 3G  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the cutlery dispenser of  FIG. 1A , showing the front cover in an open position, the number of the cutlery utensils of  FIG. 2A  positioned within the interior space and retained therein by the sweeper arms, and a number of the cutlery utensils of  FIG. 2A  positioned on the skewer of  FIG. 2E  and partially within the trough of the cutlery dispenser. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure includes example embodiments of cutlery dispensers and related methods for dispensing cutlery utensils to address one or more of the concerns discussed above. Reference is made herein to the accompanying drawings illustrating the example embodiments of the disclosure, in which use of the same reference numerals indicates similar or identical features or components. Throughout the disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1A-1S  show an example embodiment of a cutlery dispenser  100  as may be described herein. The cutlery dispenser  100  may have a generally rectangular shape configured to be oriented in an upright manner, as shown in  FIG. 1A , although other suitable shapes and configurations of the cutlery dispenser  100  may be used in other embodiments. During use, the cutlery dispenser  100  may be oriented in the upright manner and positioned on a countertop or other support surface in a particular working environment, such as a restaurant, although other suitable orientations and positions of the cutlery dispenser  100  may be used. In certain embodiments, the cutlery dispenser  100  may be configured to be free-standing and portable, such that the cutlery dispenser  100  may be placed on any countertop or other support surface and may be easily moved from one position to another position thereon. In other embodiments, the cutlery dispenser  100  may be configured to be temporarily or permanently mounted and fixed to a countertop or other support surface. For example, the cutlery dispenser  100  may be mounted to a base or other support structure to securely maintain a desired orientation and position of the cutlery dispenser  100  with respect to the countertop or other support structure. 
     As described in detail below, the cutlery dispenser  100  may be configured to dispense a number of cutlery utensils  200  therefrom one at a time on demand.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  show an example cutlery utensil  200  that may be used with the cutlery dispenser  100 . Although the cutlery utensil  200  is shown as a fork in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the utensil  200  may be any type of cutlery utensil, including, for example, a fork, a spoon, a knife, or a spork. In certain embodiments, the cutlery utensil  200  may be disposable and may be constructed of a moldable material, although other suitable materials may be used. The moldable material may include a plastic, a combination of plastics, or other materials suitable for use in forming cutlery utensils. For example, the moldable material may include one or more of polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene. For instance, in certain embodiments, the cutlery utensil  200  may be constructed of recyclable and/or compostable materials. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the cutlery utensil  200  may include a functional head  202 , a handle  204 , and a neck  206 . The functional head  202  may extend from a first end of the cutlery utensil  200  and may be configured to perform a function to assist a user in the consumption of food. For example, the functional head  202  may be configured to cut, pierce, and/or scoop certain types of food for consumption. The handle  204  may extend from an opposite second end of the cutlery utensil  200  and may be configured to be grasped by the user for holding and/or manipulating the utensil  200 . The neck  204  may be positioned between and connect the functional head  202  and the handle  204  and may provide a smooth transition therebetween. In certain embodiments, the cutlery utensil  200  may not include the neck  206 , such that the handle  204  is connected to and extends directly from the functional head  202 . The cutlery utensil  200  may be shaped and contoured as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , although other shapes and contours of the utensil  200  may be used. 
     As shown, the cutlery utensil  200  may include a skewer aperture  208  extending therethrough from a front surface  210  to a back surface  212  of the utensil  200 . The skewer aperture  208  may be configured to receive a skewer  240  or other type of joinder member or loading member therethrough to facilitate loading of a number of the cutlery utensils  200  into the cutlery dispenser  100 , as described below. In certain embodiments, as shown, the skewer aperture  208  may be defined in the handle  204  of the cutlery utensil  200  and spaced apart from the second end of the utensil  200 , although other suitable locations of the skewer aperture  220  may be used. The skewer aperture  208  may have an elongated shape having a length extending along the length of the cutlery utensil  200  and a width extending along the width of the cutlery utensil  200 . In certain embodiments, as shown, the skewer aperture  208  may have an elongated racetrack shape having rounded ends, although other shapes of the skewer aperture  208  may be used. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , a thickness T of the handle  204  of the cutlery utensil  200  may vary along the length of the handle  204 . The handle  204  may include a first portion  214  having a constant or substantially constant thickness T along the length of the first portion  214 , and a second portion  216  having a varying thickness T along the length of the second portion  216 . In certain embodiments, as shown, the front and back surfaces of the handle  204  may be parallel or substantially parallel to one another along the length of the first portion  214 , and the front and back surfaces of the handle  204  may be oriented at an acute angle α relative to one another along the length of the second portion  216 . As described in detail below, the angled shape of the second portion  216  may assist in allowing a number of the cutlery utensils  200  to be fanned when positioned within the cutlery dispenser  100 , which may allow a user to easily grasp and dispense a leading cutlery utensil  200 . The acute angle α between the front and back surfaces of the handle  204  along the second portion may be between one (1) degree and forty-five (45) degrees, between one (1) degree and thirty (30) degrees, between one (1) degree and twenty (20) degrees, between one (1) degree and ten (10) degrees, or between one (1) degree and six (6) degrees, depending on the degree of fanning desired, although other values of the acute angle α may be used. It will be appreciated that various types and configurations of cutlery utensils other than the type and configuration of the cutlery utensil  200  shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  may be used with the cutlery dispenser  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , a wrapper  230  may enclose at least a portion of the cutlery utensil  200 . For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the wrapper  230  may enclose the functional head  202  and at least a portion of the neck  206  of the cutlery utensil  200 . In other embodiments, the wrapper  230  may enclose only the functional head  202  or at least an end portion thereof. In still other embodiments, the wrapper  230  may enclose the entire cutlery utensil  200 . By enclosing a portion of the cutlery utensil  200 , the wrapper  230  may protect the enclosed portion of the utensil  200  from contamination prior to and during dispensing of the utensil  200  from the cutlery dispenser  100 . It will be appreciated that in those embodiments in which the wrapper  230  encloses the entire cutlery utensil  200  or at least covers the portion about the skewer aperture  208 , the wrapper  230  will include a corresponding aperture (not shown) therein so as to allow a skewer or the like to pass therethrough. The wrapper  230  may be constructed of a thin layer of disposable packaging material, which may be at least substantially sealed to contain the enclosed portion of the cutlery utensil  200  therein. In certain embodiments, the wrapper  230  may be constructed of a plastic, including, for example, polyethylene, and the sealed portions of the wrapper  230  may be formed by heat sealing or glue sealing the plastic around the enclosed portion of the cutlery utensil  200 . Other suitable materials of construction may be used to form the wrapper  230 , and other suitable methods of forming the sealed regions may be used. It is also contemplated that each of the cutlery utensil embodiments contemplated by the present invention may be wrapper free. In other words, the cutlery dispenser  100  may be used to dispense a cutlery utensil  200  that does not have a wrapper  230  enclosing any portion of the utensil  200 . 
       FIGS. 2E and 2F  show an example skewer  240  that may be used with a number of the cutlery utensils  200  and the cutlery dispenser  100  to facilitate loading of the utensils  200  into the dispenser  100  and/or unloading of the utensils  200  from the dispenser  100 . As shown, the skewer  240  may have an elongated shape and may include a retainer head  242 , a handle  244 , and a shank  246 . The retainer head  242  may extend from a first end of the skewer  240  and may be configured to be inserted through the skewer apertures  208  of the cutlery utensils  200  and to releasably retain the utensils  200  on the skewer  240 . In certain embodiments, as shown, the retainer head  242  may include a pair of retainer arms  248  spaced apart from one another and configured to deflect towards one another when the retainer head  242  is inserted through the skewer aperture  208  of the cutlery utensil  200 . Each retainer arm  248  may include a barb  250  positioned at or near the free end of the retainer arm  248  and configured to releasably retain the cutlery utensil  200  on the skewer  240  when the retainer head  242  is inserted within the skewer aperture  208  of the utensil  200 . The handle  244  may extend from an opposite second end of the skewer  240  and may be configured to be grasped by a user for holding and/or manipulating the skewer  240 . As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the handle  244  may be larger than the cross-sectional shape of the skewer aperture  208  of the cutlery utensil  200 , such that the handle  244  is prevented from being inserted into the skewer aperture  208 . The shank  246  may be positioned between and connect the retainer head  242  and the handle  244  and may be configured to be inserted through the skewer apertures  208  of the cutlery utensils  200 . The skewer  240  may be shaped and contoured as shown in  FIGS. 2E and 2F , although other shapes and contours of the utensil  200  may be used. It will be appreciated that various configurations of the skewer  240  or other joinder members may be used with the cutlery utensils  200  and the cutlery dispenser  100 . For example, the skewer  240  may have a more complex configuration than the illustrated embodiment and/or may include multiple components configured to interact with the cutlery utensils  200  and the cutlery dispenser  100 . 
       FIG. 2G  shows the skewer  240  with a number of the cutlery utensils  200  positioned thereon in a stack, such that the utensils  200  are arranged in a nested manner. Although twenty (20) cutlery utensils  200  are shown positioned on the skewer  240  in the illustrated embodiment, the skewer  240  may be configured to retain any suitable number of cutlery utensils  200 . As shown, the skewer  240  may be inserted through the skewer apertures  208  of the cutlery utensils  200 , such that the shank  246  and at least a portion of the retainer head  242  are positioned therethrough and the retainer arms  248  retain the cutlery utensils  200  on the skewer  240 . The corresponding cross-sectional shapes of the shank  246  and the skewer apertures  208  may prevent or restrict the cutlery utensils  200  from rotating relative to the skewer  240 , such that all of the cutlery utensils  200  are retained in a common orientation. The cutlery utensils  200  may be loaded onto the skewer  240  by inserting the retainer head  242  through the skewer apertures  208  of the utensils  200  and advancing the utensils along the shank  246  toward the handle  244 . As the barbs  250  pass through each skewer aperture  208 , the retainer arms  248  may deflect towards one another and then assume their relaxed state after the barbs  250  pass through the skewer aperture  208 . In this manner, the cutlery utensils  200  may be retained on the shank  246  and/or the retainer head  242  of the skewer  240 . The cutlery utensils  200  may be removed from the skewer  240  by restraining the relative position of the utensils  200 , for example by one or more components of the cutlery dispenser  100  contacting one or more of the utensils  200 , and pulling the handle  244  of the skewer  240  away from the utensils  200 . In particular, the handle  244  may be pulled with sufficient force to cause the retainer arms  248  to deflect towards one another such that the barbs  250  may pass through the skewer apertures  208  of the utensils  200 . In this manner, the cutlery utensils  200  may be removed from the shank  246  and the retainer head  242  of the skewer  240 . As described in detail below, the skewer  240  may be used to load the stack of the cutlery utensils  200  into the cutlery dispenser  100  in an easy and efficient manner. The skewer  240  also may be used to unload a number of the cutlery utensils  200  from the cutlery dispenser  100  in an opposite manner, as described below. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1A-1D , the cutlery dispenser  100  may have a front  102 , a back  104 , a top  106 , a bottom  108 , a first side  110 , and a second side  112 . It will be appreciated that the nomenclature associated with these sides of the cutlery dispenser  100  are with respect to the upright orientation shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , and that the dispenser  100  may be used in other orientations. As shown, the cutlery dispenser  100  may include a housing  114  that includes a number of walls and defines an interior space  116  therein, inward from the walls of the housing  114 . The interior space  116  may be configured to receive a number of the cutlery utensils  200  therein and to contain various components of the cutlery dispenser  100  therein. In certain embodiments, as shown, the housing  114  may include a number of portions that are separately formed and attached to one another. For example, the housing  114  may include a first housing portion  118 , a second housing portion  120 , and a top cover  122  that are separately formed and attached to one another. In certain embodiments, the first housing portion  118  and the second housing portion  120  may be mirror images or substantially mirror images of one another. As shown, the first housing portion  118  may define at least a portion of each of the front  102 , the back  104 , the top  106 , the bottom  108 , and the first side  110  of the cutlery dispenser  100 , and the second housing portion  120  may define at least a portion of each of the front  102 , the back  104 , the top  106 , the bottom  108 , and the second side  112  of the cutlery dispenser  100 . The first housing portion  118  and the second housing portion  120  each may include one or more feet  124  or other leveling features positioned along the bottom thereof and configured to support the cutlery dispenser  100  on a countertop or other support surface in the upright orientation. Additionally or alternatively, the first housing portion  118  and the second housing portion  120  each may include one or more mounting tabs  126  positioned along the bottom surface thereof and configured to securely engage mating receptacles of a base or platform on which the cutlery dispenser  100  may be mounted. For example, the mounting tabs  126  may be configured to form a snap fit with the mating receptacles to securely mount the cutlery dispenser  100  to the base or platform. In certain embodiments, as shown, the first housing portion  118  and the second housing portion  120  may be securely attached to one another by one or more fasteners  128 , such as screws, although other attachment mechanisms may be used. The top cover  122  may be positioned over and attached to each of the first housing portion  118  and the second housing portion  120 . As shown, the top cover  122  may define at least a portion of each of the front  102 , the back  104 , the top  106 , the first side  110 , and the second side  112  of the cutlery dispenser  100 . The housing  114  may be constructed of any suitable type of substantially rigid material including thermoplastics, such as polypropylene, metals, such as aluminum, composite materials, or other suitable materials. It will be appreciated that various shapes and configurations of the housing  114  may be used with the cutlery dispenser  100 . 
     The cutlery dispenser  100  also may include a front cover  130  and a trough  132  attached to the front cover  130 . In some embodiments, as shown, the front cover  130  and the trough  132  may be separately formed and attached to one another. For example, the front cover  130  and the trough  132  may be attached to one another by one or more fasteners  134 , such as screws, although other attachment mechanisms may be used. In other embodiments, the front cover  130  and the trough  132  may be integrally formed with one another as a single component. The front cover  130  and the trough  132  may be configured to move relative to the housing  114  between a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 1A , for dispensing of the cutlery utensils  200  from the cutlery dispenser  100 , and an open position, as shown in  FIG. 1E , for loading the cutlery utensils  200  into the interior space  116  of the dispenser  100 . In particular, the front cover  130  and the trough  132  may be configured to slide or translate relative to the housing  114  between the closed position and an open position. It will be appreciated that the front cover  130  and the trough  132  may have a number of open positions, depending on the extent to which the front cover  130  and the trough  132  are moved relative to the housing  114 . When the front cover  130  and the trough  132  are in the closed position, the front cover  130  may partially enclose the interior space  116 , such that a dispensing opening  136  of the cutlery dispenser  100  is defined between respective portions of the front cover  130  and the housing  114 . As described below, a leading cutlery utensil  200  (i.e., the cutlery utensil  200  positioned closest to the dispensing opening  136  and within the interior space  116  of the housing  114 ) may extend through the dispensing opening  136 , such that a user may grasp and remove the leading cutlery utensil  200  through the dispensing opening  136 . As shown, the front cover  130  may be positioned along a bottom portion of the front  102  of the cutlery dispenser  100 , and the dispensing opening  136  may be positioned along a top portion of the front  102  of the dispenser  100 , although other positions of the front cover  130  and the dispensing opening  136  may be used. 
     In certain embodiments, as shown, the front cover  130  may include an indicator portion  137  positioned along the front of the cover  130  and visible to a user. The indicator portion  137  may include an indicator, such as a symbol, a word, or a braille pattern, which indicates the type of cutlery utensil  200  contained within the cutlery dispenser  100  and/or provides a decorative feature for branding or marketing purposes. In certain embodiments, as shown, the indicator portion  137  may be removably attached to a remainder of the front cover  130 , for example by a snap-fit connection. In this manner, the indicator portion  137  may be removed and replaced with a different indicator portion  137  when the type of cutlery utensil  200  to be dispensed from the dispenser  100  is changed. As shown, the front cover  130  may include a locking tab  138 , which may be positioned along the bottom of the front cover  130  and may be configured to releasably engage a locking receptacle  140  defined in the housing  114  when the front cover  130  is in the closed position. In this manner, the locking tab  138  and the locking receptacle  140  may form a releasable lock to prevent the front cover  130  from inadvertently moving from the closed position to an open position. The locking tab  138  may be disengaged from the locking receptacle  140  by deflecting the locking tab  138  away from the locking receptacle  140 , thereby allowing the front cover  130  to be moved to an open position. The front cover  130  also may include a skewer slot  141  defined therein and configured to allow a portion of the skewer  240  to be received within the slot  141 . As described below, the skewer slot  141  may facilitate alignment of the skewer  420  relative to the front cover  130  and the overall cutlery dispenser  100  during loading of the cutlery utensils  200  into the dispenser  100  via the skewer  240 . In certain embodiments, as shown, the skewer slot  141  may extend vertically from the top of the front cover  130 , although other orientations and positions of the skewer slot  141  may be used. 
     The front cover  130  also may include a wedge protrusion  142  positioned along the vertical interior surface of the front cover  130  and extending inward therefrom. As described in detail below, the wedge protrusion  142  may be configured to engage a portion of the leading cutlery utensil  200 , such as a portion of the handle  204  of the leading cutlery utensil  200 , such that the leading cutlery utensil  200  is tilted forward (i.e., toward the front  102  of the dispenser  100 ) from an upright position to a tilted position and a portion of the leading cutlery utensil  200 , such as the functional head  202  of the leading cutlery utensil  200 , extends at least partially through the dispensing opening  136  and outside of the interior space  116 . In this manner, the wedge protrusion  142  may cause the leading cutlery utensil  200  and a number of subsequent cutlery utensils  200  (i.e., cutlery utensils  200  positioned further from the dispensing opening  136  than the leading cutlery utensil  200 ) to assume a fanned arrangement, with the functional heads  202  of these utensils  200  spaced apart from one another to facilitate dispensing. As shown, the wedge protrusion  142  may include one or more contact surfaces  144  configured to engage the front surface of the handle  204  of the leading cutlery utensil  200  such that the leading cutlery utensil  200  is tilted from the upright position to the tilted position. According to the illustrated embodiment, the wedge protrusion  142  may include three (3) contact surfaces  144 , although any suitable number of contact surfaces  144  may be used. In particular, the wedge protrusion  142  may include a bottom contact surface  144   a , an intermediate contact surface  144   b , and a top contact surface  144   c . As shown, each of the contact surfaces  144  may be oriented at an acute angle relative to the vertical interior surface of the front cover  130 . In certain embodiments, the acute angle of the bottom contact surface  144   a  may be less than the acute angle of the intermediate contact surface  144   b , and the acute angle of the intermediate contact surface  144   b  may be less than the acute angle of the top contact surface  144   c , although other configurations of the contact surfaces  144  may be used. According to the illustrated embodiment, each of the contact surfaces  144  may be a planar surface. In other embodiments, one or more of the contact surfaces  144  may be a curved surface or otherwise may be contoured to have a non-planar shape. Although the wedge protrusion  142  is shown as being part of the front cover  130 , the wedge protrusion  142  alternatively may be part of the trough  132 . 
     As shown, the trough  132  may extend inward from the front cover  130  and may move therewith when the front cover  130  is moved between the closed position and an open position. The trough  132  may have an elongated shape and may include a base  146  having a U-shaped cross-sectional shape, and a pair of flanges  148  extending laterally from the base  146 . The base  146  may be configured to receive a portion of each of the cutlery utensils  200  in the cutlery dispenser  100 . In particular, according to the illustrated embodiment, the base  146  may be configured to receive a portion of the handle  204  of each of the cutlery utensils  200  therein. In other embodiments, the base  146  may be configured to receive a portion of the functional head  202  of each of the cutlery utensils  200  therein. As shown, each of the flanges  148  may be movably received between a pair of guide rails  150  of the housing  114 . In this manner, the guide rails  150  may guide the sliding horizontal movement of the trough  132  relative to the housing  114  and may prevent or restrict vertical movement of the trough  132  relative to the housing  114 . As shown in  FIGS. 1G and 1H , the trough  132  may include a stop tab  152  configured to engage a stop protrusion  154  of the housing  114  to limit the sliding movement of the trough  132  relative to the housing  114 . In certain embodiments, the stop tab  152  may be positioned on one of the flanges  148  of the trough  132 , although other positions of the stop tab  152  may be used. The stop tab  152  effectively may define a fully open position of the front cover  130  and the trough  132  relative to the housing  114 . In this manner, the stop tab  152  may prevent or restrict the trough  132  from being completely removed from the interior space  116  of the housing  114 . As shown, the trough  132  also may include a stop wall  155  positioned at or near the end of the trough  132  opposite the front cover  130  and extending vertically along the height of the base  146 . The stop wall  155  effectively may limit the number of the cutlery utensils  200  that may be positioned within the trough  132 . In particular, the stop wall  155  may be configured to engage a trailing cutlery utensil  200  (i.e., the cutlery utensil  200  positioned furthest from the dispensing opening  136 ) when the cutlery dispenser  100  is at a maximum fill level. In this manner, the stop wall  155  may prevent overloading of cutlery utensils  200  in the cutlery dispenser  100 , which might otherwise result in jamming of the dispenser  100  and/or subjecting one or more components of the dispenser  100  to undesirable stresses. 
     The cutlery dispenser  100  also may include a pushing assembly  156  movably positioned within the interior space  116  of the dispenser  100  and configured to push or advance the cutlery utensils  200  toward the front  102  of the dispenser  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 1K-1L , the pusher assembly  156  may include a support member  158  and one or more biasing members  160 . The support member  158  may be configured to translate or slide relative to the housing  114  in a direction extending from the front  102  of the dispenser  100  to the back  104  of the dispenser  100 , and the biasing member  160  may be configured to bias the support member  158  toward the front  102  of the dispenser  100  and into engagement with the trailing cutlery utensil  200  loaded in the dispenser  100 . As shown, the support member  158  may include a contact surface  162  positioned along the front of the support member  158  and configured to engage the back surface of the trailing cutlery utensil  200 . The support member  158  also may include a number of arms  164  extending laterally and configured to movably engage respective guide rails  166  of the housing  114 . In this manner, the guide rails  166  may guide the sliding horizontal movement of the support member  158  relative to the housing  114  and may prevent or restrict vertical movement of the support member  158  relative to the housing  114 . The support member  158  also may include a guide post  168  extending vertically upward and configured to movably engage a follower arm  170  of the cutlery dispenser  100 . As shown, the support member  158  may include a skewer opening  171  defined in the front of the support member  158  and configured to receive a portion of the skewer  240  therein during loading of the cutlery utensils  200  into the dispenser  100 . In particular, the skewer opening  171  may facilitate alignment of the skewer  240  and the cutlery utensils  200  positioned thereon with respect to the dispenser  100  during loading the utensils  200 , as described below. The biasing member  160  may be securely attached to the housing  114 , for example by a fastener  172 , such as a screw, and may be configured to engage a back surface of the support member  158 . In this manner, the biasing member  160  may bias the support member  158  toward the front  102  of the dispenser  100  and into engagement with the trailing cutlery utensil  200 . In certain embodiments, as shown, the biasing member  160  may be a constant force spring, although other types of springs or biasing members may be used. 
     As shown, the follower arm  170  may positioned within a top portion of the interior space  116  of the housing  114  and may be pivotally attached to the housing  114 . In this manner, the follower arm  170  may pivot relative to the housing  114  during use of the dispenser  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 1P and 1Q , the follower arm  170  may include a contact surface  174  positioned along the bottom of the follower arm  170  and configured to engage the guide post  168  of the support member  158 . The contact surface  174  may be contoured as shown, such that the follower arm  170  pivots relative to the housing  114  when the support member  158  translates relative to the housing  114 . In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 1R and 1S , the follower arm  170  may pivot upward relative to the housing  114  when the support member  158  translates toward the front  102  of the cutlery dispenser  100 . As shown, the follower arm  170  may include a pair of guide ribs  176  extending along the contact surface  174  and spaced apart from one another to guide the support member  158  as the follower arm  170  and the support member  158  move relative to the housing  114 . As shown in  FIG. 1M , the follower arm  170  may include a number of indicators  178  configured to indicate a fill level of the cutlery utensils  200  loaded within the interior space  116  of the cutlery dispenser  100  and/or to indicate whether additional cutlery utensils  200  may be loaded into the interior space  116  of the dispenser  100 . In certain embodiments, as shown, the follower arm  170  may include three (3) indicators  178 , although any number of the indicators  178  may be used. A first indicator  178   a  may indicate that the dispenser  100  is full or nearly full, a second indicator  178   b  may indicate that the dispenser  100  is partially full, and a third indicator  178   c  may indicate that the dispenser  100  is empty or nearly empty. In certain embodiments, the indicators  178  may be colored-coded, with each indicator  178  being a different color. For example, the first indicator  178   a  may be green, the second indicator  178   b  may be yellow, and the third indicator  178   c  may be red, although other colors may be used for the indicators  178 . In certain embodiments, the indicators  178  may indicate whether an additional stack of the cutlery utensils  200  (i.e., the number of the cutlery utensils  200  that may be loaded on the skewer  240  at once) may be loaded into the dispenser  100 . For example, the first indicator  178   a  may indicate that no additional full stacks of the utensils  200  may be loaded into the dispenser  100 , the second indicator  178   b  may indicate that one additional stack of the utensils  200  may be loaded into the dispenser  100 , and the third indicator  178   c  may indicate that two additional stacks of the utensils  200  may be loaded into the dispenser  100 . It will be understood that the indicators  178  may provide any type of visual indication, such as colors, symbols, numbers, or words. During use of the cutlery dispenser  100 , one of the indicators  178  may be visible through an indicator window  180  of the housing  114 , while the remaining indicators  178  are hidden from view. Other configurations may allow for a transition between two of the indicators  178 . In certain embodiments, as shown, the indicator window  180  may be positioned along the front  102  of the dispenser  100 , although other positions of the indicator window  180 , such as along the top  106  or one of the sides  110 ,  112  of the dispenser  100 , may be used. As the follower arm  170  pivots relative to the housing  114 , the indicator  178  that is visible through the indicator window  180  may allow a user to determine the fill level of the cutlery utensils  200  loaded within the interior space  116  of the cutlery dispenser  100  and/or whether additional utensils  200  may be loaded into the interior space  116  of the dispenser  100 . Although the indicators  178  are shown as being part of the follower arm  170  in the illustrated embodiment, the indicators  178  alternatively may be part of the support member  158 , and the indicator window  180  may be configured to allow the different indicators  178  to be viewed as the support member  158  translates relative to the housing  114 . 
     The cutlery dispenser  100  also may include a pair of sweeper arms  182  securely attached to the housing  114  and configured to retain the cutlery utensils  200  within the interior space  116  of the housing  114  as the cutlery utensils  200  are loaded into the dispenser  100 . In certain embodiments, the sweeper arms  182  may be attached to the housing  114  by one or more of the fasteners  172 , although other attachment mechanisms may be used. The sweeper arms  182  may be spaced apart from and positioned opposite one another, such that the cutlery utensils  200  may be inserted therebetween. As shown in  FIGS. 1N and 1O , each sweeper arm  182  may include a barb  184  positioned along a front end of the sweeper arm  182  and configured to engage the cutlery utensils  200 . In particular, the barb  184  may include a lead-in surface  186  configured to engage the back surface of a cutlery utensil  200  as the utensil  200  is inserted between the sweeper arms  182 , and a contact surface  188  configured to engage the front surface of the cutlery utensil  200  after the utensil  200  is inserted past the barb  184 . The sweeper arms  182  may be spaced apart and configured to deflect away from one another when the cutlery utensil  200  engages the lead-in surfaces  186  and then return to their original, relaxed position after the utensil  200  is inserted past the barb  184 . The cutlery utensil  200  subsequently may be biased into engagement with the contact surfaces  188  by the pushing assembly  156 . As described below, the sweeper arms  182  may engage the leading cutlery utensil  200  and maintain the loaded cutlery utensils  200  within the interior space  116  of the dispenser  100  when the front cover  130  is in an open position and may disengage (i.e., be spaced apart from and not in contact with) the leading cutlery utensil  200  when the front cover  130  is in the closed position. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate an example method of loading a number of the cutlery utensils  200  into the cutlery dispenser  100  and dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils  200  (i.e., the utensils  200  positioned within the interior space  116  of the housing  114 ) from the cutlery dispenser  100 . The front cover  130  may be moved relative to the housing  114  from the closed position to an open position, as shown in  FIG. 3A . In particular, the locking tab  138  of the front cover  130  may be depressed to disengage the locking receptacle  140  of the housing  114 , and the front cover  130  may be pulled away from the front of the housing  114  along with the trough  132 . As described above, the front cover  130  may be pulled until the stop tab  152  of the trough  132  engages the stop protrusion  154  of the housing  114 , such that the front cover  130  and the trough  132  are in the fully open position, as shown. A number of the cutlery utensils  200 , previously loaded on the skewer  240 , then may be inserted between the front cover  130  and the pushing assembly  156  via the skewer  240  while the skewer  240  is received within and extends through the skewer slot  141  and the handle  244  of the skewer  240  remains at least partially in front of the front cover  130 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . In particular, the handles  204  of the cutlery utensils  200  may be inserted into the base  146  of the trough  132 , as shown. In this manner, the cutlery utensils  200  may be oriented in an upright or substantially upright manner with the functional heads  202  of the utensils  200  positioned above the handles  204  of the utensils  200 . This orientation of the cutlery utensils  200  advantageously may allow the cutlery dispenser  100  to receive and dispense any suitable type of utensil  200  (e.g., forks, spoons, knives, sporks, etc.) having a handle  204  configured to be received within the trough  132  and a body that is sized to functionally fit within the dispenser  100 . 
     After inserting the handles  204  of the cutlery utensils  200  into the trough  132 , the front cover  130  and the trough  132  may be moved relative to the housing  114  from the open position to the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 3C . As the front cover  130  is closed, the cutlery utensils  200  may pass between the sweeper arms  182  and into the interior space  116  of the dispenser  100 , each utensil  200  engaging the lead-in surfaces  186  of the barbs  184  and deflecting the sweeper arms  182  away from one another as the utensil  200  is inserted therebetween. Additionally, as the front cover  130  is closed, the trailing cutlery utensil  200  should engage the contact surface  162  of the support member  158 , thereby moving the support member  158  toward the back  104  of the dispenser  100  and unfurling the biasing member  160  toward the back  104  of the dispenser  100 . The biasing member  160  may bias the support member  158  toward the front  102  of the dispenser  100  such that the contact surface  162  maintains engagement with the back surface of the trailing cutlery utensil  200 . As the support member  158  moves toward the back  104  of the dispenser  100 , the guide post  168  of the support member  158  may move along the contoured contact surface  174  of the follower arm  170  such that the follower arm  170  pivots upward relative to the housing  114  and the visible indicator  178  indicates the fill level of the cutlery utensils  200  loaded in the dispenser  100  or available capacity of the dispenser  100 . When the front cover  130  and the trough  132  reach the closed position, the locking tab  138  of the front cover  130  may engage the locking receptacle  140  of the housing  114 , thereby preventing the front cover  130  from being inadvertently moved toward an open position. 
     After moving the front cover  130  and the trough  132  to the closed position, the skewer  240  may be removed from the skewer apertures  208  of the cutlery utensils  200 , via the skewer slot  141  of the front cover  130 , and from the overall cutlery dispenser  100 . In particular, the skewer  240  may be removed from the skewer apertures  208  and the skewer slot  141  by pulling the skewer  240  away from the front cover  130 , via the handle  244 , while the cutlery utensils  200  are restrained by the sweeper arms  182  and/or the front cover  130 . When the cover  130  is in the closed position and the skewer  240  is removed from the skewer apertures  208  and the skewer slot  141 , the pushing assembly  156  may move the cutlery utensils  200  toward the front  102  of the dispenser  100  and into engagement with the wedge protrusion  142 , as shown in  FIG. 3D . In particular, the biasing member  160  is shown biasing the support member  158  against the trailing cutlery utensil  200  such that the cutlery utensils  200  are compressed together and the leading cutlery utensil  200  engages the wedge protrusion  142 . As shown, the front surface of the handle  204  of the leading cutlery utensil  200  engages the wedge protrusion  142  such that the leading cutlery utensil  200  is tilted toward the front  102  of the dispenser  100  and at least a portion of the functional head  202  of the leading cutlery utensil  200  extends through the dispensing opening  136  and out of the dispenser  100 . As shown, when the handle  204  of the leading cutlery utensil  200  engages the wedge protrusion  142 , the handle  204  desirably is disengaged and spaced apart from the sweeper arms  182 . In this manner, the handle  204  of the leading cutlery utensil  200  no longer engages the contact surfaces  188  of the sweeper arms  182  when the front cover  130  is closed. The angled shape of the wedge protrusion  142  and the angled shape of the second portions  216  of the cutlery utensils  200  may cause the leading cutlery utensil  200  and a number of the subsequent cutlery utensils  200  to assume a fanned arrangement, as shown in  FIG. 3D , with portions of the handles  204  of such utensils  200  abutting one another and the functional heads  202  of such utensils  200  spaced apart from one another. 
     The fanned arrangement of the cutlery utensils  200  may allow a user to easily grasp and pull the functional head  202  of the leading cutlery utensil  200 , such that the leading cutlery utensil  200  may be removed from the cutlery dispenser  100 . When the leading cutlery utensil  200  is removed from the dispenser  100 , the biasing member  160  may move the support member  158  toward the front  102  of the dispenser  100  such that the contact surface  162  of the support member  158  maintains engagement with the back surface of the trailing cutlery utensil  200  and all of the cutlery utensils  200  move into position for a subsequent dispense. 
       FIGS. 3E-3G  illustrate the function of the sweeper arms  182  when the front cover  130  is moved to an open position while a number of the cutlery utensils  200  remain loaded in the cutlery dispenser  100 . As shown, in  FIGS. 3E and 3F , when the front cover  130  is opened and the leading loaded cutlery utensil  200  no longer engages the wedge protrusion  142 , the cutlery utensils  200  may move toward the front  102  of the dispenser  100  such that the leading loaded cutlery utensil  200  engages the contact surfaces  188  of the sweeper arms  182  and the cutlery utensils  200  assume an upright position. With the front cover  130  in an open position and the loaded cutlery utensils  200  retained by the sweeper arms  182 , additional cutlery utensils  200  may be loaded into the cutlery dispenser  182  via the skewer  240 , as shown in  FIG. 3G . Loading of the additional cutlery utensils  200  may be carried out in the manner described above with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3D . Furthermore, the skewer  240  also may be used to facilitate removal of the loaded cutlery utensils  200  from the cutlery dispenser  100 . For example, the skewer  240  may be inserted through the skewer slot  141  of the front cover  130  and through the skewer apertures  208  of the loaded cutlery utensils  200 , such that the utensils  200  are retained by the skewer  240 . The front cover  130  then may be moved to an open position, and the cutlery utensils  200  may be pulled out of the interior space  116  of the housing  114  via the skewer  240 . If more utensils remain than can be removed on one skewer, the process may be repeated until all utensils are removed. 
     In further embodiments, the present invention is: 
     A cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils, the dispenser comprising a housing comprising an interior space configured to receive a plurality of cutlery utensils loaded therein; a cover enclosing a portion of the interior space and configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space; a wedge protrusion configured to engage a leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position; and a pair of sweeper arms configured to engage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position. 
     A cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils, the dispenser comprising a housing comprising an interior space configured to receive a plurality of cutlery utensils loaded therein; a cover enclosing a portion of the interior space and configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space; and a trough attached to the cover and configured to receive handles of the loaded cutlery utensils therein, wherein the trough comprises a stop wall positioned at or near an end of the trough opposite the cover and configured to engage a trailing one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the dispenser is at a maximum fill level. 
     A cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils, the dispenser comprising a housing comprising an interior space configured to receive a plurality of cutlery utensils loaded therein; a cover enclosing a portion of the interior space and configured to translate relative to the housing between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space; and a trough attached to the cover and configured to receive handles of the loaded cutlery utensils therein, such that the loaded cutlery utensils are oriented in a substantially upright manner with functional heads of the loaded cutlery utensils positioned above the handles. 
     A cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils, the dispenser comprising a housing comprising an interior space configured to receive a plurality of cutlery utensils loaded therein; a cover enclosing a portion of the interior space and configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space; and a wedge protrusion configured to engage a leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position, wherein the wedge protrusion comprises a contact surface oriented at an acute angle relative to an interior surface of the cover. 
     A cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils, the dispenser comprising a housing comprising an interior space configured to receive a plurality of cutlery utensils loaded therein; a cover enclosing a portion of the interior space and configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space; and a follower arm attached to the housing and configured to pivot relative to the housing, wherein the follower arm comprises one or more indicators configured to indicate a fill level of the loaded cutlery utensils within the interior space. 
     A cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils, the dispenser comprising a housing comprising an interior space configured to receive a plurality of cutlery utensils loaded therein; a cover enclosing a portion of the interior space and configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space, wherein the cover comprises a slot configured to receive a skewer to facilitate loading of the cutlery utensils into the interior space. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the wedge protrusion is positioned along an interior surface of the cover. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the wedge protrusion comprises a contact surface oriented at an acute angle relative to the interior surface of the cover, and wherein the contact surface is configured to engage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, further comprising a trough attached to the cover and configured to receive handles of the loaded cutlery utensils therein. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the trough comprises a stop tab, wherein the housing comprises a stop protrusion, and wherein the stop tab is configured to engage the stop protrusion when the cover is in a fully open position to limit movement of the cover relative to the housing. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, further comprising a pushing assembly positioned within the interior space and configured to move the loaded cutlery utensils toward the cover. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the pushing assembly comprises a support member configured to move relative to the housing, and a biasing member configured to bias the support member toward the cover. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the support member comprises a contact surface configured to engage a trailing one of the loaded cutlery utensils. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the biasing member comprises a constant force spring attached to the housing and configured to engage the support member. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein each sweeper arm comprises a contact surface configured to engage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein each sweeper arm comprises a lead-in surface configured to engage the cutlery utensils as the cutlery utensils are inserted into the interior space. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the sweeper arms are spaced apart from one another and configured to deflect away from one another as the cutlery utensils are inserted into the interior space. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, further comprising a follower arm attached to the housing and configured to pivot relative to the housing when the cover moves between the closed position and an open position. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, further comprising a dispensing opening defined by the housing and the cover and configured to allow the loaded cutlery utensils to be dispensed therethrough. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the wedge protrusion is configured to tilt the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position, such that a portion of the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils extends through the dispensing opening. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the stop wall extends vertically along a height of the trough. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, further comprising a wedge protrusion configured to engage a leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position; and a pair of sweeper arms configured to engage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, further comprising a dispensing opening defined by the housing and the cover and configured to allow the loaded cutlery utensils to be dispensed therethrough. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the wedge protrusion is part of the cover. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, further comprising a trough attached to the cover and configured to receive handles of the loaded cutlery utensils therein. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the wedge protrusion is part of the trough. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the contact surface comprises a planar surface. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the wedge protrusion comprises a plurality of contact surfaces each oriented at an acute angle relative to the interior surface of the cover. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the follower arm is positioned within the interior space. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, further comprising an indicator window configured to allow a user to view the one or more indicators. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the one or more indicators comprises a plurality of indicators. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, further comprising a pushing assembly positioned within the interior space and configured to move the loaded cutlery utensils toward the cover. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the pushing assembly comprises a support member configured to move relative to the housing, and a biasing member configured to bias the support member toward the cover. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the follower arm is configured to pivot relative to the housing when the support member moves relative to the housing. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the support member is configured to translate relative to the housing. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the slot extends from a top of the cover. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the slot extends vertically. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, further comprising a dispensing opening defined by the housing and the cover and configured to allow the loaded cutlery utensils to be dispensed therethrough. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the slot is in communication with the dispensing opening. 
     A cutlery dispenser according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the cover is configured to translate relative to the housing. 
     It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Numerous changes and modifications may be made herein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims and equivalents thereof.