Patent Description:
Dispensing of frozen confectionary products is typically done by an operator working at a counter, truck, or kiosk. However, the speed at which a consumer is able to receive a frozen confectionary product is greatly limited by the speed at which the operator is able to prepare the frozen confectionary product. Moreover, when the frozen confectionary product comprises multiple flavors, sauces, and/or toppings, the time to dispense the frozen confectionary product increases.

Additionally, dispensing of frozen confectionary products generates a great deal of waste. For example, each frozen confectionary flavor, sauce and/or topping is stored in a separate container prior to being dispensed to a consumer. Moreover, the containers holding the frozen confectionary product dispensed to the consumers and the spoons used in frozen confectionary products can all generate waste.

Vending machines with frozen wrapped or packed frozen confectionary products exist. The wrapping and packaging material is disposed as waste when the product is consumed.

<CIT> discloses a container for product to be dispensed, the container having an upper part intended to move or deform in order to reduce the volume within the container, the container having an outlet intended to open during movement or deformation of said upper part.

<CIT> discloses a frozen confection-dispensing apparatus comprising: containing means for containing a frozen confection in a closed chamber, means for holding the containing means in a receptacle, an elongated sleeve including a longitudinally extending channel, the containing means being disposed in the longitudinally extending channel, the elongated sleeve and the containing means cooperating to provide a bag assembly disposed in the receptacle.

<CIT> discloses a dispenser for dispensing frozen food products from multiple cartridges, said dispenser comprising: a housing to which a dispensing assembly adapted for pushing the food product from a single cartridge is attached, and storage means for a plurality of cartridges of frozen food product.

<CIT> discloses a dispensing apparatus for dispensing frozen or semi-frozen product such as ice cream and sorbet or the like, the dispensing apparatus comprising a bulk container for storing multiple portions of product to be dispensed.

<CIT> discloses a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a frozen product comprising a cylindrical compartment, refrigeration means for maintaining the compartment and the product at a selected low temperature, and deformable container means arranged to be prefilled with product and located releasably within the compartment.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus for automatic delivering of paste food products, particularly ice cream and/or yoghurt, comprising a housing, within which a plurality of containers of said paste food products are provided.

<CIT> discloses a coin-actuated vending machine for ice cream or the like, characterized by the feature that the unlocking mechanism and the coin mechanism are located entirely outside the refrigerating chamber and the storage chamber, and that they are thermally insulated from these chambers and also from the locking means.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus for dispensing a semisolid substance in scoops having a generally spherical shape and a uniform consistency, said apparatus comprising: a closed container, pressure means, exit means, and scoop dispensing means.

<CIT> discloses dispensing system for frozen desserts, said dispensing system including a plurality of containers and a dispensing device, each container containing an individual portion of frozen dessert.

<CIT> discloses a means for dispensing frozen material such as ice cream comprising a refrigerator having a discharge opening in one wall thereof and a door covered opening in said wall, and a movable member in the refrigerator for receiving sleeves containing the material.

There is a need to reduce waste of packaging material in order to preserve the environment.

There is also a need for sustainable vending solutions for frozen products such as frozen confectionary.

It is the object of present invention to provide a sustainable dispensing machine, which provides a solution to one or more or all of the above-mentioned needs.

The present invention provides the improvement by a dispensing machine, which can dispense product from re-usable tubes. The dispensing machine design allows products to be prepared from multiple frozen confectionary flavours and topping and/or sauces. The dispensing machine removes the need for wrapping of the product and thus provides zero waste of packaging material.

The present invention relates to a dispensing machine for dispensing a frozen confectionary product, the machine comprising:.

wherein the means for transferring the one or more first tubes is a robotic arm, preferably a robotic arm comprising a tube changer plate configured to grip the one or more first tubes. This has the benefit that the dispensing machine can run without an operator. It also allows a fast and consistent preparation of the product. Finally, the use of one or more robotic arms allows for a compact design of the dispensing machine.

By means of the dispensing machine according to the present invention, the consumer can receive a customizable frozen confectionary product from an automated dispensing machine.

In the dispensing machine according to the invention, one or more tubes containing a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary, can be placed on a storage tray and transferred from a production facility to a dispensing machine. The tubes can be placed directly in the dispensing machine without the need to transfer the tubes off the storage tray or the contents of the tubes (i.e., the frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary) out of the tubes.

The frozen confectionary and/or component thereof provides a consumer with a customizable frozen confectionary product.

In an embodiment of the invention the dispensing machine can also identify when a tube is below a pre-determined threshold and then send the tube to a second location (i.e., the production facility or an intermediate location) to be subsequently cleaned and reused.

For example, a tube can be filled with a frozen confectionary at a production facility and placed on a tray. The tray can be shipped to a dispensing machine and placed in the dispensing machine to provide a consumer with a customizable frozen confectionary product. After the tube is used, the tube can be collected, washed and reused (e.g., re-filled with another frozen confectionary product). Preferably, the tubes can be washed at a production facility and then delivered to a production line located in the facility to be re-filled. Preferably, the refilled frozen confectionary tubes can be placed on a tray to be shipped back to the dispensing machine in, for example, a refrigerated shipping box.

In a preferred embodiment, the means for transferring the one or more first tubes in the first storage area to the serving station and from the serving station back to the first storage area. This allows for a compact layout of the dispensing machine. In this embodiment, the first tubes are returned back in the first tube trays and there is no need for additional storage space is needed. Once the first trays are filled empty first tubes then tray can be removed from the dispensing machine, and the tubes washed and reused.

In the drawings which illustrate example embodiments of this invention:.

With the dispenser according to the invention, it is possible to re-use one of more tubes. For example, the frozen confectionary composition made at the factory can be provided in the tubes.

The dispensing device allows the loading of one or more first tubes comprising a composition that is a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary from a first storage tray located in a first storage area to a serving station; dispensing at least a portion of the composition that is a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary from at least one of the one or more first tubes into a container; optionally placing a spoon into the container; and conveying the frozen confectionary product to an outlet. Preferably the first storage area, the serving station, and the outlet are located at the same venue.

In a preferred embodiment of the machine it comprises a second storage area separate from the first storage area for storing a second storage tray comprising one or more second tubes comprising an additional component, means for transferring the one or more second tubes from the second storage area to the serving station, and wherein the serving station comprises a second position under the one or more of the second tubes for receiving a container. The second storage area may comprise toppings or sauce, which allows the multiple variations of the decorations of the frozen confectionary that can be added to the product.

The confectionary component may comprise a frozen confectionary sauce, for example, a syrup or a hot fudge. In an embodiment, the additional confectionary component may comprise a frozen confectionary topping, for example, nuts, candies, fruit or sprinkles. These components may be provided in the second tube or tubes.

A dispensing machine preferably comprises a third zone wherein the second storage area is positioned, and wherein the temperature of the third zone is higher than the temperature of the first zone.

The temperature of the first zone is preferably -<NUM> to -<NUM>, the temperature of the second zone is preferably -<NUM> to -<NUM>, and the temperature of the third zone is preferably ambient temperature, e.g. from <NUM> to <NUM>.

To automate the preparation of the frozen confectionary product, the dispensing machine may comprises means for conveying the frozen confectionary product to an outlet on the dispensing machine.

Preferably the machine comprises heaters for heating the one or more second tubes in the serving station prior to dispensing the portion of the component of the frozen confectionary into the container. This allows product to be created with both hot and cold elements.

To facilitate the running of the dispensing machine it comprises means for detecting when contents of one of the one or more first tubes is below a pre-determined threshold, and means for moving the one of the one or more first tubes having contents below the pre-determined threshold into an empty tube location in a tray located in the dispensing machine.

For example, when detecting that the contents of a tube are below a pre-determined threshold; transferring the substantially emptied tube to an empty tube tray located in the dispensing machine; shipping the emptied tube tray to a location different from the dispensing machine (e.g., the production facility or an intermediate location); cleaning the emptied tubes at the location different from the dispensing machine; transferring the cleaned tubes to a production line (e.g., the production facility); and filling the cleaned tubes with a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary.

When the dispensing machine is in the form of a vending machine the machine may advantageously comprise a user interface for receiving an indication of a type of frozen confectionary product to be dispensed.

To facilitate the handling of the tubes in the dispensing machine the tube may comprise a first flap located on a first end of the tube and a second locking flap located on a second end of the tube.

Furthermore, the tube comprises a sealing cap, preferably a sealing cap configured to be pushed into the tube may be used.

The dispensing machine preferably comprises a door for receiving and removing trays with tubes. The position of the tubes in the trays facilitates the filling and replacement of the tubes in the storage areas.

In one embodiment the machine according to the invention may comprise a buffer unit located in the dispensing machine prior to conveying the frozen confectionary product to the outlet.

To ease the position of the frozen confectionary portions cut from the tubes, the dispensing machine may comprise a rotating table located in the dispensing machine on which the containers can be placed. Preferably, the tubes have an inner profile having a shape selected from the group consisting of a disc, a star, a hexagon, a square or a polygon. This allows a variation of the shape of the portions of the frozen confectionary.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with other embodiments of the disclosure and are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the disclosure and do not limit the scope of the disclosure when taken into consideration with the claims and the following detailed description. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an ingredient" or "the ingredient" includes two or more ingredients.

The words "comprise," "comprises" and "comprising" are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. Likewise, the terms "include," "including" and "or" should all be construed to be inclusive, unless such a construction is clearly prohibited from the context. Nevertheless, the compositions disclosed herein may lack any element that is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, a disclosure of an embodiment using the term "comprising" includes a disclosure of embodiments "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of" the components identified.

The term "and/or" used in the context of "X and/or Y" should be interpreted as "X," or "Y," or "X and Y. " Similarly, "at least one of X or Y" means "X" or "Y," or "X and Y. " Where used herein, the terms "example" and "such as," particularly when followed by a listing of terms, are merely exemplary and illustrative and should not be deemed to be exclusive or comprehensive.

As used herein, "about," "approximately" and "substantially" are understood to refer to numbers in a range of numerals, for example the range of -<NUM>% to +<NUM>% of the referenced number, preferably -<NUM>% to +<NUM>% of the referenced number, more preferably - <NUM>% to +<NUM>% of the referenced number, most preferably -<NUM>% to +<NUM>% of the referenced number. All numerical ranges herein should be understood to include all integers, whole or fractions, within the range. Moreover, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from <NUM> to <NUM> should be construed as supporting a range of from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, and so forth.

The term "frozen confectionary" refers to any frozen or chilled confection. Non-limiting examples are ice cream, sorbet, sherbet, water ice, frozen yogurt, frozen dairy, soft ice, granitas, mellorine, frozen custard, non-dairy frozen confection, milk ice, ice lolly, gelato or frozen jelly, or chilled desserts such as mousses, whipped yogurt, milk shakes or smoothie or coffee latté.

The term "topping" refers to any topping for a frozen or chilled confection. Non-limiting examples are nuts, sprinkles, fruit, or candies.

The term "sauce" refers to any sauce for a frozen or chilled confection. Non-limiting examples include chocolate syrup, caramel, hot fudge, strawberry sauce, or other syrups.

The term "frozen confectionary component" refers to a topping and/or a sauce for a frozen confectionary.

The term "frozen confectionary product" refers to a frozen confectionary and any sauce and/or topping.

<FIG> is a front view of a frozen confectionary tube <NUM> that may be used in the presently disclosed machine. The frozen confectionary tube <NUM> may have a circular cross-section, such as a circular opening of the tube and/or a circular bottom surface of the tube. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a specific shape of the tube and additional shapes such as a star, hexagon, square or polygon are contemplated. The frozen confectionary tube may be made of stainless steel, for example.

The frozen confectionary tube <NUM> may be held in a specific position and/or location by tube holding clamps <NUM>. Preferably the tube holding clamps <NUM> are configured to prevent the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> from moving out of place when positioned in a dispensing machine <NUM> as described in greater detail hereafter.

In an embodiment, the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> may interact with a servo drive <NUM> which is preferably connected to a jack screw <NUM> and/or a pusher plate <NUM> to control the amount of the frozen confectionary dispensed from the frozen confectionary tube <NUM>. For example, the servo drive <NUM> may drive the jack screw <NUM> and/or the pusher plate <NUM> to dispense a specified amount of frozen confectionary from the frozen confectionary tube <NUM>. The servo drive <NUM> may be controlled by a controller <NUM>. Preferably a cutting device <NUM> may be used to slice the frozen confectionary. For example, the cutting device <NUM> may comprise a slicer or a heated wire configured to cut the frozen confectionary. The frozen confectionary may be dispensed into a container <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view of an embodiment of the dispensing machine <NUM>. The dispensing machine <NUM> may comprise one or more of the servo drive <NUM>, the jack screw <NUM> or the pusher plate <NUM>.

The dispensing machine <NUM> may be configured to automatically dispense a frozen confectionary product. For example, the dispensing machine <NUM> may comprise a rotating table <NUM> configured to hold and move the container <NUM> into a first position for receiving a first frozen confectionary from a first frozen confectionary tube <NUM>. In an embodiment, after receiving a first frozen confectionary, the rotating table <NUM> may move the container <NUM> into a second position to receive a second frozen confectionary from a second frozen confectionary tube <NUM> and so forth. Preferably the rotating table <NUM> is configured to move sideways or front and back through the dispensing machine <NUM> to receive one or more frozen confectionaries and deliver a resultant frozen confectionary product <NUM> to an outlet <NUM> from which a consumer may remove the frozen confectionary product <NUM> from the dispensing machine <NUM> (i.e., the dispensing process).

Preferably the rotating table <NUM> moves through a visible area <NUM> that is visible to consumers outside the dispensing machine <NUM>.

The dispensing machine <NUM> may comprise the outlet <NUM>, which can convey the frozen confectionary product <NUM> to the consumer. The dispensing machine <NUM> may comprise a user interface <NUM>. A consumer may enter information regarding a type and/or an amount of frozen confectionary into the user interface <NUM> (e.g., selected from options displayed by the user interface <NUM>). The information may be conveyed to the controller <NUM> which can be at least partially located in the rotating table <NUM>.

The dispensing machine <NUM> may comprise a buffer unit <NUM>. The buffer unit <NUM> may receive the frozen confectionary product <NUM> from the rotating table <NUM>. The buffer unit <NUM> may be used to store the frozen confectionary product <NUM> in the dispensing machine <NUM> after production from the corresponding frozen confectionary tube <NUM> and/or prior to conveying the frozen confectionary product <NUM> to the consumer. In an embodiment, the buffer unit <NUM> may remove a frozen confectionary product <NUM> from the outlet <NUM> that has not been picked up by a consumer within a pre-determined time.

Optionally the dispensing machine <NUM> may further comprise one or more topping tubes <NUM> and/or one or more sauce tubes <NUM>. The rotating table <NUM> may be configured to move the container <NUM> into one or more further positions whereby the container <NUM> may receive toppings from the topping tubes <NUM> and/or sauces from the sauce tubes <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example of a topping tube <NUM> that may be used in an embodiment of the presently disclosed dispensing machine. The topping tube <NUM> may comprise a first flap <NUM> to prevent slipping when the topping tube <NUM> is moved as will be discussed later in greater detail. The topping tube <NUM> may further comprise a locking flap <NUM> to lock the topping tube into a storage tray <NUM> and/or the dispensing machine <NUM>. The topping tube <NUM> may further comprise a slide gate <NUM> which may be removed to allow the topping tube <NUM> to be filled with toppings and/or to allow the topping tube <NUM> to dispense toppings into the container <NUM>. The topping tube <NUM> may further comprise a sealing cap <NUM>. The sealing cap <NUM> can keep the toppings in the topping tube <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example of a sauce tube <NUM> for use in an embodiment of the presently disclosed dispensing machine. The sauce tube <NUM> may comprise a first flap <NUM> to prevent slipping when the sauce tube <NUM> is moved. The sauce tube <NUM> may further comprise a locking flap <NUM> to lock the sauce tube <NUM> into the storage tray <NUM> and/or the dispensing machine <NUM>. The sauce tube <NUM> may further comprise a slide gate <NUM> which may be removed to allow the sauce tube <NUM> to be filled with sauce and/or to allow the sauce tube <NUM> to dispense sauce into the container <NUM>. The sauce tube <NUM> may comprise a sealing cap <NUM>. The sealing cap <NUM> may prevent the sauce from leaking out of the sauce tube <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example of the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> for use in an embodiment of the presently disclosed dispensing machine. The frozen confectionary tube <NUM> may comprise a first flap <NUM> to prevent slipping when the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> is moved. The frozen confectionary tube <NUM> may further comprise a locking flap <NUM> to lock the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> into the storage tray <NUM> and/or the dispensing machine <NUM>. The frozen confectionary tube <NUM> may further comprise a slide gate <NUM> which may be removed to allow the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> to be filled with frozen confectionary and/or to allow the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> to dispense frozen confectionary into the container <NUM>. The frozen confectionary tube <NUM> may comprise a sealing cap <NUM>. The sealing cap <NUM> may prevent the frozen confectionary from leaking out of the frozen confectionary tube <NUM>. In an embodiment, the slide gate <NUM> and/or the sealing cap <NUM> may act as a contact point for the pusher plate <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the storage tray <NUM> is a stainless steel tray. <FIG> depicts a top view of an embodiment of the storage tray <NUM> which may be used to transport the tubes with the tube holding clamps <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a side view of an embodiment of the storage tray <NUM> for transport. The storage tray <NUM> may be configured to allow the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM> to be locked and unlocked by an arm <NUM> located in the dispensing machine <NUM>. The storage tray <NUM> is preferably configured to be stacked on top of a second storage tray <NUM> for ease in transport.

In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing machine <NUM> may further comprise one or more arms <NUM> for moving the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM> from the storage tray <NUM> located in a storage area to a serving station as will be discussed in greater detail later.

The dispensing machine <NUM> may further comprise a tube holder <NUM>. <FIG> shows the tube holder <NUM> which may be configured to hold the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the sauce tubes <NUM>, and/or the topping tubes <NUM>. For example, a spring operated holding clamp <NUM> may be used to hold the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the sauce tubes <NUM>, and/or the topping tubes <NUM> in place during transferring of the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM> from the storage tray and during dispensing of the frozen confectionary components from the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict an embodiment of the rotating table <NUM> and the cutting device <NUM> that may be used in an embodiment of the presently disclosed machine. The rotating table <NUM> may comprise a suction head <NUM> that may comprise grids configured to rotate, move up and down, and/or move sideways. The rotating table <NUM> may further comprise a detection system <NUM> to control the dispensing of the frozen confectionary product <NUM>. The detection system <NUM> may comprise a distance measuring laser <NUM> and/or a laser curtain <NUM> to detect the amount of sauce and/or toppings dispensed into the container <NUM>. The detection system <NUM> may further detect if the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM> are below a pre-determined threshold. For example, the detection system <NUM> may be configured to control the replacement of one or more of the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM> when the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM> reach a minimum pre-determined threshold of content as will be discussed in greater detail later.

In an embodiment, the outlet <NUM> may comprise a conveyor sling <NUM> configured to move sideways to transfer the frozen confectionary product <NUM> from the serving unit <NUM> into the buffer unit <NUM> or from the buffer unit <NUM> into the serving unit <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example of the buffer unit <NUM> that may be used in an embodiment of the presently disclosed machine. Preferably the buffer unit <NUM> may be provided to store and serve the frozen confectionary products <NUM>. The buffer unit <NUM> may further transfer frozen confectionary products <NUM> that were not removed by a consumer from the outlet <NUM> in a pre-determined amount of time. The buffer unit <NUM> may comprise a chain <NUM> and/or one or more buffer plates <NUM>. The frozen confectionary product may be loaded onto the one or more buffer plates <NUM> and/or moved up and down by the chain <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an overview of the dispensing machine <NUM> according to the invention. Preferably the dispensing machine <NUM> can comprise at least three different temperature zones. Preferably the first zone may be kept at a temperature lower than the second and third zones. Preferably the second zone may be kept at a temperature lower than the third zone. For example, the first zone may be kept at a temperature of approximately - <NUM> or less. The second zone may be kept at a temperature of approximately -<NUM> - <NUM>. The third zone may be kept at a temperature of approximately <NUM> - <NUM>. Preferably the zones are moisture controlled.

Preferably the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM> may be stored in a frozen confectionary storage area <NUM> located in the first zone. Preferably the sauce tubes <NUM> and/or topping tubes <NUM> may be stored respectively in a sauce storage area <NUM> and a topping storage area <NUM> located in the third zone. Preferably a serving station <NUM> may be located in the second zone.

The serving station <NUM> may comprise a sealing cap removal station <NUM> to remove the sealing caps <NUM> from the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the sauce tubes <NUM>, and/or the topping tubes <NUM> to allow the contents of the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM> to be dispensed. The serving station <NUM> may further comprise a frozen confectionary turntable <NUM> which can dispense one or more frozen confectionaries from the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>. The serving station <NUM> may further comprise a topping turntable <NUM> which can dispense one or more toppings from topping tubes <NUM>. The serving station <NUM> may further comprise a sauce turntable <NUM> to dispense one or more sauces from the sauce tubes <NUM>. Preferably the topping turntable <NUM> and/or the sauce turntable <NUM> are heated. For example, the topping turntable <NUM> and/or the sauce turntable <NUM> may comprise heated jackets for heating the topping tubes <NUM> and/or the sauce tubes <NUM>. In an embodiment, the topping turntable <NUM> and/or sauce turntable <NUM> may comprise a heating coil and/or a heated plate.

In an embodiment, the topping turntable <NUM> may comprise an outlet valve (e.g., a star valve) to dispense a topping serving from the topping tubes <NUM>. In an embodiment, the sauce turntable may comprise peristaltic pumps to dispense a sauce serving from the sauce tubes <NUM>. The peristaltic pumps may be heated.

The dispensing machine <NUM> may further comprise an emptied tube storage area <NUM> for storing tubes that have lower than a pre-determined threshold amount of frozen confectionary and/or sauce and/or toppings. The arm <NUM> may move substantially emptied tubes to the emptied tube storage area <NUM>.

The dispensing machine <NUM> may further comprise a spoon dispenser <NUM> configured to dispense spoons. For example, spoons may be placed in the container <NUM> or dispensed directly to the outlet <NUM>. The dispensing machine <NUM> may further comprise a waste bin <NUM> to collect any unused containers <NUM> (e.g., wafers) and/or spoons.

In an embodiment, a cutter cleaning station <NUM> may be provided to clean the cutting device <NUM>. For example, the cutting device <NUM> may be cleaned and sanitized by UV light.

A non-limiting example of the method <NUM> is generally illustrated in <FIG>. Some embodiments of the method <NUM> can omit one or more of the steps depicted in <FIG>, and some embodiments of the method <NUM> can include one or more additional steps. The depicted steps are preferably performed in the order in which they are illustrated (as shown by arrows), but some embodiments can perform the steps in a different order. Indeed, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiment shown in <FIG>.

The method <NUM> generally may comprise receiving an indication of a selected frozen confectionary product; providing a container; loading one or more first tubes comprising a composition that is a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary from a first storage tray located in a first storage area to a serving station; dispensing at least a portion of the composition that is a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary from at least one of the one or more first tubes into the container; optionally placing a spoon into the container; and conveying the frozen confectionary product to an outlet. A detailed explanation of the method <NUM> now follows.

The method <NUM> can comprise receiving an indication of a selected frozen confectionary product <NUM> (Step <NUM>). For example, the indication may be received by the controller <NUM> which may be at least partially located in the rotating table <NUM>. The indication may comprise an amount and a type of frozen confectionary, an amount and a type of sauce, and an amount and a type of topping to be included in the frozen confectionary product <NUM>. The indication may be provided by the user input device <NUM>. In an embodiment the indication may be provided automatically in response to a user input at a location remote from the dispensing machine <NUM> (e.g., from an application on a mobile phone).

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> can comprise providing the container <NUM> to hold the frozen confectionary product <NUM> (Step <NUM>). Preferably the container <NUM> is made of edible materials. For example, the container <NUM> can be a wafer plate or a wafer cup. In an embodiment, providing the container <NUM> comprises the arm <NUM> picking up and placing the container <NUM> on the rotating table <NUM>. For example, the arm <NUM> may pick up the container <NUM> from a container storage area <NUM> using the suction head <NUM> and place the container <NUM> on the rotating table <NUM> to be filled with the frozen confectionary and, optionally, one or more toppings and/or sauces. The arm <NUM> may be configured to provide the container <NUM> automatically in response to a signal from the controller <NUM>. In this manner, no user input is required to provide the container <NUM>.

In an embodiment, providing the container <NUM> may comprise using the distance measuring laser <NUM> to check the integrity of the container <NUM>. The distance measuring laser may be at least partially located on the rotating table <NUM>. If the container <NUM> is cracked or broken, the arm <NUM> may automatically dispose of the container <NUM> in the waste bin <NUM> and select a new container <NUM>. For example, the distance measuring laser <NUM> may send a signal to the controller <NUM> which can direct the arm <NUM>, without user input, to dispose of the container <NUM> if the container <NUM> is broken or cracked.

The method <NUM> can comprise loading at least one frozen confectionary tube <NUM> from a storage tray <NUM> located in the frozen confectionary storage area <NUM> to the serving station <NUM> (Step <NUM>). Preferably the arm <NUM> may be used to load the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> from the frozen confectionary storage tray <NUM> into the serving station <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). For example, the arm <NUM> may be configured to rotate about <NUM>° to remove the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> from the storage tray <NUM>. The tube changer plate <NUM> preferably grips the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> and moves the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> to the serving station <NUM>. The movable bar <NUM> of the arm <NUM> preferably moves up and down to rotate the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> into the proper position.

The method <NUM> can comprise dispensing a serving of the frozen confectionary into the container <NUM> (Step <NUM>). In an embodiment, dispensing the serving of the frozen confectionary comprises positioning the container <NUM> under a first frozen confectionary tube <NUM> to receive a first frozen confectionary. Optionally the method <NUM> can comprise positioning the container <NUM> under a second frozen confectionary tube <NUM> to receive a second frozen confectionary additional or alternate to the first frozen confectionary. Optionally the method <NUM> can comprise positioning the container <NUM> under a third frozen confectionary tube <NUM> to receive a third frozen confectionary additional or alternative to the first frozen confectionary or the second frozen confectionary. It is contemplated any number of frozen confectionaries may be dispensed into the container <NUM>. Preferably the frozen confectionary is disc shaped. However, additional shapes are contemplated such as a star, hexagon, square or polygon.

In a preferred embodiment, the arm <NUM> may be configured to load the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM> automatically without user input, most preferably by the controller <NUM> in direct response to the user input. For example, the controller <NUM> directs the arm <NUM> to load the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM> corresponding with the selected frozen confectionary product.

In an embodiment, dispensing the serving of the frozen confectionary comprises the servo drive <NUM> driving the jack screw <NUM> and/or the pusher plate <NUM> down a pre-determined distance dispense a serving of the frozen confectionary from the frozen confectionary tube <NUM>. For example, a consumer may input a selected amount of a frozen confectionary into the user input device <NUM> and the controller <NUM> may be operable to control the servo drive <NUM>, without user input, to dispense the selected amount of frozen confectionary from the frozen confectionary tube <NUM>. In an embodiment, the cutting device <NUM> is used to cut the serving of frozen confectionary dispensed from the frozen confectionary tube <NUM>. Preferably the controller <NUM> may be operable to control the cutting device <NUM> to cut the serving of frozen confectionary.

In an embodiment, after the frozen confectionary serving is dispensed from the frozen confectionary tube <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may be operable to direct the arm <NUM> to return the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> containing any remaining frozen confectionary back to the frozen confectionary storage tray <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> further comprises loading at least one sauce tube <NUM> from a storage tray <NUM> located in the sauce storage area <NUM> to the serving station <NUM> (Step <NUM>). Optionally the arm <NUM> may transfer the sauce tubes <NUM> from the sauce storage area <NUM> to the serving station <NUM> and vice versa. Preferably the sauce tube <NUM> is placed on the sauce turntable <NUM> located in the serving station <NUM>.

The method <NUM> may further comprise heating the sauce tube <NUM> prior to dispensing the sauce. For example, the sauce tube <NUM> may be heated in the serving station <NUM> by the sauce turntable <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the sauce turntable <NUM> is heated. For example, the method <NUM> may comprise activating a heating plate located in the sauce turntable <NUM> to uniformly heat the sauce tube <NUM>. In another example, the method may comprise using a heating coil located in the sauce turntable <NUM> to heat the sauce tube <NUM>. In yet another example, the sauce tube <NUM> is placed in heated jackets located in the sauce turntable <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> further comprises removing a sealing cap <NUM> from the sauce tube <NUM> to allow a serving of the sauce to be dispensed. For example, the sealing cap <NUM> can be removed at the sealing cap removal station <NUM>. Optionally the sealing cap <NUM> may be pushed into the sauce tube <NUM> to allow dispensing of a serving of the sauce contained in the sauce tube <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> comprises dispensing a serving of one or more sauces from one or more sauce tubes <NUM> into the container <NUM> (Step <NUM>). Dispensing the serving of the sauce may comprise, for example, dispensing hot fudge into the container <NUM>.

Preferably dispensing the serving of sauce comprises using the laser curtain <NUM> to detect the amount of sauce dispensed to ensure the correct amount of sauce is dispensed as determined by the controller <NUM>. If the laser curtain <NUM> determines the correct amount of sauce has been dispensed, the container <NUM> may automatically proceed through the dispensing process without user input. If the laser curtain <NUM> determines not enough sauce has been dispensed, more sauce can automatically be dispensed. If the laser curtain <NUM> determines too much sauce has been dispensed, the container <NUM> may proceed through the dispensing process or the container <NUM> may be sent to the waste bin <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> further comprises loading at least one topping tube <NUM> from a storage tray <NUM> located in the topping storage area <NUM> to the serving station <NUM> (Step <NUM>). Optionally the arm <NUM> may transfer the topping tubes <NUM> from the topping storage area <NUM> to the serving station <NUM> and vice versa.

Optionally the method <NUM> further comprises dispensing a serving of one or more toppings from one or more topping tubes <NUM> into the container <NUM> (Step <NUM>). Dispensing a serving of the topping may comprise, for example, dispensing nuts into the container <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the laser curtain <NUM> may to determine if the correct amount of topping as determined by the controller <NUM> has been dispensed into the container <NUM>. If the laser curtain <NUM> determines the correct amount of topping has been dispensed, the container <NUM> may automatically proceed through the dispensing process. If the laser curtain <NUM> determines not enough topping has been dispensed, more toppings will be dispensed. If the laser curtain <NUM> determines too much topping has been dispensed, the container <NUM> may proceed through the dispensing process or may be sent to the waste bin <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> further comprises dispensing a spoon. For example, the method <NUM> may comprise placing a spoon into the container <NUM>. In an embodiment, the spoon dispenser <NUM> may dispense the spoons. In an embodiment, the spoons are edible. In an embodiment, placing the spoon into the container <NUM> comprises using a gripper to pick up and place the spoon. In an embodiment, placing the spoon comprises placing the spoon into the container <NUM> prior to conveying the container <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>. In an embodiment, placing the spoon comprises placing the spoon in the outlet <NUM> separately from the container <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the frozen confectionary product <NUM> is provided to the outlet <NUM> (Step <NUM>). In an embodiment, a consumer removes the frozen confectionary product from the outlet <NUM>. Preferably the outlet <NUM> is visible to the consume.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> comprises transferring the frozen confectionary product <NUM> to a buffer unit <NUM> if the consumer has not removed the frozen confectionary product <NUM> from the outlet <NUM> in a pre-determined amount of time. In an embodiment, a consumer may pre-order a frozen confectionary product <NUM>. In such an embodiment, a buffer unit <NUM> with an elevator stacker can be used to store the frozen confectionary product <NUM> for a pre-determined amount of time and provide the pre-ordered frozen confectionary product <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>. Preferably the conveyor sling <NUM> may be configured to transfer the frozen confectionary product <NUM> to the buffer unit <NUM> to remove a frozen confectionary product <NUM> located in the outlet <NUM> that has not been removed by a consumer within a pre-determined time.

In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor sling <NUM> automatically transfers the frozen confectionary product <NUM> to the buffer unit <NUM> without user input after a pre-determined amount of time has passed. For example, the serving unit <NUM> may comprise a timer configured to measure the amount of time a frozen confectionary product <NUM> has been placed on the serving unit <NUM>. Preferably, in response to a signal from the serving unit <NUM>, the conveyor sling <NUM> may transfer the frozen confectionary product <NUM> to the buffer unit <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> may comprise receiving the storage tray <NUM> comprising the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM> from a production facility. In such an embodiment, the service doors <NUM> may be configured to open and receive the storage tray <NUM>. For example, the service doors <NUM> may comprise sliding skids configured to be pulled out to receive the storage tray <NUM>. As a result, the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM> can advantageously be easily inserted and removed from the dispensing machine <NUM>. In an embodiment, the service doors <NUM> may comprise alarms. Preferably the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM> are shipped in a refrigerated box from the production facility.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> may comprise detecting if the amount of frozen confectionary, sauces, and/or toppings in the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the sauce tubes <NUM>, and/or the topping tubes <NUM> is lower than a pre-determined threshold. For example, less than ten percent full. Preferably if the system detects the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM> are lower than a pre-determined threshold, the system will trigger an exchange for a replacement tube. In an embodiment, the detection system <NUM> may determine if the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM> are lower than a pre-determined threshold. If the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the topping tubes <NUM>, and/or the sauce tubes <NUM> are lower than a pre-determined threshold, the dispensing machine <NUM> can automatically contact a production facility (e.g., through wireless communication) to order more frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, topping tubes <NUM>, and/or sauce tubes <NUM> as will be discussed later in greater detail.

In an embodiment, the substantially emptied tubes are moved to an empty tube tray <NUM> located in the dispensing machine <NUM>. Preferably the emptied tubes are then removed and transported to a remote location (e.g., the production facility or an intermediate location) to be cleaned and reused.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method <NUM> of supplying frozen confectionary and/or frozen confectionary components to a dispensing machine. A non-limiting example of the method <NUM> is generally illustrated in <FIG>. Some embodiments of the method <NUM> can omit one or more of the steps depicted in <FIG>, and some embodiments of the method <NUM> can include one or more additional steps. The depicted steps are preferably performed in the order in which they are illustrated (as shown by arrows), but some embodiments can perform the steps in a different order. Indeed, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiment shown in <FIG>.

The method <NUM> preferably comprises providing a tube with a first flap, a locking flap and a sealing cap; filling at least a portion of the tube with a frozen confectionary, a sauce, or a topping; placing the tube onto a storage tray; transporting the storage tray containing the tubes to a dispensing machine <NUM>; and placing the storage tray directly into the dispensing machine <NUM> without removing the tubes from the storage tray or removing the contents from the tubes. A detailed description of the method <NUM> now follows.

In an embodiment, the tube may be a frozen confectionary tube <NUM>, a topping tube <NUM> and/or a sauce tube <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> comprises providing a tube comprising a first flap <NUM> to avoid slipping during the movement of the tube (Step <NUM>). In an embodiment, the method <NUM> may comprise providing a tube comprising one or more locking flaps <NUM> configured to lock the frozen confectionary tube <NUM> into the transport tray <NUM>. In an embodiment, the method <NUM> comprises providing a tube with at least one sealing cap <NUM>. In an embodiment, the method <NUM> comprises providing a tube with a sliding gate <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> comprises filling the tube with a frozen confectionary, sauce, and/or topping (Step <NUM>). The tube may be filled at a production facility.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> comprises placing the tubes on a storage tray <NUM> (Step <NUM>). Placing the tubes on the storage tray <NUM> may comprise using the one or more locking flaps <NUM> to lock the tubes onto the storage tray <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> comprises placing the storage tray <NUM> in a box (Step <NUM>). In an embodiment, the box may be a refrigerated box.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> may comprise transporting the box from a remote location to the dispensing machine <NUM> (Step <NUM>).

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> may comprise placing the storage tray <NUM> directly into the dispensing machine <NUM> without removing the tubes from the storage tray <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the service doors <NUM> may be configured to open and receive the storage tray <NUM>. For example, the service doors <NUM> may comprise sliding skids configured to be pulled out to receive the storage tray <NUM>. As a result, the tubes can advantageously be easily inserted and removed from the dispensing machine <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> further comprises cleaning the tubes prior to providing the tubes to be filled with a frozen confectionary, sauce, and/or topping. The cleaning may be performed at a different location than the dispensing machine <NUM>. Preferably cleaning the tubes comprises cleaning the tubes with hot water and sanitizing the tubes. For example, water at a temperature of about <NUM> can be used.

As a non-limiting example, the cleaning can comprise ultra-sonic cleaning such as a pH <NUM> ultra-sonic bath (e.g., at a pH of about <NUM>); and the tubes can comprise or consist of materials that can withstand such washing. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a specific embodiment of the cleaning, and the cleaning can be any means known in the art that reduces the residual material on the tubes.

A method for real-time ordering and inventory management of the dispensing machine <NUM> is also disclosed. The method comprises detecting if one or more tubes have an amount of content lower than a pre-determined threshold and automatically ordering replacement tubes from a remote location and/or automatically producing a frozen confectionary product or component thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the remote location is a production facility.

For example, the dispensing machine <NUM> may be in in direct communication with the production facility (e.g., a wireless communication connection). When the contents of the frozen confectionary tubes <NUM>, the sauce tubes <NUM>, and/or topping tubes <NUM> are lower than a pre-determined threshold, the dispensing machine <NUM> can alert the production facility that more tubes are needed and/or the tubes are automatically shipped from the production facility to the dispensing machine <NUM>. Preferably the replacement tubes are shipped automatically after receiving an indication from the dispensing machine <NUM> with minimum or no user input.

In an embodiment, the method for real-time ordering and inventory management further comprises receiving an indication at a location remote from the dispensing machine the production facility that the empty tube tray <NUM> is full. In such an embodiment, the dispensing machine <NUM> can alert the remote location that the empty tube tray <NUM> is full and the remote location automatically arranges for removal of the empty tube tray <NUM> from the dispensing machine <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the remote location is a production facility. The empty tube tray <NUM> may then be shipped to the remote location which can clean and optionally reuse the tubes located on the empty tube tray <NUM>.

As noted above, some embodiments of the methods <NUM> and <NUM> can omit one or more of the steps depicted in the figures, and some embodiments of the methods <NUM> and <NUM> can include one or more additional steps. The depicted steps are preferably performed in the order in which they are illustrated (as shown by arrows), but some embodiments can perform the steps in a different order. Indeed, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A dispensing machine <NUM> for dispensing a frozen confectionary product <NUM>, the machine <NUM> comprising:
a first storage area <NUM> for storing a first storage tray <NUM> with one or more first tubes in the dispensing machine <NUM>,
a serving station <NUM> for receiving one or more first tubes comprising a composition that is a frozen confectionary from the first storage tray <NUM>, the serving station <NUM> comprises
a first position under the one or more first tubes for receiving a container <NUM>, a means for extruding the frozen confectionary out of the tubes located in the serving station <NUM>,
a cutting device <NUM> for cutting at least a portion of the frozen confectionary into the container <NUM>,
means for transferring the one or more first tubes in the first storage area <NUM> to the serving station <NUM> and from the serving station <NUM> to a storage area <NUM>, and wherein the one or more first tubes are reusable; and
at least two zones, the at least two zones comprising a first zone wherein the temperature is lower than the temperature in the second zone, and wherein the first storage area <NUM> is located in the first zone and the serving station <NUM> is located in the second zone;
wherein
the means for transferring the one or more first tubes is a robotic arm <NUM>, preferably a robotic arm <NUM> comprising a tube changer plate <NUM> configured to grip the one or more first tubes.