Patent ID: 8550261

Claim:
A product dispensing system comprising: a dispenser comprising a frame structure having a first end longitudinally opposed from a second end, said frame structure comprising: an upper support deck extending between said first end and said second end, said upper support deck defining a first opening; and a lower support deck positioned below said upper support deck, said lower support deck extending between said first end and said second end, said lower support deck defining a product display area; a container positioned on said upper support deck, said container comprising at least a first wall and a second wall that define an internal volume, wherein said first wall defines a second opening, said second opening has a longitudinal length and is aligned with said first opening, and wherein said second wall comprises a lower portion proximate said second opening and a pair of pre-formed flex lines, each pre-formed flex line extending upward from proximate said second opening; and a plurality of products initially housed in said internal volume, wherein said frame structure is spaced from said lower portion of said second wall such that said lower portion is free to bow outward and increase said longitudinal length when at least one product of said plurality of products engages said lower portion as said product exits said container through said second opening, and wherein said pair of pre-formed flex lines is configured to facilitate controlled flexing of said second wall outward toward said frame structure when said product engages said lower portion as said product exits said container through said second opening.