Patent Publication Number: US-10779661-B2

Title: Utensil dispensers with glide mechanism for loading

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/621,509, filed Jan. 24, 2018, and entitled “UTENSIL DISPENSERS WITH GLIDE MECHANISM FOR LOADING”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Embodiments described generally relate to utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same. More particularly, embodiments described relate to utensil dispensers having a glide mechanism for loading, as well as methods for making and using same. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Disposable utensils can typically be found in fast-food and take out restaurants. Such restaurants allow consumers the ability to select various types of utensils that they wish to use by taking the utensils from a publicly accessible dispenser or bin. Conventional utensil dispensers have been used to provide a confined and controlled protective environment for utensils housed within. Such assemblies, however, have challenges and issues delivering utensils to a consumer in a repeatable and reliable manner. Conventional assemblies can also have difficulties associated with loading utensils and with maintaining a reliable supply of utensils for customers. 
     There is a need, therefore, for a cutlery dispenser that can supply utensils to customers in a reliable and sanitary manner. 
     SUMMARY 
     Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same are provided herein. In some examples, the utensil dispensers can include a housing, a dispense chassis configured to fit within the housing, at least one post disposed on an outer surface of the dispense chassis, at least one glide mechanism disposed within the housing and configured to engage the dispense chassis post within the housing, the glide mechanism can include a slot configured to contact the post of the dispense chassis and/or to guide the dispense chassis between a dispensing position in which the dispense chassis is configured to dispense utensils from the housing and a loading position in which the dispense chassis is configured to be loaded with utensils. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an illustrative utensil dispenser, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  depicts another perspective view of the illustrative utensil dispenser with an access door open to reveal one or more dispense chassis located therein, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a perspective view of an illustrative utensil suitable for use with the illustrative utensil dispenser, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a bottom view of the utensil shown in  FIG. 3A , according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 3C  depicts a bottom perspective view of an illustrative knife suitable for use with the illustrative utensil dispenser, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a partial perspective view of an illustrative dispense chassis, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross section plan view of the illustrative dispense chassis showing one or more support rails disposed therein, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a cut away elevation view of the illustrative dispense chassis, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  depicts another illustrative cut away side view of the illustrative dispense chassis in which the dispense chassis is between half-full and empty of utensils, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  depicts another illustrative cut away side view of the illustrative dispense chassis in which the dispense chassis is almost empty of utensils, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a partial perspective view of a lower portion of the illustrative dispense chassis, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a partial cut away perspective view of the lower portion of the illustrative dispense chassis showing an enlarged view of its internals with the actuator in a holding position, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a partial cut away perspective view of the lower portion of the illustrative dispense chassis showing an enlarged view of its internals with the actuator in a partially dispensing position, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a partial cut away perspective view of the lower portion of the illustrative dispense chassis showing an enlarged view of its internals with the actuator in a dispensing position, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  depicts illustrative cut away side view of the lower portion of the illustrative dispense chassis to better illustrate the actuator in the holding position, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  depicts an illustrative cut away side view of the lower portion of the illustrative dispense chassis to better illustrate the actuator in the partially dispensing position, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  depicts the drive mechanism in a ready to dispense position, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  depicts the drive mechanism in a holding or resting position, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  depicts a partial cut away perspective view of the illustrative dispense chassis and a prime mechanism disposed therein, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  depicts a perspective view of an illustrative utensil dispenser with the access door open and one dispense chassis in a loading position and two dispense chassis in a dispensing position, according to one or more embodiments 
         FIG. 19  depicts an illustrative cut away side view of the lower portion of the illustrative dispense chassis to better illustrate the dispense chassis in a dispensing position, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  depicts an illustrative cut away side view of the lower portion of the illustrative dispense chassis to better illustrate the dispense chassis in a loading position, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 21  depicts a bottom view of the illustrative dispense chassis, according to one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 22  depicts a partial cut away perspective view of the lower portion of the illustrative utensil dispenser with the dispense chassis removed to better illustrate the glide mechanism, according to one or more embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Finally, the exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity and/or conciseness 
     Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Further, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Additionally, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” All numerical values in this disclosure may be exact or approximate values unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope. Furthermore, as it is used in the claims or specification, the term “or” is intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., “A or B” is intended to be synonymous with “at least one of A and B,” unless otherwise expressly specified herein. 
     The terms “up” and “down”; “upward” and “downward”; “upper” and “lower”; “upwardly” and “downwardly”; “above” and “below”; and other like terms as used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular spatial orientation since the apparatus and methods of using the same may be equally effective at various angles or orientations. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  depict a perspective view of an illustrative utensil dispenser  10 , according to one or more embodiments. The utensil dispenser  10  can include a body  12  having a base  14  and an access door  16 , which can be closed while the utensil dispenser  10  is operated, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , and the access door  16  can be opened to reveal the inside of the body  12 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the utensil dispenser  10  can include one or more dispense chassis  18  for dispensing a plurality of utensils  20  through an access port  22 . A user or customer can grasp a handle  24  of the utensil  20  and pull the utensil  20  free from the utensil dispenser  10  for use. In response to the removal or dispensing of the utensil  20  by the user, the utensil dispenser  10  can position another utensil  20  to be dispensed with the utensil handle  24  accessible via the access port  22 . The utensil dispenser  10  can dispense plastic cutlery, e.g., polystyrene utensils. As one utensil  20  is removed, another utensil  20  can be moved into position such that handle  24  is outside the access port  22 . Head portions of utensils  20  that can come into contact with food, e.g., fork tines, spoon bowls, knife blades, etc., can remain within the utensil dispenser  10 . Accordingly, these portions of the utensils can be protected from the environment. The utensil dispenser  10  can be used to dispense various utensils such as, but not limited to, spoons, forks, knives, sporks, chopsticks, etc. 
     A utensil dispenser  10  can be hung on a wall using wall mounting bracket attachment holes (not shown). The utensil dispenser  10  can be attached to a base  14 . The base  14  can provide support for the utensil dispenser  10  and allows the utensil dispenser  10  to be free standing. The base  14  can be removable such that the utensil dispenser  10  can be wall mounted using wall mounting bracket attachment holes. Multiple utensil dispensers  10  can be hung on a wall. 
     Utensils  20  stored in the utensil dispenser  10  can be stored in a dispense chassis  18 . The utensil dispenser  10  can be opened allowing the replacement of dispense chassis  18  to refill the utensil dispenser  10 . The utensil dispenser  10  can open using a hinge. A hinged access door  16  can allow access to the internal compartment of the utensil dispenser  10 . The hinge location can be located on the top, bottom, or side of the utensil dispenser  10 . Access door  16  can have fill level windows (not shown). Dispense chassis  18  can have corresponding fill level windows (not shown) that allow a visual indication of the stock of utensils  20  in each respective dispense chassis  18  to be seen. A dispense chassis  18  can be attached to or inserted within the utensil dispenser  10  and provides utensils  20  that can be dispensed. The dispense chassis  18  can be pre-packaged with utensils  20 . In some implementations, the dispense chassis  18  is replaced with a new dispense chassis and is not reused. In other implementations, the dispense chassis  18  can be refilled and reused in the utensil dispenser  10 . The utensil dispenser  10  can accept one, two, three or more dispense chassis. The utensil dispenser  10  of  FIG. 2  is shown with three dispense chassis  18 , e.g., one for each of a spoon, fork, and knife, but any combination of utensils may be used. The dispense chassis  18  can be in communication with any dispensing slot. Accordingly, a dispense chassis  18  of any type of utensil  20  can be placed into any available dispensing slot. 
     Alternatively, each dispense chassis  18  and dispensing slot can be unique to the utensil  20  being dispensed. A dispense chassis  18  can be designed individually to fit the corresponding utensil  20 . The footprint and dimensions of the dispense chassis  18  can be distinct from one another in these implementations and the shape of the openings therein can be designed for a specific type of utensil. 
       FIG. 3A  depicts a perspective view of the utensil  20 , and  FIGS. 3B and 3C  depict bottom views and bottom perspective views of the utensil  20 , according to one or more embodiments. Each utensil  20  can have a functional portion or section  20  adjacent and adjoining a handle  30 . The functional section  34  can be configured to perform a function that assists in the consumption of food, such as for example, cutting, piercing, and/or scooping. The functional section  34  can have a first end  322  that is adjacent to the handle  30 , and a second end  324  that is distal from the handle  30 . The handle  30  can be utilized by a user to hold and/or manipulate the utensil  20 . The handle  30  can have a first end  332  and a second end  334 . For sake of reference, the first end  332  of the handle  30  can be the end furthest from the functional section  34 , and the second end  334  can be the end adjacent and adjoining (i.e. closest) the functional section  34 . Each utensil  20  can be disposable and constructed from a formable material. The formable material can include, for example, plastic, combinations of plastics, or combinations of plastics and other materials suitable for use as disposable or reusable cutlery. In certain embodiments, the formable material can be or include polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, as well as blends and mixtures thereof. The utensil  20  can include a first portion  28  that can be or can include wings or detents  32  on one or both sides of the utensil  20 . The utensil  20  can also include a second portion  30  that can be or can include a tail support and/or the handle  24 . The first portion  28  and the second portion  30  can be incorporated into other utensils such as, but not limited to, spoons, knives, forks, sporks, etc. 
     Each utensil  20  can include an axially oriented protrusion or raised spine  340  extending outwardly and away from a first or upper surface  312  of the utensil  20 . The raised spine  340  can form a raised portion of the handle  30  and/or the functional section  34 . The raised spine  340  can extend from the first end  332  of the handle  30  to the second end  334  of the handle  30 . The raised spine  340  can also extend into the functional section  34 . The raised spine  340  can be continuous from its first end  342  to its second end  344 , or the raised spine  340  can be intermittent (i.e. non-continuous). In one embodiment, the first end  342  of the raised spine  340  can be proximate the handle  30 , and the second end  344  of the raised spine  340  can be proximate the functional section  34 . 
     The length of the raised spine  340  can extend over the entire length of the handle  30 , or any portion thereof. For example, the length of the raised spine  340  can be about 10%, about 20%, about 30% or more of the length of the handle  30 . The length of the raised spine  340  also can be about 70%, about 80%, about 90% or more of the length of the handle  30 . The length of the raised spine  340  also can range from a low of about 15%, about 25%, or about 35% to a high of about 85%, about 95%, about 105%, or about 155% of the length of the handle  30 . The length of the raised spine  340  as measured from its first end  342  to its second end  344  can be at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, between 0.5 and 5 cm, between 0.5 and 4 cm, between 0.5 and 3 cm, between 0.5 and 2 cm, between 1 and 5 cm, between 1 and 4 cm, between 1 and 3 cm, between 1 and 2 cm, between 2 and 5 cm, between 2 and 4 cm, or between 2 and 3 cm. 
     The raised spine  340  can have a height that varies from its first end  342  to its second end  344 . The height of the raised spine  340  can increase or slant from its first end  342  to its second end  344 , i.e., in the direction toward the functional section  34 . The height of the raised spine  340  can decrease or slant from its first end  342  to its second end  344 , i.e., in the direction toward the functional section  34 . The changes in the height of the raised spine  340  from the first end  342  to its second end  344  can be gradual or the changes can occur intermittently at different points along the raised spine  340 . The highest point or portion of the raised spine  340  is its crown  346 . The crown  346  can be proximate or adjacent to the second end  334  of the handle  30  or the first end  322  of the functional section  34  or be proximate or adjacent to the first end  34  of the handle  30  or any other suitable location along the utensil. The spine crown  346  can have a height measured from the first surface  312  to the top of the spine crown  346  that is greater than 0.1 cm, greater than 0.2 cm, greater than 0.3 cm, greater than 0.4 cm, greater than 0.5 cm, less than 0.5 cm, less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, between 0.1 cm and 0.5 cm, between 0.1 cm and 0.4 cm, between 0.1 cm and 0.3 cm, between 0.1 cm and 0.2 cm, between 0.2 cm and 0.5 cm, between 0.2 cm and 0.4 cm, between 0.2 cm and 0.3 cm, or between 0.3 cm and 0.5 cm. 
     The raised spine  340  can have a width that varies between its first end  342  and its second end  344 . The width of the raised spine  340  can decrease from its first end  342  towards its second end  344 , i.e. in the direction from the handle  30  toward the functional section  34 . The width of the raised spine  340  also can increase in the direction from the handle  30  toward the functional section  34 . In certain embodiments, the widest portion of the raised spine  340  is at the spine crown  346 . The raised spine  340  can have a maximum width that is greater than 0.1 cm, greater than 0.2 cm, greater than 0.3 cm, greater than 0.4 cm, greater than 0.5 cm, between 0.1 and 0.5 cm, less than 1.5 cm, less than 1.0 cm, less than 0.8 cm, less than 0.6 cm, between 0.1 and 1.0 cm, between 0.1 cm and 0.8 cm, between 0.1 cm and 0.6 cm, between 0.2 cm and 1.0 cm, between 0.2 cm and 0.8 cm, between 0.2 cm and 0.6 cm, or between 0.3 cm and 1.0 cm. The maximum width of the raised spine  340  can be proximate or adjacent the first end  342  of the raised spine  340 . The width of the raised spine  340  at its first end  342  can be greater than about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or about 95% of the width of the handle  30 . The width of the raised spine  340  at its second end  344  can be greater than about 55%, about 65%, about 75%, about 85%, about 95%, or about 98% of the width of the handle  30 . 
     The raised spine  340  can have a minimum width that is less than 0.5 cm, less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, less than 0.1 cm, between 0.1 and 0.5 cm, between 0.1 and 0.4 cm, between 0.1 and 0.3 cm, between 0.1 and 0.2 cm, between 0.2 and 0.5 cm, between 0.2 and 0.4 cm, between 0.2 and 0.3 cm, or between 0.3 and 0.5 cm. The minimum width of the raised spine  340  on the handle  30  can be at the spine crown  346 . The width of the raised spine  340  at the spine crown  346  can be less than 50% of the width of the handle  30  at the raised spine crown  346 , less than 40% of the width of the handle  30  at the raised spine crown  346 , less than 30% of the width of the handle  30  at the raised spine crown  346 , less than 20% of the width of the handle  30  at raised spine crown  346 , less than 10% of the width of the handle  30  at raised spine crown  346 . 
     The raised spine  340  can have a varying height along a first section  350  that can increase in the direction of the functional section  34 . The first section  350  can have a first section end  352  that is relatively closer to the raised spine first end  342  and a second section end  354  that is relatively closer to the raised spine second end  344 . The first section end  352  can be adjacent to the raised spine first end  342  or any suitable position along the length of the raised spine  340  where the raised spine begins to increase in height. The second section end  354  can be adjacent to the spine crown  346  or anywhere the raised spine  340  begins to decrease in height. The length of the first section  350  as measured from the first section end  352  to the second section end  354  can be at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 6 cm, at least 7 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 9 cm, at least 10 cm, less than 15 cm, less than 14 cm, less than 13 cm, less than 12 cm, less than 10 cm, less than 8 cm, between 0.5 and 15 cm, between 0.5 and 10 cm, between 0.5 and 8 cm, between 0.5 and 6 cm, between 1 and 55 cm, between 1 and 10 cm, between 1 and 8 cm, between 1 and 6 cm, between 2 and 15 cm, between 2 and 10 cm, or between 2 and 8 cm. The length of the first section can be greater than 50% of the length of the raised spine  340 , greater than 70% of the length of the raised spine  340 , greater than 80% of the length of the raised spine  340 , greater than 90% of the length of the raised spine  340 , greater than 95% of the length of the raised spine  340 . 
     Utensil  20  can include at least one shaped extension  32  that is disposed on one or both sides of the utensil  20 . The shaped extension  32  can be a wing, detent, or other shape protruding from the side of the utensil  20 . The shaped extension  32  can extend laterally from a side of the functional section  34  or the side of the handle  30 . The shaped extension  32  can be disposed on any suitable position along the length of the utensil  20 . The shaped extension  32  can be disposed proximate the crown  346  of the raised spine  340 . In certain embodiments, the shaped extension  32  can be two laterally opposed shaped extensions. A first shaped extension  32  can laterally extending from a first lateral side of the utensil  20  (e.g. from the handle  30  or the functional section  34 ), and a second shaped extension  32  laterally extending from an opposite of the utensil  20  (e.g. from the handle  30  or functional section  34 ). The first and second shaped extensions  32  can be co-planar. Each shaped extension  32  can have any shape or cross-section, including for example, wing-shaped, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal, pentagonal, or any other shape capable of forming a surface. If two or more shaped extensions  32  are used, the shape or cross-section of each shaped extension  32  can be the same or different. In certain embodiments, there could be multiple shaped extensions (not shown) on one side of the utensil  20  or on both sides of the utensil  20 . 
     The handle  30  can be chamfered, tapered, or profiled anywhere along its length. For example, the first end  332  of the handle  30  can be chamfered, tapered, or profiled. The chamfer at the first end  332  can make it easier for the dispensing unit to pick between utensils  20  when stacked. In some embodiments, a portion of each handle  30  can be cutout to provide a thinner section or profile. Similar to a chamfer, this cutout in the handle  30  can make it easier for a dispensing unit (not shown) to pick between utensils  20 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b   , as the utensils  20  can be stacked in a dispense chassis, one or more nesting features can be used to stabilize a stack  120  of utensils  20 . The handle  30  can have one or more cutouts disposed along a length thereof for receiving a band (shown in  FIG. 8 ) to help the utensils  20  remain in a stacked orientation. For example, a cutout section can be formed in the handle  30  between a first shoulder or cutout  336  and the shaped extension  32 . In another example, a cutout section can be formed in the handle  30  between the first cutout  336  and a second shoulder or cutout  38 . The length of the cutout as measured from the first cutout  336  to the second cutout  338  can be greater than 1 cm, greater than 2 cm, greater than 3 cm, greater than 4 cm, less than 10 cm, less than 8 cm, less than 6 cm, between 1 and 10 cm, between 1 and 8 cm, between 1 and 6 cm, between 2 and 10 cm, between 2 and 8 cm, between 2 and 6 cm. The width of the band can be about the same length as the length of the cutout. Additionally, one or both sides of the handle  30  can taper from the first cutout  336  toward the first end  332  of the handle  30 . The taper can make the band tighten as the band is moved from the first cutout  336  toward the first end  332  of the handle  30 . One or both sides of the handle  30  can taper from the second cutout  338  toward the second end  334  of the handle  30 . The taper can make the band tighten as the band is moved from the second cutout  338  toward the second end  334  of the handle  30 . Any tapers on the handle  30  can be continuous or intermittent. The band can be removed prior to or after the utensils  20  are loaded in a dispenser. In one embodiment, the band can be absent of adhesive that contacts the utensils  20 . In a separate embodiment, the band can contain adhesive that contacts the utensils  20 . 
       FIG. 3 b    depicts a bottom view of an illustrative fork, according to one or more embodiments. As seen in these bottom perspective view, the utensil  20  can have a second or bottom surface  14  that is opposite the upper or top surface  12 . One or more channels or recessed groves  70 ,  80  (two are shown) can be formed in the second surface  314 . Each recessed channel  70 ,  80  can extend along a portion, or all, of the second surface  314 . As depicted, a first recessed channel  370  can be formed in the second surface  314  and a second recessed channel  380  can be formed within the first recessed channel  370 . The maximum depth of the first recessed channel  370  or the second recessed channel  380  can be substantially equal to a maximum height of the raised spine  340 . 
     First recessed channel  370  can have a first recessed channel first end  372  that can be adjacent to the first end  332  of the handle  30 . The first recessed channel first end  372  can be less than 0.5 cm, less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, or less than 0.1 cm from the first end  332  of the handle  30 . First recessed channel  370  can have a first recessed channel second end  374  that can be on either the handle  30  or on the functional section  34 . The first recessed channel second end  374  can be adjacent to either the first functional section end  22  or second end  334  of the handle  30 . The first recessed channel second end  374  can be less than 0.5 cm, less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, or less than 0.1 cm from the first functional section end  22 . The first recessed channel second end  374  can be less than 0.5 cm, less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, or less than 0.1 cm from the second end  334  of the handle  30 . 
     The length of the first recessed channel  370  as measured from the first recessed channel first end  372  to the first recessed channel second end  374  can be at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 6 cm, at least 7 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 9 cm, at least 10 cm, less than 15 cm, less than 14 cm, less than 13 cm, less than 12 cm, less than 10 cm, less than 8 cm, between 0.5 and 15 cm, between 0.5 and 10 cm, between 0.5 and 8 cm, between 0.5 and 6 cm, between 1 and 15 cm, between 1 and 10 cm, between 1 and 8 cm, between 1 and 6 cm, between 2 and 15 cm, between 2 and 10 cm, or between 2 and 8 mm. The length of the first recessed channel  370  can be substantially the same length as the raised spine  340 . The length of the first recessed channel  370  can be at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, between 0.5 and 5 cm, between 0.5 and 4 cm, between 0.5 and 3 cm, between 0.5 and 2 cm, between 1 and 5 cm, between 1 and 4 cm, between 1 and 3 cm, between 1 and 2 cm, between 2 and 5 cm, between 2 and 4 cm, or between 2 and 3 cm longer than the length of the raised spine  340 . 
     The first recessed channel  370  can have a constant depth or varying depth that can increase in depth in the direction of the functional section  34  until reaching a maximum depth. The maximum depth of the first recessed channel  370  can be adjacent to the second end  334  of the handle  30  or the first end  322  of the functional section  34 . The first recessed channel  370  can have a depth measured from the second surface  314  to the bottom of the first recessed channel  370  that is greater than 0.1 cm, greater than 0.2 cm, greater than 0.3 cm, greater than 0.4 cm, greater than 0.5 cm, between 0.1 and 0.5 cm, between 0.1 and 0.4 cm, between 0.1 and 0.3 cm, between 0.1 and 0.2 cm, between 0.2 and 0.5 cm, between 0.2 and 0.4 cm, between 0.2 and 0.3 cm, or between 0.3 and 0.5 cm. 
     The first recessed channel  370  can have a fairly constant width, a varying width that can decrease in width in the direction of the functional section  34  until reaching a minimum width, or can increase in width in the direction of the functional section  34  until reaching a maximum width or other suitable configuration. The first recessed channel  370  can have a maximum width that is greater than 0.1 cm, greater than 0.2 cm, greater than 0.3 cm, greater than 0.4 cm, greater than 0.5 cm, between 0.1 and 0.5 cm, between 0.1 and 0.4 cm, between 0.1 and 0.3 cm, between 0.1 and 0.2 cm, between 0.2 and 0.5 cm, between 0.2 and 0.4 cm, between 0.2 and 0.3 cm, or between 0.3 and 0.5 cm. The maximum width of the first recessed channel  370  can be at the first recessed channel first end  372 . The width of the first recessed channel  370  at first recessed channel first end  372  can be greater than 50% of the width of the handle  30  at first recessed channel first end  372 , greater than 70% of the width of the handle  30  first recessed channel first end  372 , greater than 80% of the width of the handle  30  at the first recessed channel first end  372 , greater than 90% of the width of the handle  30  at the first recessed channel first end  372 , greater than 95% of the width of the handle  30  at the first recessed channel first end  372 . 
     The first recessed channel  370  can have a minimum width that is less than 0.5 cm, less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, less than 0.1 cm, between 0.1 and 0.5 cm, between 0.1 and 0.4 cm, between 0.1 and 0.3 cm, between 0.1 and 0.2 cm, between 0.2 and 0.5 cm, between 0.2 and 0.4 cm, between 0.2 and 0.3 cm, or between 0.3 and 0.5 cm. The minimum width of the first recessed channel  370  can be adjacent to the shaped extension(s)  60 . The minimum width of the first recessed channel  370  can be less than 50% of the width of the handle  30  at the minimum width of the first recessed channel  370 , less than 40% of the width of the handle  30  at the minimum width of the first recessed channel  370 , less than 30% of the width of the handle  30  at the minimum width of the first recessed channel  370 , less than 20% of the width of the handle  30  at the minimum width of the first recessed channel  370 , less than 10% of the width of the handle  30  at the minimum width of the first recessed channel  370 . The first recessed channel  370  can receive a raised spine  340  of an adjacent utensil in a stack of utensils. The raised spine  340  of the second utensil can nest within the first recessed channel  370 . This nesting of raised spine  340  within the first recessed channel  370  of another adjacent utensil and can increase the stability of a stack of utensils without increasing the height of the stack of utensils. 
     Second recessed channel  380  can have a second recessed channel first end  382 . The second recessed channel first end  382  can be adjacent to the first end  332  of the handle  30 . The second recessed channel first end  382  can be less than 0.5 cm, less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, or less than 0.1 cm from the first end  332  of the handle  30 . Second recessed channel  380  can have a second recessed channel second end  384  that can be on either the handle  30  or on the functional section  34 . The second recessed channel second end  384  can be adjacent to either the first end  22  of the functional section  34  or second end  334  of the handle  30 . The second recessed channel second end  384  can be less than 0.5 cm, less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, or less than 0.1 cm from the first functional section end  22 . The second recessed channel second end  384  can be less than 0.5 cm, less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, or less than 0.1 cm from the second end  334  of the handle  30 . 
     The length of the second recessed channel  380  as measured from the second recessed channel first end  382  to the second recessed channel second end  384  can be at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, between 0.5 and 5 cm, between 0.5 and 4 cm, between 0.5 and 3 cm, between 0.5 and 2 cm, between 1 and 5 cm, between 1 and 4 cm, between 1 and 3 cm, between 1 and 2 cm, between 2 and 5 cm, between 2 and 4 cm, or between 2 and 3 cm. The length of the second recessed channel  380  can be substantially the same length as the raised spine  340 . 
     The second recessed channel  380  can have a varying depth that can increase in depth in the direction of the functional section  34  until reaching a maximum depth. The maximum depth of the second recessed channel  380  can be adjacent to the second end  334  of the handle  30  or the first functional section end  32  or opposite the spine crown  346 . The second recessed channel  380  can have a depth measured from the second surface  314  to the bottom of the second recessed channel  380  that is greater than 0.1 cm, greater than 0.2 cm, greater than 0.3 cm, greater than 0.4 cm, greater than 0.5 cm, between 0.1 and 0.5 cm, between 0.1 and 0.4 cm, between 0.1 and 0.3 cm, between 0.1 and 0.2 cm, between 0.2 and 0.5 cm, between 0.2 and 0.4 cm, between 0.2 and 0.3 cm, or between 0.3 and 0.5 cm. The second recessed channel  380  can have a relative depth measured from the bottom of the first recessed channel  370  to the bottom of the second recessed channel  380  that is greater than 0.1 cm, greater than 0.2 cm, greater than 0.3 cm, greater than 0.4 cm, greater than 0.5 cm, less than 1.5 cm, less than 1.0 cm, less than 0.8 cm, less than 0.6 cm, between 0.1 and 1.5 cm, between 0.1 and 1.0 cm, between 0.1 and 0.8 cm, between 0.1 and 0.6 cm, between 0.2 and 1.5 cm, between 0.2 and 1.0 cm, between 0.2 and 0.8 cm, or between 0.3 and 0.6 cm. 
     The second recessed channel  380  can have a varying width that can decrease in width in the direction of the functional section  34  until reaching a minimum width. The second recessed channel  380  can have a maximum width that is greater than 0.1 cm, greater than 0.2 cm, greater than 0.3 cm, greater than 0.4 cm, greater than 0.5 cm, between 0.1 and 0.5 cm, between 0.1 and 0.4 cm, between 0.1 and 0.3 cm, between 0.1 and 0.2 cm, between 0.2 and 0.5 cm, between 0.2 and 0.4 cm, between 0.2 and 0.3 cm, or between 0.3 and 0.5 cm. The maximum width of the second recessed channel  380  can be at the second recessed channel first end  382  or any suitable location. The width of the second recessed channel  380  at second recessed channel first end  382  can be greater than 50% of the width of the handle  30  at the second recessed channel first end  382 , greater than 70% of the width of the handle  30  at the second recessed channel first end  382 , greater than 80% of the width of the handle  30  at the second recessed channel first end  382 , greater than 90% of the width of the handle  30  at the second recessed channel first end  382 , greater than 95% of the width of the handle  30  at the second recessed channel first end  382 . 
     The second recessed channel  380  can have a minimum width that is less than 0.5 cm, less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, less than 0.1 cm, between 0.1 and 0.5 cm, between 0.1 and 0.4 cm, between 0.1 and 0.3 cm, between 0.1 and 0.2 cm, between 0.2 and 0.5 cm, between 0.2 and 0.4 cm, between 0.2 and 0.3 cm, or between 0.3 and 0.5 cm. The minimum width of the second recessed channel  380  can be adjacent to the shaped extension(s)  60 . The minimum width of the second recessed channel  380  can be less than 50% of the width of the handle  30  at the minimum width of the second recessed channel  380 , less than 40% of the width of the handle  30  at the minimum width of the second recessed channel  380 , less than 30% of the width of the handle  30  at the minimum width of the second recessed channel  380 , less than 20% of the width of the handle  30  at the minimum width of the second recessed channel  380 , less than 10% of the width of the handle  30  at the minimum width of the second recessed channel  380 . The second recessed channel  380  can receive a raised spine  340  of an adjacent utensil in a stack of utensils. The raised spine  340  of the second utensil can nest within the second recessed channel  380 . This nesting of raised spine  340  within the second recessed channel  70  of another adjacent utensil and can increase the stability of a stack of utensils without increasing the height of the stack of utensils. 
     The first or second recessed channel  370 ,  380  can have at least one counterweight (not shown) protruding from the surface of the second recessed channel  380 . The counterweight can be adjacent to the handle end  332 . The length of the counterweight as measured from the counterweight first end  92  to the counterweight second end  94  can be at least 0.5 cm, at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, between 0.5 and 5 cm, between 0.5 and 4 cm, between 0.5 and 3 cm, between 0.5 and 2 cm, between 1 and 5 cm, between 1 and 4 cm, between 1 and 3 cm, between 1 and 2 cm. The shape of the counterweight can be a cube, cuboid, cylinder, triangular prism, sphere, cone, or any other shape that can serve the function of a counterweight. The counterweight can be disposed on the first recessed channel  370 , the second recessed channel  380 , or both the first recessed channel  370  and the second recessed channel  380 . The counterweight can help provide balance and stability to the utensil  20  during use by acting as a counterweight to objects on the functional section  34  or as a counterweight when the utensil  20  is in a dispenser. This counterweight can make it easier to separate the utensils  20  using a utensil dispenser (not shown). 
     The utensils  20  can be stacked together to form a stack of utensils. The stack of utensils can have a reduced gap between the utensils  20 . The gap at the first end of the handle  32  as measured by the distance of first surface  312  of the first utensil to the second surface  314  of the adjacent utensil in the stack of utensils can be less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.3 mm, less than 0.2 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. The gap at the second end  324  of the functional section as measured by the distance of first surface  312  of the first utensil to the second surface  314  of the adjacent utensils in the stack of utensils can be less than 1 cm, less than 0.5 cm, less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, less than 0.1 cm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.3 mm, less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm. The gap at the first end  332  of the handle  30  between every utensil  20  in a stack of utensils can be substantially the same. The gap at the second end  324  of the functional section  20  between every utensil  20  in a stack of utensils can be substantially the same. Reducing the gap between the utensils  20  in a stack of utensils can reduce the height of the stack of utensils. The stack of utensils can be loaded into a dispenser with the first surface  312  facing down or with the second surface  314  facing down. The height of the stack of utensils in centimeters as measured by the distance from first surface  312  of the top utensil in a stack of utensils at the first end  332  of the handle  30  of to the second surface  314  of the bottom utensil in the stack of utensils at the first end  332  of the handle  30  of can be less than 100.1%, less than 100.5%, less than 101%, less than 102%, less than 103%, less than 104%, less than 105%, between 100% and 105%, between 100% and 104%, between 100% and 103%, between 100% and 102%, between 100% and 101%, between 100% and 100.5%, between 100.5% and 105%, between 100.5% and 104%, between 100.5% and 103%, between 100.5% and 102%, or between 100.5% and 101% of the height of the utensil  20  in centimeters as measured by the distance from the first surface  312  to the second surface  314  at the first end  332  of the handle  30  multiplied by the number of utensils  20  in the stack of utensils. 
     When the utensils  20  are stacked in a stack of utensils, an individual utensil  20  in the stack of utensils can generally only slide out of the stack of utensils in one direction. When the utensils  20  are stacked in a stack of utensils, an individual utensil  20  in the stack of utensils can generally only slide out in the direction from the handle  30  toward the functional section  34 , from the functional section  34  toward the handle  30 , or from both the direction from the handle  30  toward the functional section  34  and from the direction from the functional section  34  toward the handle  30 . When the stack of utensils are loaded into a dispenser with the first surface  312  facing down, the utensils  20  can generally only slide in the direction from the handle  30  toward the functional section  34 . The spine crown  346  can act as a wedge to prevent or otherwise restrict a utensil  20  that is directly below a utensil  20  in the stack of utensils from sliding out toward the first end  332  of the handle  30 . The stop  348  can be disposed on the raised spine  46  proximate to the spine crown  346 . The stop  348  can prevent or otherwise restrict a utensil  20  that is directly below a utensil  20  in the stack of utensils from sliding out from the handle  30  toward the functional section  34  or from the functional section  34  toward the handle  30 . When the stack of utensils are loaded into a dispenser with the first surface  312  facing down, the stop  348  can prevent or otherwise restrict a utensil  20  that is directly below a utensil  20  in the stack of utensils from sliding out from the functional section  34  toward the handle  30 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts a partial perspective view of the dispense chassis  18  shown in  FIG. 2  showing a portion of a housing  38   a . Another portion of the housing  38   b  of the dispense chassis  18  has been removed in  FIG. 4  to reveal interior details of the dispense chassis  18 . The housing  38  can contain one or more of the utensils  20 , and can include a front pedestal  42  that can support and contact the first portion  28  of the utensil  20  and a rear pedestal  44  that can support and contact the second portion  30  of the utensil  20 . The housing  38  can also include at least one generally vertical guide rail  46  which can be configured for maintaining the utensils  20  in a stacked orientation. The first portion  28  can be positioned within the guide rail  46  to assist in maintaining the utensils  20  in the stacked orientation. To help increase stability of the stack  56  and maximize the usage of space within the dispense chassis  18 , each utensil  20  can include one or more nesting features, such as a chamfered end, a concave cavity, ribbing, a cutout to provide a thinner endpoint in the handle of each utensil, just to name a few. A utensil  20  can be stacked vertically on a second utensil  20 . The utensils  20  can be the same height, width, and length. A cut out (not shown) in a handle  24  of the utensil  20  can allow for a thinner endpoint that can be used by the dispensing portion of the utensil dispenser  10  to separate individual utensils  20 . A nesting feature can be used to help maintain the utensils  20  in a stacked configuration within the dispense chassis  18 . 
     The dispensing of utensils  20  can be enhanced based upon one or more features of the utensils themselves. The handle  24  can be chamfered. The chamfer can make it easier for the dispensing unit to pick between utensils. Similar to the chamfer, cutouts from the handle  24  can also make it easier for the dispensing unit to pick between utensils  20 . As the utensils  20  can be stacked in dispense chassis, nesting features can be used to stabilize the utensil stack  56 . A concave cavity (not shown) can be used such that one utensil  20  can nest into another utensil  20 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts a cross section plan view of the dispense chassis  18  showing one or more support or guide rails  46  disposed therein, according to one or more embodiments.  FIG. 5  shows two portions of the housing  38 , a first portion  38   a  and a second portion  38   b . The guide rail  46  can extend the entire length of the chassis  18  or any portion thereof. The guide rail  46  has a cross section that is sized and shaped to encapsulate or otherwise surround the stack  56  of utensils  20 . The guide rail  46  can include one more contours or recessed portions  50  formed therein. The contour  50  can be shaped and/or have a cross section that is complementary to the wings or detents  32  on the sides of the utensil  20 . In use, the wings or detents  32  of each utensil  20  fits within the contour  50 , and the remaining portions of the utensil  20  fit within the remaining portion of the guide rail  46 . 
     As mentioned previously, the housing  38  can include a first side or portion  38   a  and second side or portion  38   b . In such embodiment, a first portion of the utensil rail  46  can be formed in the first portion  38   a  of the housing  38 , and a second portion of the guide rail  46  can be formed in the second portion  38   b  of the housing  38 , such that each portion of the guide rail  46  is located on opposite sides of the housing  38  and each portion of the utensil rail  46  has a contour  50  formed therein that complements the shape of the detent  32  of each utensil  20 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , the guide rail  46  can be vertically aligned above the front pedestal  42  and can guide the utensils  20  such that the first portion  28  of the bottom utensil  21  is placed on the front pedestal  42 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the guide rail  46  with contour section  50  can retain and help the stack  56  of utensils  20  remain in a stacked orientation. If there is more than one utensil rail (not shown) on the same side of the housing, there can be additional wings or detents (not shown) on the sides of utensil  20  complementary to the additional rails and can further guide the utensils  20  into position and can help the stack  56  remain in a stacked orientation or if positioned close enough, the first portion  28  can be positioned between the rails  46 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a cut away elevation view of the dispense chassis  18  showing a plurality or stack  56  of utensils  20  disposed therein. The dispense chassis  18  can include a utensil stack gauge  58  that can indicate a quantity of utensils  20  in stack  56  in the housing  38 . The utensil stack gauge  58  can include a first gauge arm  60  which can be pivotally connected to the housing  38  with a pivot  62 , and a second gauge arm  64  which can be pivotally connected to the housing  38  with a pivot  66 . The utensil dispenser  10  can include one or more gauge windows  68  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) through which the dispense chassis  18  can indicate quantities of utensils  20  in the dispense chassis  18 . The second gauge arm  64  can include an indicator portion  70  which can display different quantities of utensils  20  through the gauge window  68 . The first gauge arm  60  can include a gear  72 , and the second gauge arm  64  can include a gear  74  which can mesh with the gear  72  so that movement of the first gauge arm  60  about the pivot  62  can be translated to movement of the second gauge arm  64  about the pivot  66  to move the indicator portion  70  relative to the gauge window  68 . Gear  72  and gear  74  can also be a Scotch yoke. In an alternative embodiment that is not shown, the first gauge arm and the second gauge arm can be fixed together and can pivot such that movement of the first gauge arm about the pivot can be translated into movement of the second gauge arm to move the indicator portion relative to the gauge window. 
     The indicator portion  70  can display different quantities of utensils  20  through the gauge window  68 . The indicator portion  70  can have different quantities printed on different parts of the indicator portion  70 . The different quantities can be visible through the gauge window  68  one at a time or multiple quantities can be displayed to show that the level is between the quantities displayed. For example, the indicator portion  70  could have “Full” and/or a green color printed on the indicator portion  70  that is visible through the gauge window  68  when the dispense chassis  18  has more than a certain amount of utensils  20  in the utensil stack  56 , more than 50% full, more than 60% full, more than 70% full more than 80% full, or more than 90% full; “Half-Full” and/or a yellow color printed on the indicator portion that is visible through the gauge window  68  when the dispense chassis  18  has between certain amounts of utensils  20  in the utensil stack  56 , between 10% full and 90% full, between 20% full and 80% full, between 30% full and 70% full, between 40% full and 60% full; and/or “Empty” and/or a red color printed on the indicator portion  70  that is visible through the gauge window  68  when the dispense chassis  18  has less than a certain amount of utensils  20 , less than 5, less than 4, less than 3, less than 2, or no utensils  20  in the utensil stack  56 . Alternatively, the colors can be used to indicate how many full stacks of utensils (the number of utensils in a full stack of utensils can vary) can be added to the dispense chassis  18 . For example, where a full stack of utensils is thirty utensils, green may indicate that less than one full stack of additional utensils  20  will fit within the dispense chassis  18 . Yellow can indicate that more than one full stack of additional utensils can be added to the dispense chassis  18 , and red can indicated that two full stacks of additional utensils can be added to the dispense chassis  18 . 
     The first gauge arm  60  can include 1 prong, 2 prongs, 3 prongs, 4 prongs, 5 prongs, at least 1 prong, at least 2 prongs, at least 3 prongs, at least 4 prongs, or at least 5 prongs. The first gauge arm can include a first prong  78  and a second prong  80 . The housing  38  can include a first gauge opening  82  through which the first prong  78  can extend and can include a second gauge opening  84  through which the second prong  80  can extend. The utensil stack  56  in the dispense chassis  18  shown in  FIG. 6  is higher than the first gauge opening  82 . When the utensil stack  56  is at or above the first gauge opening  82 , the first prong  78  contacts the utensils  20  in the utensil stack  56  through the first gauge opening  82  and the contacted utensil or utensils prevent the first prong  78  from extending through the first gauge opening  82 . The first prong  78  contacting the utensils  20  sets the first gauge arm  60  at a first angle and positions the second gauge arm  64  so that the indicator portion  70  indicates a corresponding quantity of utensils  20  in the dispense chassis  18  through the gauge window  68 . In this position, the second gauge arm  64  can position the indicator portion  70  so that the indicator portion  70  visible through the gauge window  68  indicates that the dispense chassis is “Full”. 
       FIG. 7  depicts the dispense chassis  18  shown in  FIG. 6  in which the dispense chassis  18  is between half-full and empty of utensils  20 . Since the utensil stack  56  is lower than the first gauge opening  82  and higher than the second gauge opening  84 , the first prong  78  can extend above the utensil stack  56  and the second prong  80  cannot extend through the second gauge opening  84  into the housing  38 . The utensil stack  56  is above the second gauge opening  84  so the second prong  80  contacts one or more of the utensils  20  through the second gauge opening  84  and sets the first gauge arm  60  at a second angle that is rotated relatively counterclockwise (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) in comparison to the position of the first gauge arm  60  as shown in  FIG. 6 . In this position, the second gauge arm  64  can position the indicator portion  70  so that the indicator portion  70  visible through the gauge window  68  indicates that the dispense chassis is “Half-Full” or less than half-full. 
       FIG. 8  depicts the dispense chassis  18  shown in  FIG. 6  in which the dispense chassis  18  is almost empty of utensils  20 . The utensil stack  56  is lower than the second gauge opening  84  so the first prong  78  can extend into the housing  38  through the first gauge opening  82  and the second prong  80  can extend into the housing  38  through the second gauge opening  84 . When the second prong  80  can extend into the housing  38 , the first gauge arm  60  can rotate relatively counterclockwise (as shown in  FIG. 8 ) in comparison to the positions of the first gauge arm  60  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In this position, the second gauge arm  64  positions the indicator portion  70  so that the indicator portion  70  visible through the gauge window  68  indicates that the dispense chassis is “Empty.” 
     The gauge window  68  can be about 5 mm high and can display colors, numbers, percentages, or any other indicator to indicate the number of utensils  20  in the dispense chassis  18 . The first gauge arm  60  can swing with gravity with or without a spring assistance. The weight and/or the center of gravity of the first gauge arm  60  can be adjusted to change how the utensil stack gauge  58  operates. The position and/or the number of the prongs can be adjusted to provide more precise level indicators. Additionally, in an embodiment not shown, the first gauge arm  78  can be partially or completely inside the housing  38  such that the first prong  78 , the second prong  80 , or both the first prong  78  and second prong  80  can directly contact the utensil stack  56  without passing through an opening in the housing  38 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts a partial perspective view of the dispense chassis  18  shown in  FIG. 2 . The dispense chassis  18  can include a ramp  88 , an actuator  90  and an actuator return spring  92  which can be connected between an actuator return spring pin  94  and the housing  38   b . The actuator  90  can include an actuator lever  96  which can include an actuator lever opening  98 . The actuator lever opening  98  can be sized to permit passage of the handle  24  of the utensil  20  as the utensil  20  moves down the ramp  88 . The actuator lever opening  98  can be sized to contact the first portion  28  or head  34  of the utensil  20  and to prevent further movement of the utensil  20  down the ramp  88  under the force of gravity. In one or more examples, the actuator lever opening can have a generally upside down “U” shape and can taper from relatively larger to relatively smaller in the downward direction of the ramp  88 . In one or more examples, the actuator lever opening  98  can be sized to contact wings or detents  32  on one or both sides of the utensils  20 . 
       FIGS. 10-12  depict partial cut away perspective views of the dispense chassis  18 . The actuator  90  can move between a holding position  102  ( FIG. 10 ), a dispensing position  104  ( FIG. 12 ), and a partially dispensing position  106  ( FIG. 11 ) which can be between the holding position  102  and the dispensing position  104 . The actuator  90  can be pivotally mounted to the housing  38  with a pivot  108  and the actuator  90  can rotate around the pivot  108  between the holding position  102  and the dispensing position  104 . 
     The dispense chassis  18  can include a drive mechanism  110  which can have a drive hammer  112 , a cam follower  114 , and a bias spring  116  connected between the drive hammer  112  and the housing  38 . The drive hammer  112  can be mounted to the housing  38  with a pivot  118  around which the drive hammer  112  can rotate to position the drive mechanism  110  between a ready position  120  ( FIG. 12 ) and a release position  122  ( FIG. 10 ). The pivot  118  can be any shaft, pin, or axle on which the drive hammer  112  can pivot or rotate. 
     The actuator  90  can include a cam  126  which can include a cam surface  128 . The cam follower  114  of the drive mechanism  110  can contact and ride on the cam surface  128  as the actuator  90  moves between the holding position  102  and the dispensing position  104 . Movement of the actuator  90  between the holding position  102  and the dispensing position  104  can actuate the drive mechanism  110  through the cam  126  and cam follower  114 . When actuated, the drive mechanism  110  can move between the ready position  120  in which the drive hammer  112  has been retracted and is ready to drive the bottom utensil  21  from the utensil stack  56 , and the release position  122  in which the drive hammer  112  contacts and pushes the bottom utensil  21  from the utensil stack  56 . 
       FIGS. 13-16  depict elevation partial cut away views of the dispense chassis  18 . In the holding position  102  ( FIGS. 10 and 13 ) the actuator  90  can receive the released utensil  20   a  after it has been released from stack  56  by the drive mechanism  110  via the ramp  88  and the actuator lever  96  can contact the released utensil  20   a  to arrest the movement of the released utensil  20   a  down the ramp  88 . The actuator lever  96  can contact the detents  32  or head  34  of the released utensil  20   a . In the holding position  102 , the actuator  90  can hold the released utensil  20   a  such that the handle  24  is accessible via the access port  22  ( FIGS. 1 and 13 ) where the released utensil  20   a  is in a dispense position. When the actuator  90  is in the holding position  102 , the drive mechanism  110  can be in the release position  122 . In the partially dispensing position  106  ( FIGS. 11 and 14 ), the actuator  90  can be rotated and the utensil  20   a  can move further out of the access port  22 . In the partially dispensing position  106 , the actuator  90  can refrain from immediately returning to the holding position  102  if the handle  24  is released. In the dispensing position  104  ( FIGS. 12 and 15 ) the actuator  90  can release the released utensil  20   a  as the user pulls the released utensil  20   a  free from the utensil dispenser  10  and the drive mechanism  110  can move to the ready position  120 . 
     When or as the actuator  90  returns from the dispensing position  104  to the holding position  102  ( FIG. 16 ), the drive mechanism  110  can move from the ready position  120  to the release position  122  and the bottom utensil  21  can be moved or pushed from the bottom of the utensil stack  56 . The drive mechanism  110  can push the bottom utensil  21  so that the first portion  28  of the bottom utensil  21  clears the front pedestal  42  and second portion  30  of the bottom utensil  21  clears the rear pedestal  44 , which can allow the bottom utensil  21  to fall from the utensil stack  56 . When the bottom utensil  21  is moved or pushed from the bottom of the utensil stack  56  ( FIG. 16 ), the bottom utensil  21  can fall to the ramp  88  and can slide or move down the ramp  88  to the actuator  90  under the force of gravity. When the bottom utensil  21  is pushed from the bottom of the utensil stack  56 , the utensil stack  56  can move down creating a new bottom utensil  21 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 13-16 , the dispense chassis  18  can include a ratchet gear assembly  132 . The ratchet gear assembly  132  can include a ratchet gear  134  which can be connected to the actuator  90 , or can be integral with the actuator  90 . The ratchet gear assembly  132  can prevent the actuator  90  from kicking back as the actuator  90  is partially moved from the holding position  102  ( FIGS. 10 and 13 ), toward the dispensing position  104  ( FIGS. 12 and 15 ), and to the partially dispensing position  106  ( FIGS. 11 and 14 ). The ratchet gear  134  can be connected to or integral with the actuator cam  126  ( FIGS. 10-12 ) so that the ratchet gear  134  rotates around the pivot  108  with the actuator cam  126 . The ratchet gear  134  can be formed as part of the actuator  90  and can be positioned at least partially within the housing  38 . The actuator return spring pin  94  can extend from the ratchet gear  134  and the return spring  92  ( FIG. 9 ) can bias the actuator  90  in the holding position  102  through the ratchet gear  134  and can return the actuator  90  from the dispensing position  104  to the holding position  102 . 
     The ratchet gear assembly  132  can include a ratchet pawl  138  and the ratchet gear  134  can include ratchet teeth  140 , a surface  142 , and a stop  144 . The ratchet pawl  138  can include a ratchet pawl hook  146  and can be pivotally connected to the housing  38  with a pivot  148 . The ratchet gear assembly  132  can include a ratchet pawl spring  150  which can bias the ratchet pawl hook  146  in contact with the ratchet gear  134 . 
     The ratchet pawl hook  146  can engage the stop  144  to stop the actuator  90  at the holding position  102  ( FIGS. 10 and 13 ) and can prevent the actuator  90  from rotating past the holding position  102  when moving from the dispensing position  104 . The ratchet pawl hook  146  can engage the ratchet teeth  140  in the first part of the movement of the actuator  90  from the holding position  102  to the partially dispensing position  106  ( FIGS. 11 and 14 ) to prevent the actuator lever  96  from kicking back if the user releases the utensil handle  24  after beginning to pull but before the utensil  20  is released from the utensil dispenser  10 . 
     The ratchet pawl hook  146  can engage the surface  142  to move the ratchet pawl hook  146  from the ratchet teeth  140  as the actuator  90  is moved to the dispensing position  104  ( FIGS. 12 and 15 ) and the released utensil  20   a  is removed from the utensil dispenser  10 . After the released utensil  20   a  is removed, the actuator  90  can return to the holding position  102  under the force of the return spring  92  ( FIG. 9 ) and the ratchet pawl hook  146  can catch the stop  144  to position the actuator  90  in the holding position  102 . 
       FIG. 17  depicts a partial cut away perspective view of the dispense chassis  18  shown in  FIG. 2  with a prime mechanism  154 . The dispense chassis  18  can include the prime mechanism  154  for actuating the drive mechanism  110  to remove a bottom utensil  21  from the utensil stack  56  (as shown in  FIG. 16 ) to deliver the bottom utensil  21  to the actuator  90  when the actuator  90  is not already holding a released utensil  20   a . The prime mechanism  154  can be positioned, at least partially below the access port  22  ( FIG. 1 ). The prime mechanism  154  can include a primer handle  156  and a primer arm  158 . The primer arm  158  can be connected to or form part of the primer handle  156 . The prime mechanism  154  can move between an extended position  160  ( FIG. 17 ), in which the drive mechanism  110  is moved to the ready position  120  ( FIG. 12 ), and a rest position  162  ( FIGS. 9 and 16 ), in which the drive mechanism  110  is moved to the release position  122  ( FIG. 10 ) and moves the bottom utensil  21  from the utensil stack  56  to fall to the ramp  88  and the actuator lever  96 . In one or more examples, the primer handle  156  can be moved from the rest position  162  to the extended position  160  using a pulling force. 
     The actuator lever  96  can include a actuator pin  164  and the primer arm  158  can engage the actuator pin  164  to move the actuator  90  from the holding position  102  to the dispensing position  104  by moving the prime mechanism  154  from the rest position  162  to the extended position  160  by pulling the primer handle  156  and then releasing the primer handle  156 . In one or more examples, the actuator return spring  92  ( FIG. 9 ) can return the actuator  90  back to the holding position  102  and the actuator pin  164  can push the primer arm  158  and the primer handle  156  back to the rest position  162 . The prime mechanism  154  can include a primer return spring  166  connected between the primer arm  158  and the housing  38  to return the prime mechanism  154  from the extended position  160  to the rest position  162 . 
     The prime mechanism  154  can include one or more guides  168  ( FIG. 9 ) for guiding the primer arm  158  between the rest position  162  and the extended position  164 . The prime mechanism  154  allows a user to prime the dispense chassis  18  for use by positioning a utensil  20  for dispensing through the access port  22  after the utensil stack  56  is loaded into the housing  38  when there was not already a utensil  20  with the handle  24  extending from the access port  22 . 
       FIG. 18  depicts the utensil dispenser  10  with the access door  16  open and dispense chassis  18   a  in a loading position  172  and dispense chassis  18   b  and  18   c  in a dispensing position  174 . When the dispense chassis  18  is in the loading position  172 , the utensils  20  can be loaded into the housing  38  through a loading opening  176 , and when the dispense chassis  18  is in the dispensing position  174  the utensils  20  can be dispensed from the utensil dispenser  10 . The dispense chassis  18  can be moved between the dispensing position  174  and the loading position  172  while remaining connected to the body  12 . 
       FIG. 19  depicts a partial cut away elevation view of portions of the utensil dispenser  10  shown in  FIG. 2  with the dispense chassis  18  in the dispensing position  174 .  FIG. 20  depicts a partial cut away elevation view of the utensil dispenser  10  shown in  FIG. 2  with the dispense chassis  18  in the loading position  172 . The utensil dispenser  10  can include a dispense chassis support or glide mechanism  180  which can be connected to the base  14  of the body  12  for supporting at least one utensil dispense chassis  18 . The dispense chassis  18  can include a first pin  182 , which can be connected to or integral with the housing  38 , disposed at or near a bottom  184  of the dispense chassis  18 . The dispense chassis  18  can include a second pin  186 , which can be connected to or be integral with the housing  38 , disposed at or near the bottom  184  of the dispense chassis  18  and can be spaced apart from the first pin  182 . 
     The glide mechanism  180  can include one or more slots or channels for guiding each dispense chassis  18 . For example, the glide mechanism  180  can include a first slot  188  for engaging the first dispense chassis pin  182  to at least partially support the dispense chassis  18 , and a second slot  190  for engaging the second dispense chassis pin  186  to at least partially support the dispense chassis  18 . The first pin  182  and/or second pin  186  can be any rounded cylindrical or tubular shaped structures. The first pin  182  and/or second pin  186  can be stationary so that they can slide within the first and second slots  188  and  190 . The first pin  182  and/or second pin  186  can roll so that they can roll within the first and second slot  188  and  190 . The first and second slots  188  and  190  can be configured to engage the first and second pins  182  and  184 . The glide mechanism  180  can support the dispense chassis  18  in the dispensing position  174  ( FIG. 19 ) and in the loading position  172  ( FIG. 20 ). The glide mechanism  180  can also support and guide the dispense chassis  18  between the dispensing position  174  and the loading position  172 . The glide mechanism  180  can guide the dispense chassis  18  to tilt outward when in the loading position  172 . 
     The first slot  188  can include an arcuate shape and can guide the first pin  182  in a forward and upward motion as the dispense chassis  18  is moved from the dispensing position  174  to the loading position  172 . The dispense chassis  18  can be removed from the glide mechanism  180  and the body  12 . The first slot  188  can have a first slot opening  192  through which the first pin  182  can escape the first slot  188  when removing the dispense chassis  18  from the glide mechanism  180 . The second slot  190  can include an arcuate shape and can guide the second pin  186  in an arcuate and forward motion. The second slot  190  can include a second slot opening  194  through which the second pin  186  can escape the second slot  190  when removing the dispense chassis  18  from the glide mechanism  180 . 
     The pins  182  and  186  and/or the slots openings  192  and  194  can be spaced such that only one of the pins  182  and  186  can be removed through the slot openings  192  and  194  at a time. The first slot opening  192  can be spaced along the first slot  188  such that the first pin  182  can be removed from the first slot  188  when the dispense chassis  18  is in between the dispensing position  174  and the loading position  176 . The pins  182  and  186 , and the slot openings  192  and  194  can be arranged to maintain the pins  182  and  186  in the slots  188  and  190  when the dispense chassis  18  is in the dispensing position  174  and the loading position  172 . The second slot opening  194  can be positioned in the second slot  190  such that the second pin  186  cannot be removed from the second slot  190  unless the first pin  182  is first removed from the first slot  188 . 
     The first slot  188  can include a first end  198  and a second end  200  and can have a crown  202  which can be relatively higher than the first end  198  and/or the second end  200 . The first pin  182  can be located at the first end  198  of the first slot  188  when the dispense chassis  18  is in the dispensing position  174  ( FIG. 19 ), and can be located at the second end  200  of the first slot  188  when the dispense chassis  18  is in the loading position  172  ( FIG. 20 ). The crown  202  can bias the first pin  182  toward the first end  198  or the second end  200  depending on which side of the crown  202  the first pin  182  is located. 
     The second slot  190  can include a first end  204  and a second end  206  and can have a crown  208  that can be relatively higher than the first end  204  and/or the second end  206 . The second pin  186  can be located at the first end  204  of the second slot  190  when the dispense chassis  18  is in the dispensing position  174  ( FIG. 19 ), and can be located on the second end  206  side of the crown  208  when the dispense chassis  18  is in the loading position  172  ( FIG. 20 ). The crown  208  can bias the second pin  186  toward the first end  204  when the second pin  186  is on the first end side of the crown  208 , and can bias the second pin  186  toward the second end  206  when the second pin  186  is on the second end side of the crown  208 . The biases provided by the first slot crown  202  and the second slot crown  208  can hold the dispense chassis  18  in the dispensing position  174  and the loading position  172 . The utensil stack gauge  58  can move out of the way of the loaded utensils  20  when the dispense chassis  18  in the loading position  172  under the force of gravity ( FIG. 20 ). 
       FIG. 21  depicts a bottom view of the dispense chassis  18 . The dispense chassis  18  can include more than one first pin  182  and can include more than one second pin  186 .  FIG. 22  depicts a partial cut away perspective view of the utensil dispenser  10  with the glide mechanism  180  without dispense chassis  18 . The glide mechanism  180  shown in  FIG. 22  can support three dispense chassis  18 . The glide mechanism  180  can include more than one first slot  188  and second slot  190  for each dispense chassis  18 . The first pins  182  can extend inwardly and can have a first pin space  212  between the first pins  182 . The second pins  186  can extend inwardly and can have a second pin space  214  between the second pins  186  ( FIG. 21 ). The glide mechanism  180  can include a slot support  216  which can extend between the first slots  188  and between the second slots  190 . The slot support  216  can extend into the first pin space  212  and second pin space  214  when the dispense chassis  18  is mounted to the utensil dispenser  10 . 
     The utensil dispenser  10  can include a dispense chassis interlock  220  ( FIGS. 19, 20 and 22 ). The dispense chassis interlock  220  can include one or more interlock arms  222  which can each have a first portion  224  and a second portion  226 . The dispense chassis interlock  220  can be pivotally mounted to the body  12  or the glide mechanism  180  and the interlock arms  222  can be connected to move together. When one of the dispense chassis  18  is moved to the loading position  172  ( FIG. 18 ), the dispense chassis interlock  220  can lock the other dispense chassis  18  in the dispensing position  174  to keep the utensil dispenser  10  from tipping forward due to having too much weight in front of the base  14 . 
     When all of the dispense chassis  18  in the body  12  of the utensil dispenser  10  are in the dispensing position  174 , the dispense chassis interlock  220  can be in an unlocked position  228  ( FIG. 19 ), and any one of the dispense chassis  18  can be moved to the loading position  172 . In the unlocked position  228 , the first portion  224  of the interlock arm  222  can be relatively upward and the second portion  226  can be relatively downward and the interlock arm  222  does not interfere with the movement of the dispense chassis  18 . When one of the dispense chassis  18  is moved to the loading position  172 , the dispense chassis interlock  220  can move to a locked position  230  ( FIG. 20 ) and the other dispense chassis  18  can be locked in the dispensing position  174 . In the locked position  230 , the first portion  224  of the interlock arm  222  can be pushed relatively downward by the first pin  182  and the second portion  226  can be moved relatively upward and interfere with the movement of the second pin  186  of the remaining dispense chassis  18 . Movement of the dispense chassis  18  back to the dispensing position  174  can returns the dispense chassis interlock  220  to the unlocked position  228 . 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure further relate to any one or more of the following paragraphs. 
     A utensil dispenser for dispensing a plurality of utensils, comprising: a housing; a dispense chassis configured to fit within the housing; at least one post disposed on an outer surface of the dispense chassis; at least one glide mechanism disposed within the housing and configured to engage the dispense chassis post within the housing, the glide mechanism comprising a slot configured to guide the dispense chassis between a dispensing position in which the dispense chassis is configured to dispense utensils from the housing and a loading position in which the dispense chassis is configured to be loaded with utensils. 
     The apparatus according to the preceding paragraph, wherein the slot comprises an opening configured to receive the post, wherein removing the post from the slot through the opening separates the dispense chassis from the glide mechanism. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the opening in the slot is positioned in the slot such that the post can only be removed from the slot when the dispense chassis is between the dispensing position and the loading position. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the dispense chassis comprises a first and second post and the glide mechanism comprises a first and second slot, the first slot configured to engage the first post and the second slot configured to engage the second post. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first and second posts of the dispense chassis are roller pins and the first and second slots are configured to engage the first and second posts. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first slot comprises a first slot opening and the second slot comprises a second slot opening wherein the first slot opening and the second slot opening are configured such that the first post cannot be removed from the first slot through the first slot opening at the same time as the second post is removed from the second slot through the second slot opening. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the slot comprises a first end, a second end, and a crown and wherein the crown is configured to bias the post toward either the first end or the second end of the slot. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the slot crown is configured to hold the dispense chassis in the dispensing position. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the slot crown is configured to hold the dispense chassis in the loading position. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the second slot comprises a first end, a second end, and a crown and wherein the crown is configured to bias the second post toward the first end of the second slot or the second end of the second slot. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the crown of the second slot is configured to hold the dispense chassis in the dispensing position. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the crown of the second slot is configured to hold the dispense chassis in the loading position. 
     A utensil dispenser for dispensing a plurality of utensils, comprising: a housing; a dispense chassis configured to fit within the housing; a first and second post wherein the first and second post are disposed on an outer surface of the dispense chassis; at least one glide mechanism disposed within the housing and configured to engage the first and second post within the housing, the glide mechanism comprising: a first slot comprising a first slot first end, a first slot second end, and a first slot crown, wherein the first slot is configured to engage the first post and wherein the first slot crown is configured to bias the first post toward either the first slot first end or the first slot second end; a second slot comprising a second slot first end, a second slot second end, and a second slot crown, wherein the second slot is configured to engage the second post and wherein the second slot crown is configured to bias the second post toward either the second slot first end or the second slot second end; and wherein the first and second slots are configured to guide the dispense chassis between a dispensing position in which the dispense chassis is configured to dispense utensils from the housing and a loading position in which the dispense chassis is configured to be loaded with utensils. 
     The apparatus according to the preceding paragraph, wherein the first and second slot crowns are configured to hold the dispense chassis in the dispensing position. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first and second slot crowns are configured to hold the dispense chassis in the loading position. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first slot comprises a first slot opening and the second slot comprises a second slot opening wherein removing the first post from the first slot through the first slot opening and removing the second post from the second slot through the second slot opening separates the dispense chassis from the glide mechanism. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first slot opening is positioned in the first slot such that the first post can only be removed from the first slot when the dispense chassis is between the dispensing position and the loading position. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first slot opening and the second slot opening are configured such that the first post cannot be removed from the first slot through the first slot opening at the same time as the second post is removed from the second slot through the second slot opening. 
     The apparatus according to any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first and second posts of the dispense chassis are roller pins and the first and second slots are configured to engage the first and second posts. 
     A utensil dispenser configured to dispense at least two utensils comprising at least two dispense chassis, each dispense chassis comprising: a housing configured to contain a stack of the utensils therein, wherein the stack of the utensils comprises at least one utensil in addition to a next utensil to be dispensed from the housing; at least one generally vertical support rail disposed within the housing, the generally vertical support rail configured to receive a first portion of each utensil, the first portion having a contoured projection extending outwardly from each utensil to maintain the stack of the utensils in a stacked orientation; a front pedestal disposed inside the housing and beneath the generally vertical support rail, the front pedestal configured to contact the first portion of the next utensil; and a rear pedestal disposed inside the housing and configured to contact a second portion of the next utensil; a drive mechanism configured to contact the next utensil and not contact the other utensils; an access port providing an opening to the housing; an actuator that is operably connected to the drive mechanism and configured to move the drive mechanism into a release position such that the drive mechanism contacts the next utensil in the stack of the utensils to push the next utensil causing the next utensil to release from the stack of the utensils and become a released utensil, wherein the released utensil falls to a dispense position and is accessible via the access port for removing from the dispenser in the dispense position; a ratchet gear assembly positioned at least partially within the housing and operably connected to the actuator to return the drive mechanism from the release position to a holding position; at least one post disposed on the outer surface of the dispense chassis; and at least one glide mechanism disposed within the housing and configured to engage the post within the housing, the glide mechanism comprising, a slot configured to contact the post to guide the dispense chassis between a dispensing position in which the dispense chassis is configured to dispense utensils from the housing and a loading position in which the dispense chassis is configured to be loaded with utensils. 
     Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges including the combination of any two values, e.g., the combination of any lower value with any upper value, the combination of any two lower values, and/or the combination of any two upper values are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted. 
     While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.