Patent ID: 12256869

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the present invention are described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be defined by the description itself. The claimed subject matter may be embodied as to include different features, elements, components, steps, or combinations of steps, similar to those described herein, and in combination with other existing or future technologies. Moreover, although the term “step” might be used to connote different elements of the methods employed, this term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except the order of individual steps is explicitly described or required.

Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise an apparatus for holding and dispensing at least one condiment, wherein the apparatus comprises a housing, at least one condiment containing compartment, at least one pumping mechanism, and at least one dispenser, and wherein the apparatus further comprises sensors to allow hands-free operation of the dispensing of condiments by detecting the user's presence. In some embodiments, the pumping mechanism may be configured to pump condiments from the compartments to the dispensers. Embodiments of the present invention provide for multi-condiment usage in the same device.

One having skill in the art will recognize that various sensor technologies may be employed towards this purpose, particularly those sensor technologies that detect fluctuations in electromagnetic waves in particular frequency ranges, including but not limited to radar-based sensors, light-based or photo sensors, passive and/or active infrared sensors, and the like. In some embodiments, the sensors may be positioned such that the presents of a food product under the dispense initiates the pumping of condiments. In other embodiments, the sensors may be positioned such that the user may initiate the release of condiment via a gesture in front of the sensor.

Some embodiments of the present touch-less automatic condiment dispenser may be configured to be placed on a countertop, mounted to a wall, or on a stand.FIG.1provides a front view of a countertop embodiment100according to aspects of the present invention. As depicted, a housing unit104is attached at the top end of a base108. Condiments are dispensed from below the housing unit104.

Some embodiments of the present invention may be configured as a space saver model for home use. Such embodiments may provide a handle at the top of the device for easy of movement into and out of the refrigerator and a space-saving profile to better fit on the refrigerator shelf or door compartment.

FIG.2provides a front view of a stand-mounted embodiment200according to aspects of the present invention. As depicted, a housing unit204is attached at the top end of a pedestal-style stand208. Condiments are dispensed from below the housing unit204.

FIG.3provide a section view showing inside the housing unit of the touch-less automatic condiment dispenser300according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the dispenser comprises a lid304that can be opened or removed to insert packages containing condiments. The pumping mechanisms in the apparatus (not shown) pumps condiment out of the packages and through the dispenser outlets308and onto the food312or into a dish. In some embodiments, the apparatus may also comprise condiment level sensors (not shown) configured to detect the volume of condiment within the condiment containing compartments. The condiment level sensors may also comprise output to indicator lights on the apparatus that indicate when condiment containing compartments volumes are low or empty.

As depicted inFIG.3, the apparatus further comprises a control panel316with mobile app capabilities. The control panel comprises one or more CPUs and/or processors. The mobile app sends signals to the control panel to operate pumping mechanisms to dispense specific amounts of specific condiments. In one or more embodiments of the present touch-less condiment dispenser, the mobile app capabilities include control of the heating and/or cooling elements. The user is able to set specific temperatures for the individual condiment packages within the apparatus from any suitable hand-held device or computer. The mobile app can be installed and operated on any suitable device, including mobile phones, tablets, or laptop computers.

FIG.4provides a prospective view400of a further embodiment according to aspects of the present invention. The dispenser housing404, includes an overhang section408. Condiments may be dispensed from outlet located on the underside of overhang section408. As depicted, the dispenser is designed to dispense three condiments. Three sensors412a,412b,412care shown, each corresponding to a separate condiment to be dispensed directly below the sensor. For example, sensor412amay correspond with mustard such that a user may cause mustard to dispense from directly below sensor412aby gesturing in front of sensor412awith a hand.

As depicted inFIG.4, a handle418is included at the top of the dispenser housing404. This may make the dispenser more portable and, in some embodiments, may make the dispenser easier to move in and out of a refrigerator.

In some embodiments of the present touch-less automatic condiment dispenser, the mobile app can be configured to send an alert message to a user or operator indicating that the contents of a condiment containing compartment is low or empty.

Some embodiments of the touch-less automatic condiment dispenser may also comprise holders for napkins and utensils mounted on the sides of the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the present touch-less automatic condiment dispenser may include a shut off valve on the dispensers. The shut off valves may be configured to prevent condiment dumping and waste if sensors determine that an unusually large amount of condiment has been continually dispensed. The control panel and mobile app include provisions for resetting the shut off valve to continue normal dispensing of condiments.

In some embodiments of the present touch-less automatic condiment dispenser, the apparatus may further comprise heating and/or cooling elements that can be configured to maintain individual condiment packages within the apparatus at specific temperatures. The heating and/or cooling elements can be any suitable commercially available element for maintaining a constant elevated or lowered temperature within the compartment containing the condiment.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present touch-less automatic condiment dispenser, the apparatus contains UV lighting elements for sanitation. The UV lighting elements can be controlled by the mobile app for self-cleaning of the entire apparatus, including the dispensers and pumping mechanisms. The UV lighting elements can be any suitable UV LED configured to emit UV light at a wavelength suitable to kill or disable microbial pathogens.

The present touch-less automatic condiment dispenser can be powered by any suitable power source including an AC power supply or an internal or external battery supply. The present touch-less automatic condiment dispenser is not limited to these power supplies and any other power supply can be used to power the dispenser.

One embodiment of the present touch-less automatic condiment dispenser is a hands-free method for dispensing a specific volume of condiment, which includes the steps of a user inputting commands into a mobile app configured to interface with the control panel of the dispenser, wherein the commands include signals for selecting a specific condiment to be dispensed, and signals for selecting a specific volume of condiment to be dispensed.

In one or more embodiments of the present touch-less automatic condiment dispenser, the apparatus and associated elements can be finished in various colors, including black, and stainless steel. One having skill in the art with recognize that any finish that can be applied to a suitable construction material is possible.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described, as required by statute, to be illustrative, but should not be interpreted to be restrictive. One having skill in the art will recognize that many different arrangements of the various components depicted are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below, as well as arrangements including components not explicitly shown.

One having skill in the art will understand that certain combinations and/or sub-combinations of elements and features are of utility and may be employed without reference to other combinations and/or sub-combinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.