WO2006123117A1

WO2006123117A1 - Apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material

Info

Publication number: WO2006123117A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/001770
Authority: WO
Inventors: Akbar Darabi-Ford
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-05-18
Filing date: 2006-05-12
Publication date: 2006-11-23
Anticipated expiration: 2007-11-18

Abstract

Apparatus (2) for dispensing portions of edible material, which apparatus (2) comprises remover means (4, 6) which operates on a quantity of the edible material and which removes one or more parts therefrom in order to form a portion of the edible material for being dispensed, and dispenser means (8) for dispensing the formed portion of the edible material, the apparatus (2) being such that the formed portion of the edible material is fed from the remover means (4, 6) to the dispenser means (8), and the dispenser means (8) comprises a container having an open mouth (10) from which the formed portion of the edible material is dispensed.

Description

APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING PORTIONS OF EDIBLE MATERIAL

This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material, for example ice cream, jelly, blancmange, melon, lemon, banana, or meat ball.

Many edible materials, for example ice cream, are provided in containers. Portions of the edible material are then dispensed from the containers. In the case of ice cream, the containers may vary in size depending upon whether the edible material is being dispensed in homes, vehicles selling ice cream, hotels, restaurants, or shops serving ice cream. Edible material is traditionally sold as soft edible material which is sold from an edible material dispensing machine, or hard edible material which is usually sold in a container. The hard edible material is notoriously difficult to obtain from its container.

The above mentioned problem of obtaining the edible material from its container is well known and it has existed for many years. Attempts have been made to provide electrically-operated apparatus for use in obtaining the ice cream from its container and then dispensing it. The known apparatus is not satisfactory, as evidenced by the fact that the vast majority of edible material is dispensed using hand-operated scoops which are widely known and understood to be unsatisfactory for use in obtaining hard ice cream from containers, and which are also tiring if used over prolonged periods, even if the ice cream is soft edible material in a container.

It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce the above mentioned problems that have existed with ice cream. It is also an aim of the present invention to enable other edible materials to be dispensed in portions.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material, which apparatus comprises remover means which operates on a quantity of the edible material and which removes one or more parts therefrom in order to form a portion of the edible material for being dispensed, and dispenser means for dispensing the formed portion of the edible material, the apparatus being such that the formed portion of the edible material is fed from the remover means to the dispenser means, and the dispenser means comprises a container having an open mouth from which the formed portion of the edible material is dispensed.

The remover means may comprise drill means for drilling into the edible material, and drive means for driving the drill means, the apparatus being such that the drill means has a helical formation, and the drill means causes the drilled edible material to be displaced longitudinally along the drill means and into the dispenser means. The apparatus may have an open top and/or an open bottom. The remover means may alternatively be a blade formation assembly. The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that it does not have to obtain the edible material with a manual scooping action as is the case with the vast majority of manually-operated scoops currently in use. The manual scooping leads to much strain on the wrist and elbow of a user's arm, and this can lead to joint problems. The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that it has the drive means which saves much physical effort and fatigue caused by the use of the manually-operated scoops. The use of the drill means for drilling into the edible material is especially advantageous in that the drill means is such as to cause the drilled edible material to be displaced longitudinally along the drill means and into the dispenser means. Thus the edible material is able to be removed from its container and put in the dispenser means without any need for the apparatus to be operated in a scooping manner. With the apparatus of the present invention, it is only necessary for the drill means to be placed in contact with the edible material. Operation of the drive means causes the drill means to rotate, and the edible material is then transferred from the container to the dispenser means without any substantial effort on behalf of a person operating the apparatus. There is no need for the apparatus to be used as a scoop. The apparatus can simply be lifted out of the container in the same position in which it was inserted into the container. The edible material in the dispenser means can then be dispensed by a simple rotating action which causes the edible material in the dispenser means to fall from the open mouth of the dispenser means and onto a dish, plate, cup, cone or other intended receptacle for the dispensed portion of the edible material.

The edible material is preferably ice cream. The ice cream will usually be in a container. Generally, the edible material may be any suitable and appropriate edible material including, for example, jelly, blancmange, melon, lemon, banana and meat ball. The edible material will usually be for human consumption. However, if desired, the edible material may be for consumption by animals where there is a need for predetermined portions of edible material in the form of food to be given to the animals. By way of example, it is mentioned that the animals may be farm animals, zoo animals or wildlife animals. The animals may alternatively be fish.

The apparatus may be one in which the drill means and the dispenser means are connected together such that the dispenser means rotates with the drill means or other remover means. Alternatively, the apparatus may be one in which the dispenser means is a fixed dispenser means which does not rotate with the drill means or other remover means.

The drill means may comprise a tube which is open at both ends and which has the helical formation inside the tube. The helical formation will usually be a continuous helical formation. Other types of drill means may be employed. For example, the drill means may be a digger device which digs into the edible material and transfers it along a tubular portion into the scoop. The helical formation may extend vertically, longitudinally or at an angle to the vertical during use of the apparatus. The drill means may include at least one projecting member for digging into the edible material during rotation of the drill means, the projecting member being positioned such that it projects outwardly from the remainder of the drill means. A plurality of the projecting members may be preferred. When the drill means comprises the tube, then the projecting member or the projecting members can project outwardly from the tube.

The remover means may alternatively be a wire remover means, a laser remover means, or a blade remover means. Where the remover means is a wire remover means, then the wire may be such that it operates at ambient temperature or, alternatively, the wire may be a hot wire which is heated, for example, by electrical means. The wire remover means may be of any size and shape. The wire remover means may be of any cross sectional shape. The wire remover means may be positioned at any appropriate angle for cutting into the edible material. Other types of remover means may be employed.

The apparatus of the invention may include a handle. An on/off switch for the apparatus may conveniently be provided on the handle. Instead of the on/off switch, the apparatus of the invention may be programmed to operate automatically to start operating when the dispenser means contacts edible material. Alternatively or in addition, the apparatus of the invention may have variable speed switch means for enabling the apparatus to operate at different speeds for different types of edible material. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus of the invention may have switch means which is such as to enable the apparatus to operate with high speed such for example as turbo-charged speed.

The drive means is preferably an electrically-operated drive means. Other types of drive means may however be employed including drive means powered by petrol, gas or any other energy means. A motor assembly may be positioned at any suitable position on the apparatus.

The dispenser means will usually be a concave dispenser means. The concave dispenser means is preferably of such a size that when it is full with the edible material, then the dispensed edible material is of a standard single measure or other desired size. In terms of size, the concave dispenser means may be of the same size as a known ice cream scoop. The dispenser means may be other than a concave dispenser means. Thus, for example, the dispenser means may be of a cylindrical shape, or any other suitable and appropriate shape. Similarly, the dispenser means may be of any suitable and appropriate size. The apparatus of the invention may be such that the dispenser means is interchangeable. In this case, dispenser means of different sizes may be employed depending upon the intended use of the apparatus.

The apparatus may include separator means for separating the edible material in the dispenser means from the dispenser means in order to facilitate the dispensing of the edible material from the dispenser means.

Preferably, the separator means comprises a rotatable blade member which is of a shape which follows the shape of the dispenser means. The rotatable blade member may be rotatable clockwise or anti- clockwise by hand. Alternatively, the rotatable blade member may be rotatable clockwise or anti-clockwise by the electrically operated drive means or other drive means. Alternatively, the rotatable blade member may be operated manually by means of a handle part of the apparatus of the invention. Other types of separator means may be employed. Also, a separator blade can be used to provide edible material in the dispenser and in this case the separator blade acts as a separator and cutter. Thus the separator blade also acts as the remover means.

The electrically-operated drive means may be battery operated and/or mains operated. Where the electrically-operated drive means is battery operated, then the battery or batteries may be positioned inside the apparatus. Alternatively, the battery or batteries may be positioned remote from the apparatus and connected to the apparatus via a wire or wireless means. Alternatively, the battery may be a vehicle battery, for example if the apparatus of the present invention is being used in a vehicle for selling ice cream, for example an edible material van. Where the electrically- operated drive means is battery operated, then the battery or batteries may be disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries or a separate battery cell. The recharging may be effected by mains electricity or solar energy.

The apparatus may include vibration means for vibrating, shaking, jerking, moving up and down, or moving side to side at least a part of the apparatus and thereby assisting the drill means in penetrating the edible material. The use of the vibration means may be advantageous for hard edible material, for example hard ice cream. The vibration means may vibrate the drive means, shake the drive means, or move the drive means from side to side or up and down.

The apparatus of the present invention may include sound generating means for generating sound, for example music, during use of the apparatus, before use of the apparatus, or after use of the apparatus.

The apparatus of the present invention may include sensor means for preventing operation of the apparatus until a predetermined parameter is sensed. The sensor means may be a light-sensing sensor means for sensing light or the absence of light, a temperature sensor means for sensing temperature, or a pressure sensor means for sensing pressure. The light-sensing sensor means may operated such that it reacts to the absence of light if it become immersed in the edible material. The temperature sensor means may sense the temperature of cold edible material such for example as ice cream, or warm edible material such for example as meat ball. The pressure sensor means may sense pressure as the apparatus is pushed into the edible material. The use of the sensor means may provide an advantageous safety feature in preventing accidents by people such for example as children accidentally catching their fingers or other body parts on the drill means.

The apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material, for example ice cream, can be made to operate utilising laser means. Thus, for example, the apparatus may include any suitable and appropriate laser system, and the apparatus may include any suitable and appropriate laser technology. The apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material, for example ice cream, may comprise at least one illumination means, for example an electrical light of any type, colour and shape. The light can be turned on and off manually at any suitable and appropriate time, for example when a scoop part of the apparatus is in operation, or after the edible material such for example as the ice cream has been scooped. Alternatively, the light can be turned on and off automatically as and when desired so that, for example, the light can be turned off automatically after scooping. The light can be incorporated at any suitable position on or in the apparatus, for example on or in the scoop, around the rim of a dispenser part of the apparatus, on or inside a shaft part of the apparatus, or on or inside a handle part of the apparatus.

The apparatus may be produced in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Similarly, the apparatus may be made of a wide variety of materials including stainless steel, other metals, plastics materials, ceramic materials, carbon fibre materials, or any suitable and appropriate combination of these materials and/or other materials. The apparatus may be such that it separates into various parts for ease of cleaning. The parts may screw together, push together or otherwise be connected in such a way that the parts are easily separated for cleaning.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side sectional view of first apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material; Figure 2 is a top part sectional view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a side sectional view of second apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material;

Figure 4 is a top part sectional view of the apparatus shown in Figure

3;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of a lower part of third apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material, and illustrates a modification to the first and second apparatus shown in Figures 1 - 4;

Figure 6 is a part side sectional view of fourth apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material;

Figure 7 is a top partial sectional view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a side sectional view of fifth apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material;

Figure 9 is a top part sectional view of the apparatus shown in Figure

8;

Figure 10 is an enlarged view of part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a side sectional view of apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material, and shows schematically different types of drive means;

Figure 12 is a top plan view sixth of the apparatus shown in Figure

11 ; Figure 13 is a side section of seventh apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material.

Figure 14 is a top view of the apparatus shown in Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a side sectional view of eighth apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material;

Figure 16 is a side sectional view of ninth apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material;

Figure 17 is a top view of the apparatus shown in Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a side sectional view of tenth apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material;

Figure 19 is an enlarged side sectional view of eleventh apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material;

Figure 20 is a perspective stylistic view of twelfth apparatus of the invention;

Figure 21 shows thirteen apparatus of the invention;

Figure 22 shows apparatus of the present invention in use obtaining edible material in the form of ice cream from a container;

Figure 23 is a cross sectional view through apparatus of the invention;

Figure 24 is an exploded view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 23;

Figures 25 - 28 show different designs of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 29 shows a modification of the apparatus shown in Figure 20; Figure 30 shows a modification of the apparatus shown in Figure 22;

Figure 31 shows the operation of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 30;

Figure 32 shows a modification to part of the apparatus shown in Figure 30; and

Figures 33 - 51 shown further different designs of apparatus of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown apparatus 2 for dispensing portions of edible material. The apparatus 2 comprises remover means in the form of drill means 4 for drilling into a quantity of edible material, and electrically-operated drive means 6 for driving the drill means 4. The quantity of the edible material may be contained in a container (not shown). The quantity of the edible material may be a bulk quantity or a smaller quantity. The apparatus 2 still further comprises dispenser means 8 for dispensing the edible material. The apparatus 2 is such that the drill means 4 causes the drilled edible material to be dispensed longitudinally along the drill means 6 and into the dispenser means 8. The dispenser means 8 comprises a container having an open mouth 10 from which the edible material in the dispenser means 8 is dispensed.

The drill means 4 and the dispenser means 8 are connected together such that the dispenser means 8 rotates with the drill means 4. More specifically, the dispenser means 8 comprises a concave upper portion 12 which extends into a lower tube 14. The tube 14 forms part of the drill means 6. The tube 14 rotates in a bearing arrangement 16. The bearing arrangement 16 comprises a plurality of ball bearings 18. The drive means 6 comprises a drive motor 19 which is powered from two batteries 20, 22 positioned in a handle 24 of the apparatus 2. The batteries 20, 22 are positioned between a contact spring 26 at one end of the handle 24, and a fixed contact 28 at the other end of the contact. The drive means 6 is operated via a button 30 on the handle 24. As an alternative to the button 30, the apparatus 2 may include sensor means (not shown) for causing operation of the drive means 6. The sensor means may be positioned at any suitable and appropriate position on the apparatus 2, for example on the lower part of the drill means 4. The sensor means may act as a safety feature for preventing premature operation of the apparatus 2.

The tube 14 has an open end 32. The tube 14 has a helical formation 34 on the inside of the tube 14. It is the helical formation 34 which causes the drilled edible material to be displaced longitudinally along the drill means 6 and into the dispenser means 8.

The dispenser means 8 is of such a size that, when it is full with the edible material, then the dispensed edible material is of a standard single measure or any other desired size. Also the dispenser means 8 is interchangeable in that it can be unscrewed and different sizes of dispenser means 8 can be screwed on in order to provide different sized portions of edible material. Where the dispenser means 8 is interchangeable, the dispenser means can be secured to the remainder of the apparatus of the invention by means other than screw means. Thus locking means may be employed. The different sizes of dispenser means may be employed to provide different sized portions of the same edible material or of different edible materials.

The apparatus 2 includes separator means 36 for separating the edible material in the dispenser means 8 from the dispenser means 8 in order to facilitate the dispensing of the edible material from the dispenser means 8. The separator means 36 comprises a rotatable blade member 38. The shape of the rotatable blade member 38 may best be appreciated from a comparison of Figures 1 and 2. The rotatable blade member 38 rotates on the bearing arrangement 16. More specifically, the motor 19 drives the shaft 40. The shaft 40 is attached to the rotatable blade member 38 and drives the blade member 38. Alternatively, the rotatable blade member 38 can be rotatable by hand or, alternatively, it may be rotatable by the drive means 6. Alternatively, if the rotatable blade member 38 is rotatable by the drive means 36, then it may rotate automatically with the drill means 4, or it may rotate separately, for example under the activation of another button (not shown) on the handle 24. Alternatively, the apparatus of the invention may be such that the blade member stays fixed but a dispenser housing rotates. Alternatively, the apparatus of the invention may be such that the separator blade and dispenser housing are fixed and some other part of the apparatus rotates.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown apparatus 42 which is similar to the apparatus 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. As can be seen from Figures 3 and 4, the drill means 6 includes a plurality of projecting members 44 for digging into the edible material during rotation of the drill means 4. The projecting members 44 are positioned around the tube 14 of the drill means 4 such that they project outwardly from the tube 14. The projecting members 44 are shaped as shown in Figure 4. The projecting members 44 may alternatively be of a different shape and/or size to that shown in Figure 4. In Figures 3 and 4, the tube 14 has a closed end as shown. If desired, the tube 14 could have an open end.

Figure 5 shows a modification for the drive motor 19 shown in Figures 1 - 4. More specifically, in Figure 5, it will be seen that the drive motor 19 comprises a motor 46 in a housing 48. The motor 46 has a pair of contacts 50. The contacts 50 engage a contact plate 52 in order to complete the electrical circuit from the batteries 20, 22 and to cause the drive means 6 to operate. The batteries 20, 22 may be replaced by a single battery, mains electricity, or electricity from a vehicle battery. Where a battery is employed, then the battery may be a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be rechargeable using solar energy. The contact plate 52 is mounted on a shaft 54. The shaft 54 extends from a mounting plate 56. The mounting plate 56 has an upstanding wall 58 which slides inside the housing 48 as shown. When the point part 60 is pushed into the edible material, the mounting plate 56 moves upwardly against pressure from a biasing spring 62. The contact plate 52 is thus caused to move upwardly and contact the contacts 50. The electrical circuit is thus made. When downward pressure on the apparatus 2 into the edible material is released, then the biasing spring 28 pushes the mounting plate 56 away from an end wall 64 of the housing 48. The contact plate 52 is thus moved away from the contacts 50 and the electrical circuit is broken. Thus the drive means 6 only operates the apparatus 2 when the point part 60 of the drive means 6 is in contact with the edible material. This provides a safety feature and avoids the apparatus 2 operating some incorrect time.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown apparatus 66 which is also similar to the apparatus 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In the apparatus 66, it will be seen that the separator means 36 shown in Figures 1 and 2 has been omitted.

Referring now to Figures 8, 9 and 10, there is shown apparatus 68 which is similar to the apparatus 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Similar parts as in Figures 1 and 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In the apparatus 68, it will be seen that the drive means 6 comprises a drive motor 70 which rotates a drive gear 72 mounted on a shaft 74. The drive gear 72 rotates one of four planet gears 76 as shown in Figure 9. The planet gears 76 then cause rotation of a central gear 78. Rotation of the central gear 78 causes rotation of the drill means 4. Figure 10 illustrates how the dispenser means 8 has a lower collar portion 80 which is provided with a screw thread 82. The screw thread 82 engages with a screw thread 84 on a drive part 86. The screw threads 82, 84 enable the dispenser means 34 to be removed for cleaning, or have a different size of remover means or dispenser means. Referring now to Figures 11 - 24, there are shown further different types of apparatus according to the invention. Similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In Figures 11 and 12, it will be seen that there is shown apparatus 86 in which the separator means 36 has a rotatable blade member 38 which is operated manually by a trigger 88 and a lever 90. The batteries 20, 22 are shown connected to drive means 6 by two wires 92. Alternatively, energy connection for driving the motor assembly may be done by induction means or a remote system. Alternatively, the apparatus of the invention may include induction means. The handle 24 has a screw cap 94. Unscrewing the cap 94 provides access to the inside of the handle 24 for inserting and replacing the batteries 20, 22. Figure 11 shows schematically how the apparatus 86 may alternatively be operated by one single battery 22, or via a connector 96 to a cigarette lighter in a vehicle, or via a plug 98 to a mains electricity supply. Figure 11 also shows how the drive means 6 may be provided with a photoelectric cell 7 for causing operation of the drive means 6 when the photoelectric cell senses loss of light due to being immersed in the edible material. The photoelectric cell 7 may thus act as sensor means for preventing operation of the apparatus until a predetermined parameter is sensed. Instead of the photoelectric cell 7, a battery pack may be employed which is outside the apparatus 86.

Figures 13 and 14 show apparatus 100 which is like the apparatus 86 but without the trigger 88 and the lever 90. Figure 15 shows eighth apparatus 102 which is like the apparatus 68 shown in Figures 8 and 9 but which is such that the dispenser means 8 is positioned underneath the gears 72, 76, 78. This enables the handle 24 to be higher than the dispenser means 8 and it may help to avoid the handle 24 catching on the side of a container when obtaining the edible material from inside the container. If desired, the handle 24 may be a pivoting handle 24 as indicated by the broken lines. The handle 24 may pivot about a pivot 104. Pivoting the handle to the position shown in broken lines in Figure 15 may also help to avoid the handle 24 catching on the side of the container when obtaining the edible material from inside the container.

Figures 16 and 17 show ninth apparatus 106 which is similar to the apparatus 102. As shown in Figure 16, the handle 24 is able to pivot to a number of positions as shown by the broken lines. The handle 24 contains four batteries 20, 22, 23, 25. As best seen in Figure 17, the handle 24 has a semi-circular connecting member 108 which connects to the pivot 104.

Figure 18 shows tenth apparatus 110 which is similar to the apparatus 102 shown in Figure 15 but which has the drive means 70 in a different position to that shown in Figure 15.

Figure 19 is an enlarged view of part of eleventh apparatus 112 which may be like the apparatus 102 shown in Figure 15. Figure 19 shows in more detail the use of a ball bearing arrangement 114 by which the gears rotate relative to a fixed part 116 of the apparatus. Figure 19 also shows in detail a bearing arrangement 16 comprising a bearing casing 17 and ball bearings 19. Figures 15, 18 and 19 illustrate how the drill means 4 has a helical formation 118 which operates within the tube 14. The helical formation 118 has a leading portion 120 which extends beyond the tube 14 as shown and which serves to dig into the edible material and thereby assist in the transfer of the edible material up the drill means 4 and into the dispenser means 8.

In the illustrated embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 1 - 19, if the drive means is reversed, then the edible material travels down the drill means 6 and is put back, for example into a container if the edible material. This may be advantageous if, for example, someone should change their mind and suddenly decide not to have a portion of edible material after the apparatus of the invention has started to operate.

Figure 20 shows the perspective view of twelfth apparatus 119 produced to be in a modern style.

Figure 21 shows thirteenth apparatus 121 of the present invention. In the apparatus 121 , there is employed drive means 123 comprising a digger device 125 having digging implements 127 which dig into the edible material. The digging implements 127 then transfer the edible material upwardly and along a tubular portion 129 and into the dispenser means 8 through an inlet 131 in the bottom part of the dispenser means 8. The separators 36, 38 move and cause the accumulation of edible material in the dispenser. The digger device 125 is driven by a motor 133. The motor 133 is under control of the button 30 on the handle 24.

Referring to Figure 22, there is shown apparatus 136 in use in obtaining edible material in the form of ice cream 138 from a container 140. Figures 23 and 24 show apparatus 142. Similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In Figure 23, it will be noted that there is a bolt 144 for mounting the scoop to the drive means of the apparatus 142. Figure 23 also shows a plate 146 which is fixed to the body of the apparatus to receive the drive means and the separator 36. A ring 148 is provided. The ring 148 has a thread for enabling the tube 14 to be unscrewed from the upper portion 12 for cleaning purposes, or using different sizes of dispenser. Figure 24 shows the helical formation on the drill means. Figure 24 also shows a part 19 having apertures for receiving mounting bolts.

Figure 25 shows apparatus 150 having the illustrated shape. Figure 26 shows apparatus 152 having a different shape. Figure 27 shows apparatus 154 which is of a different shape. Figure 28 shows apparatus 156 which is of another different shape. In the apparatus 150, 152, 154, and 156, similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

Referring now to Figure 29, there is shown apparatus 158 which is similar to the apparatus 119 shown in Figure 20. Similar parts have been given the same reference numerals. In the apparatus 158, the drive means 6 comprises a DC electric motor 160 which is of the illustrated doughnut shape. This electric motor 160 is mounted on the outside of a tubular housing 162 forming part of the drill means 4. The electric motor 160 may rotate the tubular housing 162 or it may rotate the helix inside the tubular housing 162, or it may rotate both the tubular housing 162 and the helix. Figures 30 and 31 show apparatus 164 which is like the apparatus 136 shown in Figure 22. Similar parts have been given the same reference numerals. In the apparatus 164, there is employed a cup 166 connected by means of a hinge 167 such that the cup 166 is over the dispenser means 8 as shown in Figure 30. When edible material is drilled upwards by the drill means, the edible material takes the shape of the cup 166. This will be the shape of a ball. The cup 166 could be of other shapes if desired. The cup 166 pivots about the hinge, as shown by the arrows 168, to the open position shown in Figure 31. If desired, in an alternative construction, the cup could be detached once filled with the edible material. In this case, the cup with the edible material could be removed and the cup could then be used as a serving dish.

If desired, in all embodiments of the invention, the cup may be transparent so that an operator is able to see the amount of edible material in the cup and thereby be able to ensure that the cup has exactly the desired amount of edible material in it.

Figure 32 shows apparatus 170 which is like the apparatus 164 except that the cup 166 has been replaced by an extended separator 170 which rotates as shown by the arrows 172. The extended separator 170 rotates in a circular direction and is thus effective to cause the edible material in the dispenser means 8 to have a ball-shaped top.

Referring now to Figures 33 - 51 , there are shown further different designs of the apparatus of the present invention. Generally, only the design parts of importance will be described with reference to Figures 33 - 51 , since the remaining parts of the apparatus shown in Figures 33 - 51 can operate as described with reference to previous Figures.

In Figure 33, there is shown apparatus 174 which comprises shaper means in the form of a shaper 176. The shaper 176 turns with the remover means 178. The shaper 176 helps to define the shape of the parts of the edible material that are obtained from the quantity of the edible material by the remover means 178. The shaper 176 can be of other shapes and it can be produced of any suitable and appropriate material.

The apparatus shown in Figure 33 is shown as being operated by gears 180, 182, 184 but the apparatus can generally be driven by gears, belts, chains, rubber disks, pullies, or any combination of these. Other drive apparatus can also be employed.

Figure 34 shows apparatus 186 which uses a shaper 188 which is like the shaper 176 of Figure 33 but turned upside down. The remover means 178 may be of any shape and material. Thus, for example, the remover means 178 may be made of a metal, a plastics material, wood, or any combination of these materials. The plastics material may be nylon. The remover means 178 may be smooth, serrated, or like a saw with teeth. The remover means 178 may alternatively be like a knife with a cutting edge. If desired, one end of the remover means may be connected and fixed to a tube, whilst the other end is connected by means of a nut or nuts which hold a cutter part of the remover means in position. By tightening or loosening the nut, tension in a blade forming part of the remover means can be adjusted to a desired tension for use with a different edible material. Figure 33 shows the use of cutter means 190 in the form of a blade or wire. Heat can be generated in the cutter means 190 to provide easy cutting of the edible material. Heat may also be provided in a rim part 192 to facilitate cutting into the edible material. Remover means in the form of a laser may alternatively be employed.

Figure 35 shows apparatus 194 using a separator 196 which is connected to a doughnut gear 198 such that the separator 196 and the doughnut gear 198 turn together and thereby turn a cutter 200 which is connected to the separator 196. A shaper 202 turns with the cutter 200. The shaper 202 can be of any suitable design and/or material or combination of materials. Similarly the cutter 200 can be made of any suitable and appropriate materials or a combination of materials. The cutter 200 may be cold, heated, smooth, serrated, saw-like, or knife-like. The cutter 200 is engaged with a tube 204. Thus when the cutter 200 rotates, it is held in the correct position because the tube 204 is stationery and it extends into dispenser means 206. A gear 208 is rotated by a motor 210 which is driven by batteries 212.

Figure 36 shows apparatus 214 with a motor assembly 216 operating a helix cutter 218. The helix cutter 218 is mounted around the motor assembly 216. Rotation of the helix cutter 218 is effective to dig out the edible material from the quantity of the edible material. The edible material thus dug out is moved towards the dispenser means 220, and it cut by a cutting separator 222. The edible material thus obtained accumulates in the bowl part 224 of the dispenser means 220 and is ready for being discharged to an open mouth 226 forming part of the dispenser means 220. The edible material may be discharged where desired, for example into a dish (not shown).

Figure 37 shows apparatus 228 with a semi-circular cutter and rotator 230. As the apparatus 228 is placed on edible material, for example ice cream, a part 232 of the apparatus 228 is pushed down and into the edible material. A motor 234 rotates the cutter and rotator 230 in a circular motion. The rotation may alternatively be semi-circular or at any appropriate angle. The cutter and rotator 230 may also swing from side to side. The operator 228 has a safety switch for use in case the cutter part of the apparatus should contact an operator's hand or other part of their body. In this case, the cutter or separator blade will bring the motor 234 to a halt so that the cutter and separator will stop operating and stay within the dispenser. However they could stop and stay outside the dispenser, or at any other desired position.

Figure 38 shows part of apparatus 236 which is like the apparatus 228 but which employs two cutters 238, 240. The two cutters 238, 240 may swing in opposite directions, or both in the same direction, in order to cut the edible material. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, only one cutter could be employed and this cutter could just swing backwards and forwards instead of completely rotating. The or each cutter may additionally or alternatively act as remover means.

Figure 39 shows apparatus 242 having a frusto-conical shaped tube 244. Figure 40 shows apparatus 246 using a cone-shaped formation 248 forming part of remover means 250 for removing parts of edible material. The remover means 250 includes digger parts 252 and a helix 254. The remover means 250 is driven by gears 256, 258, via a motor 260. The separator 262 also turns because it is connected to the helix 254 and the conical-shaped formation 248. The conical-shaped formation 248 digs into the edible material during use. The edible material is lifted upwards by the helix 254. The edible material thus removed is cut up by the rotation of the separator means 262, so that the sliced edible material then accumulates in the bowl 264 of the dispenser means 266 ready for being dispensed. Figure 40 also shows the use of an on/off switch 268.

Figure 41 shows apparatus 270 with two dispensing outlets 272, 274 and two remover means 276, 278. There may be any suitable and desired number of dispensing outlet and remover means.

Figure 42 shows apparatus 280 with two remover means 282, 284 which feed into a dispenser means 286 having a single bowl 288 and a single outlet mouth 290. The apparatus 280 has a handle 292 which can pivot as shown about a pivot 294.

Figure 43 shows apparatus 296 with a semi-circular separator 298. The apparatus 296 has a device 300 which has been connected as part of a motor assembly. The device 300 turns and cleans the remaining edible material from inside the helix 302.

Figure 44 shows apparatus 304 in which a motor 306 is connected to a support unit at its top. A bottom part is connected to a wire cutter 308. The wire cutter 308 could alternatively be a blade. The cutter or blade 308 operates at an appropriate angle as shown. Operation is in a rail-guide 310. The enlarged part of Figure 44 shows a cutting edge 312 and a helix 314. The remover means shown includes a tube 316. When the apparatus 304 is placed on edible material, the motor turns the cutter 308 which then cuts into the edible material. As the remover means is pushed into the edible material, the cut parts of the edible material are guided upwards and placed into the bowl 318 of the dispenser means 320 for dispensing through the open mouth 322. The dispensed edible material can be dispensed to any appropriate thing including a dish or a cone.

Figure 44a shows apparatus 324 which is like the apparatus 304 and similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In the apparatus 324, the cutter 308 has been replaced by a helix 326. The helix 326 can also be engaged in the rail guide 310 as shown, in order to provide smooth operation, keeping the helix 326 and the motor assembly in a correct position. The cutting edge 312 is connected the helix 326 as shown.

Referring now to Figure 45, there is shown apparatus 328 with a cutter and separator 330, a scraper or cleaning device 332, and a telescopic tube 334. A thread 336 allows for different sizes of dispenser means 338 to be attached to the telescopic tube 334.

Figure 46 shows apparatus 340 with a rotary cutter and separator 342. It will be noticed that the rotary cutter and separator 342 is in the form of a ring which pivots on pivots 344. The ring is provided with bigger portions 346, 348 for digging into the edible material. The cutter and separator 342 rotates partially in and partially out of a bowl 350 forming part of dispenser means 351. The apparatus 340 has remover means 352 comprising a cutter 354 and a tube 356. When the cutter 342 rotates, it may engage with the tube 356 and cause the tube 356 to rotate. The edible material cut by the cutter 354 from edible material is fed through the apparatus 340 into the bowl 350 of the dispenser means 352. When the bowl 350 has the required amount of the cut edible material, the edible material can then be dispensed through the open mouth 358 of the bowl 350. The apparatus 340 has a handle 360 with an on/off switch 362 and a hanging aperture 364.

Figure 47 is a part sectional view through the apparatus 340 as shown in Figure 46. Figure 47 shows how the remover means 52 includes the cutter 354 and also a wire or blade cutter 366. A curved part 368 of the handle 360 houses the motor assembly for driving the appropriate parts of the apparatus 340.

Figure 48 shows apparatus 370 having a motor assembly 372 positioned on top the apparatus 370. The motor assembly 372 drives a helix 374 via a drive shaft 376 and another drive shaft 378. The two drive shafts 376, 378 are connected together by a coupling 380. The apparatus 370 has a handle 382, an on/off switch 384, remover means 386, and dispenser means 388.

Figure 49 shows how the dispenser means 388 of the apparatus 370 shown in Figure 48 is able to pivot about a pivot 390 to an open position. This allows a portion of edible material to be dispensed from a bowl 400 through an open mouth 402 of the bowl 400. As can be appreciated from Figure 49, the coupling 380 separates to allow the pivoting of the top part of the dispenser means 38 which in fact forms a lid 404 for the bowl 400. Edible material can also be dispensed from the bowl 406 forming part of the lid 404.

Figure 50 shows apparatus 408 having a motor assembly 410 and engagement means 411 providing engagement between remover means 422 and a semi-circular cutter 413. The semi-circular cutter 413 is able to rotate in a semi-circle backwards and forwards. During each swing of the semi-circular cutter 413, it engages the top of a tube 415 and causes rotation of the tube 415. The connection 414 can be by means of teeth on cogs, or other connection means. Thus as the edible material is cut by the remover means 422, it comes up the tube 415 where it is cut by the semicircular cutter 413 and then the dispenser means in the form of the bowl 417 fills up with the edible material. Figure 50 also shows a screw tensioner device 419 for tensioning a cutter blade 421. Other types of tensioner means may be employed.

Figure 51 shows apparatus 424 which is like the apparatus 340 shown in Figure 46. In the apparatus 424, drive means in the form of a motor is not employed. Instead, the drive means is a manual drive means 426. The manual drive means 426 comprises a lever 428 which pivots about a pivot 430. When the handle 360 and the lever 428 are squeezed and released as shown by the arrows 430, the rotary cutter and separator 342 moves as shown. In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the lever 428 could move from side to side or in some other direction with respect to the handle 360.

In all embodiments of the invention, the drill means can be preprogrammed to rotate a predetermined number of revolutions to cause the collection of, for example, one scoop, of the edible material. Alternatively, there may be an overflow aperture which indicates the correct portion of edible material when the overflow aperture receives the edible material. The drill means can continue to rotate if a control switch is continuously held in the operative position. However, if the drill means is pre-programmed to rotate a predetermined number of revolutions, it may then not be necessary continuously to hold the control switch.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the dispenser means may be a fixed dispenser means which does not rotate with the drill means. The rotatable blade member 38 may be rotated by its own separate drive means. In all embodiments of the invention, the drive means may be situated at any suitable and appropriate part of the apparatus. Thus, the drive means may be situated in the handle or elsewhere, for example outside the apparatus and around the outer side of a tube and motor which could be like a doughnut shape.

In all embodiments of the invention, the drive means may be a reversible drive means so that it can drive in a clockwise and in anticlockwise manner. Normally, clockwise rotation will be employed to transfer 6 001770

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the edible material from the container to the dispenser means. However, there may be instances where the apparatus has commenced to operate and then it is desired to return edible material, for example to a container. Such circumstances may be caused by a simple mistake by a user, or alternatively by a change of mind by a person, for example a customer. In such circumstances, the direction of rotation of the motor can be reversed to cause edible material to be returned from the apparatus to the container or elsewhere as appropriate.

In all embodiments of the invention, the drive means may be operated such that it only fills the dispenser means partially full. The apparatus of the invention can then be placed a different edible material, for example ice cream of a different flavour to introduce a different flavour of ice cream into the dispenser means. Two, three or more different flavours or types of edible materials can thus be introduced into the dispenser means. For example if two different flavours of ice cream are required, then the dispenser means can be half filled with edible material of the first flavour, and then the other half can be filled with the edible material of the second flavour. If three flavours of edible material are required, then the container will be one third filled by each different flavoured edible material. The same procedure can be adopted for other types of edible material.

When the drive motor is operating, it will usually operate with a smooth rotary action. Alternatively, the drive motor may operate at a high speed or a low speed with appropriate torque. Alternatively, the drive motor may operate at variable speeds in order to ensure that an operator is able to operate the apparatus of the invention at an appropriate speed for any particular use of the apparatus. However, if desired, the drive means may operate with a stepping action, a jerking action or any other suitable and appropriate action. If the separator means is a driven separator means, then the driving action may vary in the same manner as the mentioned driving action for the drive means.

The apparatus of the invention may be such that it includes sound generating means for generating sound during use of the apparatus. The generated sound may be music. The music may be music on its own, or music and a vocal content. Thus, for example, the music could be the tune of Happy Birthday or the music could be the tune of Happy Birthday plus someone singing Happy Birthday. The sound generating means may be provided on a chip. The apparatus of the invention may include illumination means which lights up during operation of the apparatus, or at any time before and/or after the operation of the apparatus.

Various parts of the apparatus of the present invention may be screwed together so that the parts can easily be unscrewed and replaced by different parts if desired. Thus, for example, the drill means and the dispenser means may be screwed together for enabling different sized dispenser means easily to be connected to the drill means.

Where a motor has been shown in the drawings, then the position of the motor can be anywhere desired on the apparatus. Thus, for example, the motor can be positioned at the top or the bottom of the apparatus. Where the drawings show the remover means having a plurality of teeth, only one single tooth may be employed if desired. Where a wire is used to cut into the edible material, then the cut edible material may be sucked into the dispenser means. Where the wire is of a flat cross section, then the wire may be in the form of a blade. The remover means may alternatively be a blade remover means. The wire may be a cold wire or a heated wire.

A formation may be employed to define the characteristics of the parts cut from the quantity of the edible material. Such a formation may be regarded as shape-forming means. The shape-forming means may be used to stop the remover means such as the drill means producing parts from the quantity of the edible material which are sausage-shaped. Where the drawings show a separator, then the separator can rotate in any suitable and appropriate plane, for example a vertical plane. The remover means may also comprise a rotating blade or other member which rotates in a vertical plane and cuts into the quantity of the edible material. Also the remover means, for example a cutter, may be semi-circular. At least one semi-circular cutter may be employed in the dispenser means, and may rotate in a full circle or swing backwards and forwards.

Claims

1. Apparatus for dispensing portions of edible material, which apparatus comprises remover means which operates on a quantity of the edible material and which removes one or more parts therefrom in order to form a portion of the edible material for being dispensed, and dispenser means for dispensing the formed portion of the edible material, the apparatus being such that the formed portion of the edible material is fed from the remover means to the dispenser means, and the dispenser means comprises a container having an open mouth from which the formed portion of the edible material is dispensed.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the remover means comprises drill means for drilling into edible material, and drive means for driving the drill means, the apparatus being such that the drill means has a helical formation, and the drill means causes the drilled edible material to be displaced longitudinally along the helical formation and into the dispenser means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the drill means and the dispenser means are connected together such that the dispenser means rotates with the drill means.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the dispenser means is a fixed dispenser means which does not rotate with the drill means.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 - 4 in which the drill means comprises a tube which is open at both ends and which has the helical formation inside the tube.

6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 - 5 in which the drill means includes at least one projecting member for digging into the edible material during rotation of the drill means, the projecting member being such that it projects outwardly from the remainder of the drill means.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the remover means is a wire remover means.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the remover means is a laser remover means.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the remover means is a blade.

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a handle.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the drive means is an electrically-operated drive means.

12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the dispenser means is a concave dispenser means.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the concave dispenser means is of such a size that, when it is full with the edible material, then the dispensed edible material is of a standard single measure or other desired size.

14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including separator means for separating the edible material in the dispenser means from the dispenser means in order to facilitate the dispensing of the edible material from the dispenser means.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 in which the separator means comprises a rotatable blade member which is of a shape which follows the shape of the dispenser means.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 in which the rotatable blade member is rotatable clockwise or anti-clockwise by hand.

17. Apparatus according to claim 15 in which the rotatable blade member is rotatable clockwise or anti-clockwise by the electrically-operated drive means.

18. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the electrically-operated drive means is battery operated and/or mains operated.

19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including vibration means for vibrating, shaking, jerking, moving up and down, or moving side to side at least a part of the apparatus and thereby assisting the drill means in penetrating the edible material.

20. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including sensor means for preventing operation of the apparatus until a predetermined parameter is sensed.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20 in which the sensor means is a light sensing sensor means for sensing light or the absence of light, a temperature sensor means for sensing temperature, or a pressure sensor means for sensing pressure.

22. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including sound generating means for generating sound during use of the apparatus, before use of the apparatus, or after use of the apparatus.