Abstract:
A carousel holder that can include a base, a plurality of column elements attached to the base and extending approximately perpendicularly away from the base, and a plurality of insert slots in each of the column elements, wherein each of the insert slots is configured to receive at least one supply pod.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/585,870 filed on Jan. 12, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a carousel for single-serve cartridges or supply pods for single-serve beverage dispensers, and a method of making the same. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0003]    Single serve coffee machines have gained market share in the office, home and home-office settings, as compared to more traditional pot-brewed (e.g., drip-brewed) coffee machines. Single serve coffee machines can have a variety of configurations. For example, some single-serve coffee machines can provide drip-brewed capabilities (e.g., a smaller version of traditional “pot sized” machines), have single-serve coffee pods (e.g., like the Keurig® “K-cup”), or include various other single serve packet designs (e.g., liquid packets by Flavia®). 
         [0004]    According to the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of a single-serve supply pod or cartridge dispenser can be provided that can be used alone or in conjunction with other items to store accessories for single-serve beverage dispensers, e.g., accessories needing refrigeration, e.g., milk/cream. Such exemplary embodiments address at least some of the deficiencies of prior single-serve cartridges or pods. 
       SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0005]    According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary supply cartridge carousel dispenser for single-serve coffee machines is described. 
         [0006]    In certain configurations, the exemplary carousel holder that can include a base, a plurality of column elements attached to the base and extending approximately perpendicularly away from the base, and a plurality of insert slots in each of the column elements, wherein each of the insert slots is configured to receive at least one supply pod. 
         [0007]    Each of the columns, in one configuration, can include a plurality of first insert slots provided on an obverse side thereof and a plurality of second insert slots on a reverse side thereof. In other configurations, at least one of the insert slots can be configured to hold the supply pod(s) in a perpendicular manner with respect to an associated one of the column elements. The insert slot(s) can further be configured to hold the supply pod(s) while the columns spin. 
         [0008]    In one configuration, the base can be configured to spin so as to spin the columns attached to the base. 
         [0009]    Each column element can have a height that ranges from approximately 7 inches to 17 inches. In one configuration, each column can have a height of approximately 12.3 inches. Each column element can have a width that ranges from approximately 1 inch to 8 inches that extends along a front portion of the carousel, and can have a depth generally perpendicular to the width that ranges from approximately 2 inches to 10 inches. In one configuration, each column element can have a depth of approximately 3.7 inches that extends along a side portion of the column element. In some configurations, each column element can have a width of approximately 2.4 inches that extends along a front portion of the column element. 
         [0010]    The exemplary carousel, in some configurations, can have a height of approximately 8 inches to approximately 19 inches. In one configuration, the carousel can have a height of approximately 14.5 inches. 
         [0011]    In some exemplary configurations, each insert slot can have a radius that ranges from approximately 1 inch to 4 inches. Each insert slot, in one configuration, can have a radius of approximately 1.8 inches. 
         [0012]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims(s). 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Exemplary objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures showing illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary carousel with inserted supply pods, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an exemplary carousel without the inserted supply pods; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the exemplary carousel; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the exemplary carousel; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the exemplary carousel; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the exemplary carousel of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the exemplary carousel of  FIG. 1  with a spin direction arrow; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is an front view of an exemplary column component of an exemplary carousel, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the exemplary column component of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the exemplary column component of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a front view of another exemplary column component of an exemplary carousel, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the other exemplary column component of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a top view of an exemplary base portion of an exemplary carousel, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a front view of an exemplary handle component of an exemplary carousel, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the exemplary handle component of  FIG. 14 . 
       
    
    
       [0029]    Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components, or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments and is not limited by the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures or the claims(s) appended herewith. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a supply cartridge carousel dispenser can be provided for single-serve beverage supply cartridges (hereinafter “carousel”). The exemplary carousel can include any number of cartridge holders, and  FIGS. 1-3  illustrate an exemplary carousel according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with three vertical columns  132  of cartridge holders, which can include a holding slot on both an obverse side  110  and a reverse side  115 , which can be generally identical to each other. Other exemplary arrangements, such as more or fewer columns, more or fewer slots, more or fewer sides, and/or differing designs per side, can also be possible according to other exemplary embodiments. 
         [0031]    The exemplary carousel can spin and/or rotate on a base  120 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the exemplary carousel can spin in the clockwise direction “A” shown by the arrow. In other exemplary configurations, the exemplary carousel can spin in the counterclockwise direction “A”, or in both the clockwise and counterclockwise direction. The exemplary base  120  can have a logo portion  122  that can be configured to receive a logo or a label. The exemplary base  120  can include one logo portion  122 , or in other exemplary configurations, at least two logo portions  122  in which one is on the obverse side  110  and one is on the reverse side  115 . In other exemplary configurations, the base  120  can include a logo portion  122  without a logo or label, or may not include a logo portion  122 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the logo portion  122  can have a length  124  that ranges from, e.g., approximately 1 inch to 5 inches. For example, in one exemplary configuration, the length  124  can be approximately 2.050 inches. 
         [0032]    The columns  132  can include receiving spaces  130 , and/or can be coupled to the exemplary base  120 . The exemplary column  132  can include a connecting portion  133  that can connect the column  132  to the base  120 . In one exemplary embodiment, the connecting portion  133  can connect to the base  120  at a connecting location  131 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 13 . Such exemplary coupling can be effectuated by, e.g., an adhesive, a snap-fit mechanism, or any other suitable means. 
         [0033]    The exemplary carousel can include a spacer arranged between two adjacent columns  132  (not shown), which can be made from a number of materials (e.g., rubber), and can reduce or prevent the columns from hitting and/or scratching each other. The exemplary carousel can include a handle  125 , which can be attached to or through the spacers and which can hold the handle  125  in place. The handle  125  can also be attached to one or more of the columns  132 , e.g., in other exemplary embodiments. As shown in an exemplary configuration of  FIGS. 1-5 , the exemplary carousel can include one handle  125 , for example. In other exemplary configurations, the exemplary carousel can include more than one handle  125 . For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the exemplary carousel can include two handles  125 . The exemplary handle(s)  125  can be made of a solid construction or can be hallow. 
         [0034]    The front and perspective view of the handle  125  is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the width  147  of the handle  125  can range from, e.g., approximately 2 inches to approximately 4 inches. In one exemplary configuration, the width  147  can be approximately 2.9 inches, and in another exemplary configuration, the width  147  can be approximately 3.03 inches. The handle  125  can also have an inner width  183  that ranges from, e.g., approximately 1.4 inches to approximately 3.5 inches. In one exemplary configuration, the inner width  183  can be approximately 2.5 inches. The height  4  of the handle  125  extending from the top of the exemplary column  125  can be, e.g., approximately 0.775 inches (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). The entire height  185  of the handle  125  (as shown in  FIG. 14 ) can range from, e.g., approximately 13.00 inches to 14.00 inches. According to one exemplary configuration, the entire height  185  can be approximately 13.58 inches, and in another configuration, for example, the entire height  185  can be approximately 13.150 inches. 
         [0035]    According to one exemplary configuration, the handle  125  can include a handle portion  126  to facilitate gripping the exemplary carousel. The handle portion  126  can have a generally “U” configuration that is curved with a radius  187  of approximately 1.450 inches. The handle portion  126  can also include a height  189  of, e.g., approximately 1.18 inches. The handle portion  126  can include other exemplary configurations, such as a square, rectangular, triangular, or other suitable configuration, that are suitable for facilitating a user to grip the handle portion  126  and hold the exemplary carousel. 
         [0036]    Exemplary carousels can be configured and/or structured to hold any number of single-serve cartridges within the receiving spaces  130 . In one example, the exemplary carousel shown in  FIG. 1  can hold, e.g., 30 individual cartridges  137  (e.g., the 15 shown and 15 on the reverse side), although other exemplary structures can hold various number of cartridges (higher or lower than those described herein). The receiving spaces  130  can be configured to receive cartridges  137  straight in, e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the column  132  and parallel to the base  120 . In other exemplary configurations, the receiving spaces  130  can be configured to receive cartridges  137  at an angle. The receiving spaces  130  can be dimensioned for a specific cartridge product, such as a K-cup. Such exemplary configuration can facilitate a snug fit of the exemplary coffee pods, which in turn can facilitate the carousel to spin without the pods falling/flying out due to the centrifugal force of the spinning. In one exemplary configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the receiving spaces  130  can have a diameter  170  that ranges from, e.g., approximately 1 inch to 4 inches. According to an exemplary configuration, the diameter  170  can be approximately 1.65 inches, and in another exemplary configuration, the diameter  170  can be approximately 1.8 inches. In the exemplary carousel, the receiving spaces  130  can be integrated with the columns  132 . 
         [0037]    In some exemplary configurations of the exemplary dispenser, the exemplary column  132  can be made of various components. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 9-12 , the exemplary column  132  can be made of two components: a column portion  192  (shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) and a front plate  194  (shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). The column portion  192  can include a front plate receiving space  202 , for example as shown in  FIG. 10 , which can be configured and/or structured for receiving the front plate  194  during the assembly of the exemplary carousel. The front plate  194  can include the receiving spaces  130 . In one exemplary configuration, the receiving spaces  130  can be spaced at a distance  198  of approximately 0.150 from the edge of the front plate  194 . The front plate  194 , according to one exemplary embodiment, can have five receiving spaces  130 . In one exemplary configuration, the distance  200  between the third or center receiving space  130  and the bottom edge of the front plate  194  can be, e.g., approximately 5.650 inches. 
         [0038]    Exemplary carousels can include feet  135  on the base, which can be made from a rubber and/or any other material, e.g., including a material that increases friction between the base and a countertop. The base  120  can include weighting in the bottom, which can keep the unit still when spinning. Exemplary carousels can be a stand alone accessory item to a single-serve beverage dispenser or can be used in conjunction with one or more other accessory items, e.g., all in conjunction with a single-serve beverage dispenser. 
         [0039]    Various components of the exemplary carousels can include any number of dimensions, and  FIGS. 1-15  illustrate exemplary sets of dimensions for certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in one exemplary configuration, the exemplary base  120  can have a diameter  139  of approximately 7.5 inches. In another exemplary configuration, the exemplary base  120  can have a diameter  139  of approximately 7.480 inches. The height  149  of the exemplary base  120  can range from, e.g., approximately 0.600 inches to approximately 0.700 inches. The height  151  of the exemplary base  120  and label portion  122  can range from, e.g., approximately 0.900 inches to approximately 1.30 inches. The distance  161  between each of the exemplary logo portions  122  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) can be, e.g., approximately 3.400 inches. The radius  140  can be, e.g., approximately 3.750 inches. The width  141  of the exemplary carousel measured from the far left column  132  to far right column  132  can be, e.g., approximately 8 inches. The depth  143  of each column  132  can range from, e.g., approximately 2 inches to 10 inches. For example, in one configuration, the depth  143  can be approximately 2.96 inches, in another configuration, the depth  143  can be approximately 5 inches, and in yet another configuration, the depth  143  can be approximately 3.7 inches. The distance  145  measured from the center of each connection location  131  can be, e.g., approximately 2.8 inches as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 13 . The distance  153  between each receiving space  130  can be, e.g., approximately 0.500 inches. In certain exemplary configurations, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the height  159  measured from the bottom of the exemplary carousel to the center of the first receiving space  130  can be approximately 2.401 inches, and the height  157  measured from the bottom of the exemplary carousel to the center of the third receiving space  130  can be approximately 7.085 inches. 
         [0040]    The height  173  of the exemplary carousel measured from the top of the exemplary column  132  to the bottom of the base  120  can range from, e.g., approximately 7 inches to approximately 17 inches. For example, in one configuration, the height  173  can be approximately 12.8 inches. The height  175  of the exemplary carousel measured from the top of the handle  125  can range from, e.g., approximately 8 inches to 19 inches. According to one exemplary configuration, the height  175  can be approximately 13.6 inches, and in another exemplary configuration, for example, the height  175  can be approximately 14.5 inches. The width  177  of the exemplary column  132  can range from, e.g., approximately 1 inch to approximately 8 inches. In one exemplary configuration, the exemplary width  177  can be approximately 2.4 inches, and in another exemplary configuration, the exemplary width  177  can be approximately 1.97 inches. The height  179  of the exemplary column  132  (including a connection portion  133  shown in  FIG. 8 ) can range from, e.g., approximately 7 inches to approximately 17 inches. According to one exemplary configuration, the height  179  can be approximately 12.3 inches. The height  196  of the exemplary column  132  (not including the connection portion  133  as shown in  FIG. 10 ) can range from, e.g., approximately 11.00 inches to 12.00 inches. According to another exemplary configuration, the height  196  can be approximately 11.60 inches, and in another configuration, the height  179  can be approximately 11.61 inches. The top portion of the exemplary column  132  can be curved, for example as shown in  FIG. 3 . The curved top portion can include a radius  181  of, e.g., approximately 1.200 inches. The exemplary column  132  can have a second inner radius  195  of, e.g., approximately 1.050 inches (as shown in  FIG. 8 ). In some exemplary embodiments, this inner radius  194  can be part of the exemplary column portion  192 . The exemplary connection portion  133  of the exemplary column  132  can have a depth  163  ranging from, e.g., approximately 1 inch to 4 inches. For example, in one configuration, the depth  163  can be approximately 2.5 inches (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). The exemplary connecting portion  133  can have a height  165  (including the height of the base  120 ) of, e.g., approximately 1.200 inches. The exemplary connecting portion  133  can have a width  169  (as shown in  FIG. 8 ) of, e.g., approximately 1.355 inches. The exemplary connection portion  133  can have a height  171  that ranges, e.g., from approximately 0.5 inches to 2 inches. For example, the connection portion  133  can have a height  171  of approximately 0.685 inches (as shown in  FIG. 10 ). In one exemplary configuration, the exemplary connection location  131  can have a diameter  191  of approximately 0.510. 
         [0041]    It is appreciated that other dimensions, e.g., for other exemplary embodiments, are also possible. For example, the exemplary carousel could have other suitable dimensions and measurements configured for supporting various sized supply cartridges  137   
         [0042]    The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, and procedures which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and can be thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, all publications and references referred to above can be incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In addition, certain terms used in the present disclosure, including the specification, drawings and text thereof, can be used synonymously in certain instances, including, but not limited to, e.g., data and information. It should be understood that, while these words, and/or other words that can be synonymous to one another, can be used synonymously herein, that there can be instances when such words can be intended to not be used synonymously. The term “about” and “approximately,” as used herein, should generally be understood to refer to both the corresponding number and a range of numbers. Moreover, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include each whole integer within the range. Further, to the extent that the prior art knowledge has not been explicitly incorporated by reference herein above, it can be explicitly being incorporated herein in its entirety. All publications referenced above can be incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.