HK1138162A - Cutlery dispenser and method of dispensing cutlery - Google Patents

Description

Cutlery dispenser and method of dispensing cutlery

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/864,636, filed on 7/10/2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to dispensers for cutlery, and more particularly to an automatic cutlery dispenser and a method of dispensing cutlery therefrom.

Background

Disposable cutlery, such as plastic spoons, forks, knives and "spoons and forks" (e.g., a combination of a spoon and a fork) are often used in informal restaurant environments and are offered for use in "take-away" restaurant food. Often, cutlery that is pre-sealed in a pouch is purchased by a restaurant or other location to ensure that the cutlery is provided in a hygienic form. Napkins and condiments, such as salt and pepper, can be included in the pouch. Such pouches are generally more expensive than the individual appliances due to the processing and materials necessary to make the pouch. Also, these pouches may provide cutlery or condiments in excess of what the user desires, which may be wasteful.

An alternative to such pre-prepared pouches is to display the cutlery for use in an unpackaged form, such as in a box or cup. As will be appreciated, this allows the customer to select only the desired appliance. However, this form of dispensing will be perceived by some customers as unclean, and indeed if a previous customer did not take the appliance that she touched. This method of providing cutlery for use by consumers is also not clean if restaurant personnel do not comply with the recommended hygienic standard for using gloves when contacting utensils for use by consumers. This unconstrained form of dispensing cutlery also allows the consumer to remove more utensils than desired, resulting in a lower profit for the company.

Various dispensers have been proposed as an alternative to bulk or pouch packaged cutlery. However, many previously known dispensers suffer at least from the feeling of cleanliness and hygiene concerns that are of concern to many users. For example, when cutlery is dispensed into a take-up plate, the plate of the dispenser may become soiled due to repeated contact with the plate by multiple users while removing the dispensed cutlery. Also, the handles, grips or other actuators of manually operated dispensers are touched by one user after another, causing concern in some people. Previously known dispensers often lack the desired degree of convenience and economy in operation.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improved cutlery dispensers that are particularly useful for dispensing disposable cutlery in a hygienic, convenient, economical and non-waste manner.

Summary of The Invention

The present invention relates to a dispenser for disposable cutlery and a method of dispensing cutlery.

In one embodiment, a cutlery utensil dispenser comprises: a storage chamber adapted to hold a plurality of cutlery therein; an ejector for sequentially ejecting a plurality of cutlery from the storage chamber; an actuator for driving the ejector; and a sensor for triggering the actuator in response to an event.

In one embodiment, a cutlery utensil dispenser comprises: a storage chamber adapted to hold a plurality of cutlery therein, the storage chamber including a storage chute for holding the plurality of cutlery in a stack; a non-contact sensor for generating a signal in response to a user; an electronic controller adapted to receive the signal from the non-contact sensor and to trigger the automatic dispenser mechanism in response to the signal; and an automated dispensing mechanism in operative communication with the electronic controller, the automated dispensing mechanism adapted to discharge at least a portion of one of the plurality of cutlery utensils from the storage chute upon activation by the electronic controller.

In one embodiment, a cutlery utensil dispenser comprises: a storage chute for receiving a plurality of cutlery items, each having a handle end and a food-engaging end; and a dispensing mechanism for sequentially dispensing the cutlery utensils one at a time from the storage chute by presenting a handle end of a dispensed cutlery utensil for extraction by a user and holding a food contacting end of the dispensed cutlery utensil until released by the user upon extraction.

In one embodiment, a cutlery utensil dispenser comprises: a storage compartment adapted to hold a plurality of cutlery therein; an ejector for sequentially ejecting the plurality of cutlery from the storage chamber; an actuator for driving the ejector; and an ultraviolet lamp disposed in the storage compartment for an antibacterial effect.

In one embodiment, a method of dispensing a plurality of pieces of cutlery comprises: sensing an input; and automatically dispensing one of the plurality of pieces of cutlery from the dispenser in response to the input.

The above description and other features are exemplified by the following figures and detailed description.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an automated dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a reverse perspective view of the automatic dispenser shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows the automatic dispenser of fig. 1 with the refill door removed to better show the components therein.

Fig. 4 shows the automatic dispenser of fig. 1 with additional components removed to better illustrate the automatic dispensing components thereof.

Fig. 5 is a detailed view of the automatic dispensing component of the dispenser of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

The present invention may be understood more directly by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the drawings provided herein. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, arrangements and conditions described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, reference is made throughout this disclosure to disposable cutlery for ease of discussion, but it should be understood that non-disposable cutlery (e.g., silverware and flatware) may be used in different embodiments.

In this disclosure and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings.

The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" or another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect.

"optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase "cutlery optionally includes stacked tabs" means that the tabs may or may not be present on the cutlery, and that the description includes both cutlery that includes tabs and cutlery that does not.

"Disposable cutlery" refers to any cutlery intended by its supplier to be used approximately once, although the cutlery may be used more times as intended by the end user. These cutlery may be made entirely or substantially entirely of polymeric materials, such as polystyrene. As known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the implement may include a filler. Various methods of making disposable cutlery are known and will not be described in detail herein. As illustrated in U.S. patent application No. 10/227,927 (U.S. patent publication No. 2003/0015824), disposable cutlery may be made from filled polypropylene, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

"bundle" is used to denote a compact arrangement of cutlery, wherein the compact arrangement is suitable for use in a cutlery dispenser, and wherein the media that makes it compact allows the cutlery to be lined up in the dispenser, so that cutlery can be reliably provided for use. The bundle may be a banded stack of cutlery. Alternatively, the bundle may be a stack of cutlery, wherein individual pieces of cutlery are connected together in a stack, for example, by adhesive or tabs or other means for placement in a cutlery dispenser.

"stack" refers to a compact configuration of cutlery or an unconnected (e.g., not compact) arrangement of cutlery that is properly aligned in a cutlery dispenser as indicated in the context.

Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the terms "cutlery" and "utensil" are used interchangeably herein to mean a fork, knife, spoon (including a spoon), or spork, or other type of cutlery intended for single use.

Fig. 1-5 illustrate one example embodiment of a cutlery dispenser 10 according to the present invention. The cutlery dispenser 10 includes a housing 12 formed of a back plate 14 and an access door or panel 16 connected to the back plate by one or more hinges 18, or which is movable for access to internal components. The access door or panel 16 (in whole or in part) may optionally be formed of a transparent or translucent material (allowing external visual observation of the interior volume) to monitor the cutlery that needs to be restocked. The back panel 14 may optionally include one or more fasteners or openings 20 for securing the dispenser 10 to a support or mounting structure and/or removable panels for accessing internal components. As depicted, the cutlery dispenser is adapted to be independently located, for example in a serving area of a restaurant or a restaurant; and/or positioning a plurality of dispensers in mutually adjacent side-by-side or top-to-bottom columns, each dispenser dispensing a different type of cutlery implement. Indicia such as graphics and/or text may be provided on the access door 16 or elsewhere to indicate which type of cutlery utensil is dispensed through which dispenser.

The dispenser 10 is optionally mounted to a support surface by a pivot connection whereby the dispenser can be turned to and from a customer area for use in refilling, servicing or to prevent theft when the company is closed. In an alternative form of the invention, the cutlery dispenser 10 is a constituent subassembly of another device, such as a vending machine (for food or beverages) that mounts a cutlery dispenser, and the housing or parts thereof may be omitted from the cutlery dispenser.

As best seen with reference to fig. 3, the cutlery dispenser 10 further includes a storage compartment for receiving cutlery utensils in the manner of a chute 30. The internal geometry of the storage chute 30 may be configured to closely match or generally correspond to the external profile of a particular type of disposable cutlery implement, or may be configured for common use with multiple types of implements. The tracks or channels (including the storage chute) may optionally be somewhat flexible and/or mounted to the housing with some play in their connection to minimize the incidence of cutlery jamming during dispensing. The storage chute 30 includes a receptacle 32 at its upper portion into which cutlery is loaded and filled. In alternative embodiments, the receiver is positioned to load cutlery into the storage chamber from the side, bottom, or other location. In the depicted embodiment, one or more stacked rows of cutlery are loaded into the storage chute 3, forming an aligned stack of disposable cutlery in substantial contact with the interior of the storage chute (around the perimeter of each cutlery). By "in substantial contact" it is meant that the cutlery is not present in a cartridge in the storage chute. One or more stacked columns of cutlery implements can be provided in the form of a banded packet forming a plurality of modular units. U.S. patent application No. 11/556,808, filed on 6.10.2006, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for a further understanding of the banded packet of cutlery and exemplary forms of dispenser configurations suitable for use in conjunction with the automatic dispenser of the present invention.

The storage chute 30 preferably has a capacity of at least one, and more preferably two or more, of these banded packets or other rows of cutlery intended to be loaded therein. In alternative embodiments, the storage area or chamber of the cutlery dispenser 10 receives a stack or array of cutlery in a kit or other form of container or restraint, or is packed into loose quantities of individual cutlery utensils.

Referring now to fig. 4 and 5, the cutlery dispenser 10 further includes an automated dispensing mechanism 40 for discharging cutlery utensils one at a time sequentially from the storage chute 30 to a user. In the depicted embodiment, an ejector including one or more cams 42 (first and second cams 42a, 42b are depicted) having laterally displaced steps or surfaces 44 is disposed below the discharge opening of the storage chute 30. Under the influence of gravity and/or other biasing means, such as one or more springs or pistons, cutlery loaded in the storage chute 30 is fed onto the ejector and with each operation of the cutlery dispenser, the ejector sequentially engages and at least partially discharges the bottom-most piece of cutlery from the storage chute.

Optionally, the proximal end or handle portion of the piece of cutlery that is discharged is presented to the user, while the distal end is loosely retained in the dispenser for removal by the user. For example, the lateral displacement surface 44a of the first cam 42a may be offset in the rotational direction of the ejector, either positively or negatively, relative to the lateral displacement surface 44b of the second cam 42b, to discharge one or the other end of the piece of cutlery being discharged to a greater extent. In this way, cleaning and hygiene concerns are avoided, as the user need only touch the appliance of their choice (which was not previously exposed to contact by other users), and need not touch the dispenser itself. In alternative embodiments, the automated dispensing mechanism sequentially discharges the utensils into a collection pan or receptacle 46, which may optionally be mounted to the housing 12 or other structure below the ejector. The cams 42 of the ejector optionally include one or more eccentric surfaces 48 for pushing against the stack of cutlery in the storage chute 30 described above with each operation of the dispenser to assist in alignment and efficient dispensing. Different cam surfaces and laterally displaced surface configurations may be provided within the scope of the invention, each adapted, for example, to more efficiently discharge a particular type of cutlery. In other alternatives, the ejector may include one or more fingers, tabs, or other ejection members in place of the depicted cam 42.

The one or more cams 42 are mounted to or integral with a drive shaft 50 which is in turn rotatably mounted in a hole or guide slot through one or more clamps 52 secured to the housing or other support structure. The bearing surface of the drive shaft 50 and the bore of the clamp 52 preferably define a tight or medium clearance fit to maintain proper alignment but allow free and smooth rotation of the shaft. The drive shaft 50 is connected to a motor 54 powered by one or more dc batteries 56, and/or an external ac power source via power cord 58 and an ac/dc power converter 60 to actuate the ejector. Although an electric motor is used as the actuator in the depicted embodiment, one or more other types of linear or rotary actuators may drive the ejector within the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to solenoids, electronic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, magnetic actuators, and/or pneumatic or hydraulic actuators.

In response to a signal or an input or event generated upon recognition by the sensor 70, the motor or other actuator of the cutlery dispenser 10 is triggered to drive the ejector to automatically dispense cutlery. In an example form of the invention, the sensor 70 is a motion or proximity sensor, for example an infrared or ultraviolet motion detector or a capacitive proximity sensor. Various commercially available or specially designed sensing devices may be adapted for connection with the dispenser 10, including, for example, a photodiode having part number BCS100C5 manufactured and sold by sharp corporation. In alternative embodiments, the sensor may be an acoustic transducer for sound or tone actuation, a temperature sensor, a vibration sensor, a light sensor, or other form of sensor or switch for generating a signal in response to an input.

In an example form of the invention, the sensor 70 is a "non-contact" or "contactless" sensor that does not require physical contact by the user to recognize the input and generate a trigger signal in response to the input, thereby further avoiding cleaning and hygiene concerns in the user. The range of the sensor 70 may vary depending on the application to be performed and the expected proximity of the dispenser 10 to other dispensers or objects, but in an example form will recognize an event or input, such as a user passing his hands in front of the dispenser at a distance of about 0.25 feet to 6 feet away. The sensor is preferably located at or near the point of discharge of the cutlery implement from the ejector (which may be located on the front, side, bottom or elsewhere of the housing 12), but alternatively it may be located remote from the point of discharge. An indicator 72, such as an arrow, a flashing light, text, and/or other indicia, may optionally be provided to indicate to a user the sensor location and the manner in which the dispenser operates.

In alternative forms of the invention, the sensor 70 communicates with a vending machine or other device (of which the cutlery dispenser 10 may or may not be a part) and triggers the dispenser to dispense cutlery in response to the sale of a product. For example, a cutlery dispenser 10 according to the present invention is operatively associated with one or more vending machines for dispensing coffee, soup or other food or beverage and automatically dispenses a spoon or other utensil upon each sale from the vending machine or upon sale of a particular product only requiring a particular type of utensil. In other forms of the invention, however, the sensor comprises a contact or non-contact switch that is actuated by a user or an external device.

The sensor 70 delivers an analog or digital signal to a processor 80 via wires, conductors, or other electrical, optical, magnetic, or electromagnetic communication means for controlling the operation of the cutlery dispenser 10. The processor 80 may be any type of computing device, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic array, a programmable gate array, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and the like. The control of the cutlery dispenser 10 may be performed in hardware alone, or in a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware associated with the processor 80. Typically, the processor is a microprocessor that executes control algorithms in software that may be stored in on-board memory in the microcontroller or in external memory. The memory may be any type of computer-readable medium including, for example: random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, Compact Discs (CD), Digital Video Discs (DVD), diskettes, tapes, and the like. The signal output from the processor 80 is passed to a motor controller 90, or alternatively the motor controller is integrated into the processor. The motor controller 90, in turn, transmits power to the motor 54 to drive the cutlery ejector according to a prescribed pattern of operation. In the depicted embodiment, the motor 54 drives the drive shaft 50 and its associated cam 42 (by rocking or pivoting) back and forth between a loading position and a unloading position for sequentially engaging and unloading pieces of cutlery one at a time from the storage chute 30 in accordance with each operation of the dispenser. A return spring 94 may optionally be provided for returning the ejector into a loading position. In alternative embodiments, the drive shaft 50 is rotationally driven in a single direction, dispensing a single cutlery implement with each rotation; or one cutlery utensil at a time with stepped rotational increments such that a single rotation of the drive shaft dispenses two or more utensils.

In one example method of operation, a plurality of disposable cutlery is loaded into a storage chute of an automatic cutlery dispenser, or an automatic cutlery dispenser is provided that has been loaded with a plurality of disposable cutlery. To load the cutlery, a door or access panel may be opened or moved and one or more banded packets of cutlery inserted through a receiver into the storage area of the dispenser. Optionally, upon opening or moving the door or access panel, the dispenser's automatic dispensing mechanism is disabled to prevent malfunction and/or waste of the cutlery utensil from being inadvertently dispensed. For example, a position sensor or relay near the door or access panel may signal the processor to deactivate the actuator when an open position is indicated. Once loading is complete, the door or access panel is closed and optionally locked using a key or electronic lock, or a hidden release mechanism is provided to prevent unauthorized access to the dispenser interior. If the dispenser's power supply has not been turned on, it is connected. The dispenser may optionally include a power switch and/or manual or electronic locking to prevent unauthorized use, activating it when ready for use.

When a user desires a piece of cutlery, the dispenser is operated, for example, by passing the hand in front of a motion or proximity sensor. The sensor transmits a signal to the processor which in turn outputs one or more control signals to actuate the automatic dispensing mechanism and discharge at least a portion of a cutlery utensil from the storage chute for access by a user. For example, the processor signals the motor controller to operate the motor or other actuator to drive the cam assembly or other ejector to eject a handle portion of a utensil through a controlled stroke or motion for a user to grasp and remove from the dispenser for use.

An interlock may be provided to prevent further operation of the automatic dispensing mechanism before a previously dispensed utensil is removed by the user to reduce a stuck event. A timer may optionally be incorporated in the processor to introduce a delay between sequential operations of the dispenser to reduce waste. Subsequent users will activate the dispenser in the same manner and the dispenser dispenses cutlery one at a time sequentially from the storage chute. A refill indicator or alarm may optionally be provided to notify service personnel when the stack of cutlery in the storage chute is insufficient or needs replenishment. The cutlery dispenser embodiments within the scope of the present invention may include other optional functions, including a lighted vending or identification system that illuminates when the dispenser is used, and ultraviolet light provided at the storage and/or dispensing area for antimicrobial action.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. A cutlery utensil dispenser comprising:

a storage chamber adapted to hold a plurality of cutlery therein;

an ejector for sequentially ejecting the plurality of cutlery from the storage chamber;

an actuator for driving the ejector; and

a sensor for triggering the actuator in response to an event.

2. The cutlery dispenser of claim 1, wherein the storage chamber comprises a storage chute for holding the plurality of cutlery in a stacked array.

3. The cutlery dispenser of claim 2, wherein the stacked row of cutlery is loaded into substantial contact with the storage chute.

4. The cutlery dispenser of claim 2, wherein the storage chute comprises a receiver for receiving a banded packet of cutlery.

5. The cutlery dispenser of claim 1, wherein the ejector comprises at least one cam for removing at least a portion of each of the plurality of cutlery from the storage chamber.

6. The cutlery dispenser of claim 5, wherein the at least one cam is mounted on a drive shaft that is rotationally driven by the actuator.

7. The cutlery dispenser of claim 1, wherein the ejector pushes the handle portion of each cutlery for access by a user.

8. The cutlery dispenser of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a motor.

9. The cutlery dispenser of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a non-contact sensor and the event is an input by a user.

10. The cutlery dispenser of claim 9, wherein the non-contact sensor comprises a sensor selected from the group consisting of an infrared sensor and a capacitive sensor.

11. The cutlery dispenser of claim 1, wherein the event is the sale of a product.

12. The cutlery dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an electronic controller for receiving a signal from the sensor and triggering the actuator in response to the signal.

13. The cutlery dispenser of claim 12, wherein the electronic controller comprises a timer for causing a delay between sequential activations of the ejector.

14. The cutlery dispenser of claim 12, wherein the electronic controller deactivates the actuator when an access panel of the dispenser is opened for stocking the storage compartment.

15. The cutlery dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cutlery is disposable cutlery.

16. A cutlery utensil dispenser comprising:

a storage chamber adapted to hold a plurality of cutlery therein; the storage chamber includes a storage chute for holding the plurality of cutlery in a stacked array;

a non-contact sensor for generating a signal in response to a user;

an electronic controller adapted to receive the signal from the non-contact sensor and to trigger the automatic dispenser mechanism in response to the signal; and

an automated dispensing mechanism in operative communication with the electronic controller, the automated dispensing mechanism adapted to discharge at least a portion of one of the plurality of cutlery utensils from the storage chute upon activation by the electronic controller.

17. The cutlery dispenser of claim 16, wherein the cutlery is disposable cutlery.

18. A cutlery utensil dispenser comprising:

a storage chute for receiving a plurality of cutlery items, each having a handle end and a food-engaging end; and

a dispensing mechanism for sequentially dispensing the cutlery utensil one at a time from the storage chute by presenting a handle end of a dispensed cutlery utensil for extraction by a user and holding a food contacting end of the dispensed cutlery utensil until released by the user upon extraction.

19. The cutlery dispenser of claim 18, wherein the dispensing mechanism is automated.

20. The cutlery dispenser of claim 19, wherein the automated dispensing mechanism is actuated in response to a non-contact sensor.

21. The cutlery dispenser of claim 18, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a first ejection member for contacting the proximal end of the dispensed cutlery, the handle end.

22. The cutlery dispenser of claim 21, wherein the dispensing mechanism further comprises a second ejecting member for contacting the proximal end of the dispensed cutlery, the food-contacting end, the first and second ejecting members being offset relative to each other.

23. The cutlery dispenser of claim 22, wherein the first and second ejection members comprise rotationally driven cams having laterally displaced surfaces that are offset relative to each other in their direction of rotation.

24. A cutlery utensil dispenser comprising:

a storage chamber adapted to hold a plurality of cutlery therein;

an ejector for sequentially ejecting the plurality of cutlery from the storage chamber;

an actuator for driving the ejector; and

an ultraviolet lamp disposed in the storage compartment for antimicrobial action.

25. A method of dispensing a plurality of pieces of cutlery, comprising:

sensing an input; and is

One of the plurality of pieces of cutlery is automatically dispensed from the dispenser in response to the input.