IMPROVED SUPPLIER FOR COVERS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to dispensers for food service and fast food operations. More particularly, this relates to an improved dispenser for filling lids for drinking glasses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The organizers for tapas have been employed for a large number of years. Such organizers are widely used in the food service and fast food operations. Typically, a stack of lids is supported within a shaped fastener. This basic concept has taken many forms. In most, the lids are substantially exposed to the environment either in a vertical or substantially horizontal arrangement. Such configurations include vertically oriented divided boxes, having open or transparent fronts within which one or more stacks of the caps are placed. When more than one stack is supported, each stack is typically divided from the other such that a plurality of stacks is shown in side-by-side relation. In this configuration there is normally a wide slot running along the longitudinal axis of the stack to allow a user's fingers to hold a REF. : 186176
lid and an open top or an enlarged mouth near the top allow a clamped lid to be removed. In other embodiments of this configuration, there are clearly bars or corner pieces that restrict the stack of lids so they do not tip over, but otherwise they do not provide environmental protection for the lids. Another common configuration of the prior art is an arrangement of one or more vertically oriented tubes each having a wide elongated opening running along the longitudinal axis of a stack of lids placed in the tube. These tubes are more frequently formed from thin pieces of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, but can also be formed from a wire mesh material. In such configurations, the elongate slot is generally very wide, such that a lid can be pulled in a straight line out of the tube with some slight bending, or such that a lid can be slightly rotated and removed. Pipe configurations of this type often have platforms at various heights along the internal portion of the applied length of the tube, so that multiple sizes and / or types of caps can be dispensed from a single tube. The covers are also sometimes arranged horizontally or at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. In such cases, the covers usually rest in a gutter with
access to the front or back of a stack. There is often an access opening for the lids, which is substantially as wide as the diameter of the lids, but is restricted by two or more lugs. In such cases, a user simply holds the lid exposed and pulls it. The lid is then flexed to allow the lid to be pulled outward beyond the restriction imposed by the tabs. Most of the cover assortment solutions described above, fail to protect the caps from contamination and from being hit above. Recently, in order to provide more sanitary conditions and to improve the assortment of tapas, two dispensers have been developed that seek to address these problems. The first is a dispenser sold by Acry Fab that appears to be the subject of United States Patent No. 5,960,989. (A previous version of this pump was sold by Libby under the name of "Lid Pro"). The dispenser houses the lids completely in sealed tubes with dispensing "units" at one end. The dispensing unit comprises a hinged receiver which engages the lid at the bottom in a stack of lids, and then presents that simple lid to the user when the hinged receiver is rotated away from the mouth of the tube ("The bottom or lower part "as used herein is not intended to be limiting in terms
of orientation. Rather, it is merely intended that it identifies the first (or last) lid in a stack of lids). This device is complicated and expensive and does not seem to have substantial sales accumulated. The second supplier to address these problems has been developed by Diversified Metal Products, sold under the designation "LID Series" and the apparent object of United States Patent Application No. 20050247724. This supplier takes a somewhat different procedure. As shown in Figure 1, the LID Series 10 jets comprise a completely enclosed tube 12, within which is the spring-deflected pusher platform (not shown). A partial cover assembly is fixed at the mouth of the tube. This assembly includes a transparent cover portion 14 made of Plexiglas or other thick plastic material which is connected to a compact ring 16 coupled to the bottom of the tube. The transparent coated portion is coupled to the compact ring at three points. A hinge clamp 20 is coupled to the compact ring 16 and the cover portion 14 at the apex of the cover portion. Two screw buttons 18 extend removably through the cover portion 14 within the compact ring 16. Filling the jet involves the removal of the two screw buttons 18 and the oscillation of the portion
uncovered 14 away from the bottom of the tube 12, about the axis of the hinge 20. A stack of caps is slid inside the tube 12 and the coated portion 14 closed against the compact ring 16. The screw buttons 18 are then screwed through the the cover portion and used to secure the cover portion down. The lids are then removed by holding the front edge of the lid further down and placing a thumb or finger on the lid in the notch 22. While this lid dispenser provides certain advantages over the prior art lid dispensers. , this suffers from several significant drawbacks. First, the partial cover assembly is problematic and expensive to manufacture. Second, the partial cover assembly design will not allow the use of a strong spring. This means that the LID Series dispensers can not be effectively mounted inside a counter to supply covers up. In fact, these jets are specifically intended only for the horizontal assortment. Third, tools such as a wrench and / or a screwdriver are required to replace the lid or hinge of the LID Series jets. Finally, the size of the opening defined by the partial cover assembly is relatively large. As a result, LID Series jets will not always work
reliably to properly fill the lids one at a time. In addition, the large size of the opening means that the covers are still exposed to the environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. First, the present invention allows the storage and assortment of the lids such that the lids are substantially protected from the environment. This results in a marked improvement in the preservation of the general sanitary conditions of the lids. Secondly, the present invention incorporates a unique dispenser assembly that allows the most effective assortment. This particular design allows the use of a spring deflection mechanism that is relatively robust, such that the spout can be mounted in any position, while still providing adequate spring force to effectively deflect a stack full of caps without spilling the caps or loss of supply skill. Third, the present invention can be achieved with cheap materials to be inexpensive in the price for the market. Fourth, the present invention has a minimalist structure in comparison to the LID Series jets. Finally, in one aspect of the present invention, the lid spout mechanism can be
provided as a kit and used to retrofit existing vessel jets. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims and the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art lids dispenser of the LID Series brand by Diversified Metals; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional, perspective, in close-up view of a portion of the present invention as shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a rear, partial perspective view of one embodiment of the dispenser collar and the compact ring of the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the compact ring, the dispensing collar and the cover part of one embodiment of the present invention, - Figure 6 is a perspective view of the compact ring, the dispensing collar and the cover part. one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a cross sectional view in
perspective of the compact ring, the dispensing collar and the cover part of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a front view of the dispensing collar and cover part of one embodiment of the present invention in its closed position; Figure 9 is a side view of the dispensing collar and cover part of one embodiment of the present invention in its closed position; and Figure 10 is a perspective view of the compact ring, dispenser collar and the coated piece of one embodiment of the present invention with a stack of caps stacked therein to be stocked.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an apparatus, kit and method for filling caps in a sanitary and effective manner. As shown in Figure 2, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a tube 32 for receiving a stack of caps 34 (see Figure 10), a pusher platform 36, a diverting spring 38, a compact ring 40, a dispensing collar 42 and a cover piece 44. The tube 32 can be a tube of any size, sufficient to accommodate the size of the lids to be stocked. Preferably, the tube is completely closed at one end with a removable end closure (not
shown). However, it does not need to be configured this way. The tube 32 can be a standard tube used to supply vessels. In such a case, the need for a manufacturer, distributor or user to carry multiple tubes is eliminated and significant savings can be realized. Preferably, the tube 32 is provided with a biasing means such as the spring 38 that provides a biasing force to a pusher platform 36. When the cap spout of the present invention is mounted so that the caps are stocked in a direction toward down in a gravity deflected manner, spring 38 may be omitted. However, when a more positive force is desired, or where the lid spout of the present invention is mounted within a counter vertically or horizontally, the spring 38 or some other means of deflection is more preferably employed. As shown in Figure 2, the pusher platform 36 is preferably non-planar with a radius of curvature. Most preferably it is concave in shape. This particular configuration imparts a slight flex to the lids, which helps their separation when they are stocked. This configuration, in combination with a cooperative form in the cover piece 44, also serves to provide additional space in the central portion of the stack 34 of caps. By providing this increased space, the
present invention is opposed to the caps in the stack being too tight to be more difficult to fill by relieving pressure near the area of the central lid, particularly when the lids include matching features or fins located concentrically near the center of the lids. In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting ring 39 and the compact ring 40 provide the means by which the present invention can be adapted to be adapted to virtually any tube. More specifically, the mounting ring 39 and the compact ring 40 can be made in any diameter and can include any coupling structure necessary to secure it to the particular tube. Alternatively, the dispenser of the present invention can be directly mounted on a wall, on a counter or in a cabinet. Additionally, the mounting ring 39 and the compact ring 40 can be made in a single unit piece or combined with other parts of the present invention such as the cover piece 44 to minimize the parts and maintain the appearance. As best seen in Figures 2 and 3, the mounting ring 39 has an annular rim 41 which fits over the open end of the tube 32. Preferably, the upper part of the annular rim 41 has edges 41 or other
similar structure to ensure a tight fit when the pieces of the operational portion of the dispenser 30 are assembled. The mounting ring 39 preferably comprises a tubular body 82 which fits over the tube 32 to provide greater rigidity when the spout 30 of caps is assembled and deployed. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the compact ring 40 fits over the mounting ring 39 by sandwiching the annular extension 52 of a spout collar 42 in the middle. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, one embodiment of the compact ring 40 includes the tabs 48 which allow the compact ring 40 to be fitted on the mounting ring 39. The compact ring 40 also preferably includes guide posts 50 or a ring annular (not shown) for maintaining the compact ring 40 in concentric relation with the dispensing collar 42 after installation. As noted above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the compact ring 40 interacts with and secures a spout collar 42 in place. The spout collar 42 is mounted on the compact ring 40 by the adjustment slots 43 on each side. one of the extended arms 47 of the tabs 48. See Figures 4 and 7. Once assembled thus, it remains on the compact ring 40, held by the shoulders 49 of the tabs
48. This allows the dispenser collar 42 to rotate in place, constrained by the guide posts 50 and the shoulders 49. This ability to rotate is very useful when the dispenser 30 of caps is mounted in a cabinet or the like in a predetermined fixed position. it may or may not be the position in which the coupling 70 of the cap dispenser was placed on the tube 32 during assembly. In this way, the dispensing collar 42 (and the cover part 44) can be rotated to an appropriate dispensing position notwithstanding the limitations in the orientation of the tube, when assembled and the initial position of the assortment of couplings 70 it resulted from the montage. With reference to Figures 2, 5, 6 and 7, the spout collar 42 extends essentially by the side walls of the tube 32 above the compact ring 40 (and of course, the tube could be constructed to include the compact ring structure ). The dispensing collar does not puncture or otherwise prevent the assortment of the caps. Rather, it serves to stabilize and guide the lids to their final assortment position. As best shown in Figures 5-7, a cover piece 44 is preferably pivotably coupled to the spout collar 42 via a spike 56 located on the back portion of the cover part and a C-shaped groove 58 molded into the collar. 42. The piece of
cover 44 is locked in place on spout collar 42 via an interlocking tongue mechanism 60. The mechanism 60 is designed such that the direction of the force required to unlock the cover piece is opposite to the direction of the force required during a normal assortment operation. This prevents the cover piece 44 from opening by oscillation during the assortment operation. Preferably, the tab interlocking mechanism 60 is comprised of materials having a measure of elasticity such that the outer walls of the cover flex to allow the mechanism 60 to unlock. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cover piece 44 is substantially circular in shape, but is truncated at one end. This truncation facilitates user access to the covers for assortment purposes. The truncated portion also preferably includes a finger-cut portion 64, which allows a user to more easily hold a portion of the bottom lid to flex and remove it from the dispenser. The cover piece 44 also includes a circumferential, partial side wall portion 62 that extends above the spout collar 42. This side wall is not of uniform height. Rather, there is a lower portion 54 that facilitates access for the finger and assortment of the caps. The raised portions 66 of the side wall 62
they serve to restrict the "next" lid in the stack, when the stack 84 of the lower part is stocked, thereby promoting a one-for-one assortment. Without this restriction, there would be an increased risk that more than one lid could be removed at one time. This potential problem is highly dependent on the stiffness and the manner of engagement of the particular stack of lids involved. As best seen in Figures 8 and 9, the cover piece 44 is preferably non-planar (eg not planar). Rather, it has a radius of curvature. Preferably, the cover piece 44 is concave. This concavity cooperates with the concavity of the pusher platform 36 to hold the lids in place and facilitate their removal. It does this by creating a clam-like constraint on the edges of the lids, while providing a more open central area to allow the lids to be more easily disengaged by relieving pressure near the center lid area, as discussed above. . The extra central space also allows users to access the covers more easily. There are several ways to use the present invention. Ordinarily, the present invention will be provided as a fully assembled dispenser. In such a case, the dispenser is simply mounted on the site and put into use as described below. The burden of
supplier and the realization of changes or adjustment can be made in general simply, without the use of tools. Examples of changes and adjustments include, but are not limited to, the rotation of the dispensing collar and the cover piece to the dispensing position, the installation of a different compact ring, and even the replacement of the dispensing collar and the covering piece to provide Adequate and safe assortment of caps. As noted above, the present invention can also be provided as a kit for retro-fitting a vessel dispenser. In such a case, a user is provided with an appropriately shaped mounting ring 39, the compact ring 40, the spout collar 42 and the cover part 44. Alternatively, the mounting ring 39, the compact ring 40 and the collar spout 42, and even cover piece 44 may be provided as a single piece or in various combinations of multiple pieces. Preferably, the kit also includes a pusher platform 36 and an appropriately strong spring. However, these last two elements may not be necessary to achieve a sufficient assortment of lids. Once the kit has been received, it is relatively simple to process to remove any existing mounting ring and compact ring, sandwich the new mounting ring 39, the compact ring 40, and the
42 dispenser collar (or combinations thereof) and fix all to tube 32, without the use of tools. If the kit includes a new pusher platform 36 and / or spring 38, these elements are installed first instead of any existing mechanisms. After the mounting ring 39, the compact ring 40 and the spout collar 42 are installed, the cover part 44 is snapped into the spout collar 42. This involves the seating of the spike 56 in the groove in the form of C 58. Depending on the space and other limitations, the cover piece 44 can be snapped into the spout collar 42 before the spout collar 42 is interleaved with the compact ring 40 or fixed to the tube 32. As noted above, the kit can be provided in substantially pre-assembled form, comprising only one or two pieces - depending on whether a spring and a pusher platform are included. Once the mounting ring 39, the compact ring 40, the dispensing collar 42 and the cover part 44 are in place (as is the case when the dispenser is acquired in fully assembled form), the dispenser 30 can be mounted in a counter (not shown), so that the lids are fed upwards, in a cabinet (not shown) so that the lids are fed horizontally or at any desired angle, or on one wall or another
support (not shown) such that the lids are fed downward or sideways. The ability of the present invention to allow the use of robust deviating means, allows the assortment of the caps in any direction, from any angle. Once the assembled spout 30 is assembled, it is filled with a stack of caps 34. If the spout is mounted vertically, and gravity is used to deflect the caps, the stack of caps 34 can be stacked in the spout through from the upper part of the spout tube 32, if the tube is configured with a removable end cover. More typically, however, the stack of lids 34 is stacked in the tube 32 through the spout assembly 70. In doing so, a user unlocks the securing tab 60 and pivots the cover piece 44 around the spindle or hinge axis. 56, towards its loading position outside the path of the center line of the tube 32. The caps are then inserted into the tube 32 against the pusher platform 36, with sufficient pressure applied to overcome the deflection of the spring 38. While the battery 34 As the lid is being held in place in the tube 32, the cover piece 44 is oscillated back towards its operative position where it engages the lid of the lower part mainly along the edge of the lid. The cover piece 44 is then locked in place through
of the use of a tongue interlocking mechanism 60. After this, or at any time in the process, the dispensing collar 42 and the coupled cover part 44 are rotated to the proper position for the assortment. A user who wants a lid inserts a thumb and index finger into the space between the cover piece 44 and the bottom cover in the stack 34 of caps. Typically, one of the user's fingers holds the bottom cover through the cut 64 of the finger. The other finger of the user holds the front edge of the lower cover. Pulling outwardly and along the longitudinal axis of the tube from the stack of caps, the user flexes and separates the bottom cap from the remaining caps in the stack and retains a single cap through the opening between the cover piece 44 and stack 34 of caps (and spout collar 40 and side wall 62). The next cap in the stack is constrained at the site initially by the restriction portion 66 of the side wall 62, and then by the interaction between the stack 34 of caps and the cover piece 44. Although the invention has been shown and described in the present what is perceived to be the most practical and preferred modalities, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described above. Rather, it is recognized that they can
modifications be made by a person skilled in the art of the invention, without departing from the spirit or pretense of the invention and, therefore, the invention has to be taken as inclusive of all reasonable equivalents to the subject of interest described in I presented.
It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.