Patent Application
20230190020
The present invention relates generally to systems, methods and apparatus for the dispensing of material. Embodiments of the present invention provide dispensers, and particularly automatic dispensers, and even more particularly, automatic touchless dispensers for dispensing material (e.g. edible material) to a user. The present invention is also directed to retrofitting existing hand operated dispensers (e.g. EZ-PRO™ line by Rosseto) so as to convert to these dispensers to automatic, touchless dispensing of material without significantly changing the components, operation, etc. of the dispenser.
It is known in the art to dispense materials using mechanically operated dispensers. Such dispensers can be found in hotels, motels, restaurants and business. These devices use either paddles, balls or an impeller which, upon rotation, moves an amount of material or product (e.g. food such as, for example, cereal) from a material or product storage area to a dispensing chute or container. Upon approaching the device, a user simply places a dish or bowl under the chute and turns an element, such as a handle, attached to the paddles, ball or impeller. A portion of the product then falls into the dish. If the user wants more product, the handle is turned again.
Existing dispensers have a number of shortcomings. In particular, these traditional dispensers require a user to press, pull, or rotate an element (e.g. a lever, knob, etc.) on the dispenser in order to actuate the dispensing function, which contact can generally be unsanitary and possibly spread pathogens. In high user traffic areas where food and other edible items are dispensed under user control, such as, for example, snack rooms or retail displays in commercial establishments (such as, for example offices, grocery stores, retail stores, bulk food stores, etc.), users may not wish to touch or pull a lever that others have touched. In the health care arena, such contact can be even more concerning and unhygienic, raising health and contamination concerns. Dispensers designed for use in public or semi public venues or areas (as opposed to domestic use) may be particularly susceptible to such concerns.
One solution to the contact/hygiene problem presented by users pushing or pulling portions of the dispenser in order to dispense material has been to design dispensers that automatically (e.g. not requiring a user to actuate a component) dispense a desired amount of material, so-called touch-free or touchless dispensers. This prevents the user from coming into contact with any part of the dispenser, and is particularly beneficial where the transmission of bacteria and viruses are of particular concern. However, current designs of dispensers also present some challenges and problems.
For example, some automatic dispensers fail to provide a consistent and accurate amount of material upon each dispensing cycle. It is thus accordingly desirable to have a reliable, consistent dispenser design that will automatically dispense a desired amount of material per use.
Another problem arises with existing non-touchless dispensers. It may be difficult and costly to replace or retrofit these dispensers with touchless options. If a business owner, operator, user, etc. wishes to change from a non-touchless automatic dispenser to an automatic touchless dispenser, a new dispenser could need to be purchased causing excess cost and inconvenience.
There remains a need for automatic touchless dispensers that can be used in dispensing material in an accurate and hygienic manner.
Accordingly, it is an aspect of this invention to overcome some of the disadvantages of the prior art.
It is desirable to provide an automatic touchless dispenser that can be used with pre-existing dispensers. It is also desirable to provide a dispenser that can be easily opened and secured for replacement of the material reservoir contained inside the dispenser.
It is also desirable to provide a dispenser configured to dispense a set amount of material during each dispensing step.
The present invention is directed to a system for retrofitting existing hand operated food dispensers (e.g. EZ-PRO™ line by Rosseto) so as to convert to these dispensers to “touchless” dispensing. A number of advantages and features become possible with such a retrofit solution as are set out in this description, including but not limited to feedback of dispensed amount, notifying refill needs, networking of device and the like. This system requires no modification of the existing dispenser. It does not fundamentally change the way the dispenser operates with respect to parts that touch the food product so it should not impact any food service certification of the dispenser product.
An aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for dispensing material, the system comprising: a dispenser having a container for holding the material, the container having an opening, wherein the material dispensed through the opening; an automated dispensing apparatus, the automated dispensing apparatus comprising: a handle and shaft assembly attached to the container, the handle and shaft assembly having a open position that permits material to be dispensed through the opening and a closed position where material cannot be dispensed through the opening; a motor attached to the handle and shaft assembly; and a first and second coupler functionally engage with one another to transmit a rotational force of the motor to the handle and shaft assembly in operation, the first coupler functionally engaged with the motor and the second coupler functionally engaged with the handle and shaft assembly; wherein when the motor is activated the first coupler rotates and engages with the second coupler to rotate the handle and shaft assembly from the closed position to the open position when the motor is rotating.
Another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the first coupler has a recessed channel and the second coupler has a rib designed to functionally engage with the recessed channel of the first coupler to transmit the torque of the motor to the handle and shaft assembly in operation.
Another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the dispensing apparatus further provides a ring housing assembly, the ring housing assembly comprising: a generally circular ring to engage with and support the container when the handle and shaft assembly is engaged with the motor; a sensor connected to the motor that activates the motor when a signal is detected allowing material to be dispensed.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the sensor is a motion sensor, heat sensor or distance sensor.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the sensor is operatively connect to the motor so that when the appropriate signal level is detected by the sensor, the motor is activated.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the timing, speed and power of the motor is set by a user and is under the control of a network ready device.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the first coupler has a centrally disposed channel that interfaces with a first end of a shaft of the handle and shaft assembly.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the first end of the shaft has a generally D shaped end portion to engage with the centrally disposed channel.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the centrally disposed channel has an engagement slot at an apex of the centrally disposed channel and the centrally disposed channel is angled to align the generally D shaped end portion for releasable engagement in the engagement slot.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to an automated dispenser for dispensing material comprising: a frame; a container removably engageable with the frame, the container having an opening, wherein the material dispensed through the opening; a motor attached to the frame and a first coupler, the first coupler functionally engaged with the motor; and an automated dispensing apparatus disposed in the container, the automated dispensing apparatus comprising: a handle and shaft assembly attached to the container, the handle and shaft assembly having a open position that permits material to be dispensed through the opening and a closed position where material cannot be dispensed through the opening and a first coupler functionally engaged with the handle and shaft assembly and engaged with the first coupler to transmit a rotational force of the motor to the handle and shaft assembly in operation; wherein when the motor is activated the first coupler rotates and engages with the second coupler to rotate the handle and shaft assembly from the closed position to the open position when the motor is rotating.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the first coupler has a recessed channel and the second coupler has a rib designed to functionally engage with the recessed channel of the first coupler to transmit the torque of the motor to the handle and shaft assembly in operation.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the dispensing apparatus further provides a ring housing assembly, the ring housing assembly comprising: a generally circular ring to engage with the frame and support the container when the handle and shaft assembly is engaged with the motor; a sensor connected to the motor that activates the motor when a signal is detected allowing material to be dispensed.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the sensor is a motion sensor, heat sensor or distance sensor.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the sensor is operatively connect to the motor so that when the appropriate signal level is detected by the sensor, the motor is activated.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the timing, speed and power of the motor is set by a user and is under the control of a network ready device.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the rib of the second coupler are movable within the first coupler between a first position and a second position along an axis parallel to the axis of the rib and parallel to the axis of the recessed channel.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the first coupler has a centrally disposed channel that interfaces with a first end of a shaft of the handle and shaft assembly.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the first end of the shaft has a generally D shaped end portion to engage with the centrally disposed channel.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the centrally disposed channel has an engagement slot at an apex of the centrally disposed channel and the centrally disposed channel is angled to align the generally D shaped end portion for releasable engagement in the engagement slot.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the above noted system wherein the material is selected from the group consisting of crushed and chopped nuts, candy, crushed seeds, bulk spices, sugar, breakfast cereal, whole nuts, and dried fruit.
In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention.
It should also be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a process, method, an apparatus, a system, a device or a method. In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as processes. In general, the order of the steps of the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention. The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention.
It will be understood by a person skilled in the relevant art that in different geographical regions and jurisdictions these terms and definitions used herein may be given different names, but relate to the same respective systems.
In the description and drawings herein, and unless noted otherwise, the terms “vertical”, “lateral” and “horizontal”, are references to a Cartesian co-ordinate system in which the vertical direction generally extends in an “up and down” orientation from bottom to top (y-axis). “Up” in the drawings (moving from the bottom of the drawing towards the top of the drawing) is in the positive y direction. “Down” as provided in the drawings (moving from the top of the drawings towards the bottom of the drawings) is in the negative y direction. Lateral direction generally extends in a “left to right” or “side to side” orientation (x-axis). Left in the drawings (moving from the right towards the left) is in the negative x direction. Right in the drawings (moving from the left to the right) is in the positive x direction. In addition, the horizontal direction extends in a “front to back” orientation and can extend in an orientation that may extend out from or into the page (z-axis). Out of the page towards the reader is in the positive z direction. Into the page or away from the reader is in the negative z direction. The force of gravity typically acts parallel to the y-axis, unless context indicates otherwise.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in numerous configurations depending on implementation choices based upon the principles described herein. Various specific aspects are disclosed, which are illustrative embodiments not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Although the present specification describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to standards and protocols known to a person skilled in the art, the present disclosures as well as the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific standard or protocol.
The present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for automatically and touchlessly dispensing an accurate predetermined amount of a product. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the products are food or other snack type of products, such as, for example, ice cream toppings such as sprinkles, crushed and chopped nuts, chocolate flakes, candy, crushed seeds, bulk spices, sugar, breakfast cereal, whole nuts, dried fruit and the like.
An aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for retrofitting existing hand operated food dispensers (e.g. EZ-PRO™ line by Rosseto) so as to convert these dispensers to “touchless” dispensing. This system requires only minor modification of the existing dispenser. It does not fundamentally change the way the dispenser operates with respect to parts that touch the food product so it should not impact any food service certification of the dispenser.
A person skilled in the art will understand that the rotatable ball, paddle or auger may have a cavity or opening that can be sized to dispense a precise amount of material or product. The cavity can be any shape or depth; however, it is preferred that it have a smooth surface and contour so that the product slides out of or through it when it becomes aligned with dispensing opening of the container 100b. The present invention allows the use of many different size balls or rotatable members with many different sized cavities and/or openings. Any size or shape of rotatable member and any size or shape of cavity is within the scope of the present invention. In one example, the cavity may face upward into the product and typically fills with product. As the handle/shaft subassembly is then rotated, the ball or paddle rotates to delivers the contents of the cavity through the opening or container 100b where it is dispensed.
The dispensing apparatus/dispenser 100 can be attached to a stand assembly 110. Stand assembly 110 may provide a generally horizontal serving portion 110a where dishes or other items (not shown) may be placed to receive the material being dispensed and a generally vertical back cover 110b having a canister mounting plate portion 110c. The vertical back cover 110b supports the container 100a provided with the dispenser 100 and attaches thereto via canister mounting plate portion 110c. The back cover portion 110b also serves as a point of attachment for the components of the automated rotational dispensing apparatus 120. An example of dispenser that may be used in association with the present invention is a line of hand operated dispensers and stand assemblies sold under or in association with the trademark EZ-PRO™ by Rosseto. While this current implementation is targeted for the EZ-PRO™ line of dispensers, the features and design approaches described here not intended to be limited to this type of dispensers. The concepts described are applicable to a wider range of dispenser designs that employ a rotational dispensing mechanism. A person skilled in the art will understand that a number of other dispenser and stand assemblies could be used in association with the present invention, including, but not limited to, the dispensers sold under the following company and/or brands CAL-MIL™, ECOBOX™, ZEVRO™, COFRIMELL™, TABLECRAFT™, TOOTSI IMPEX™.
In
In a preferred embodiment, the slit side of the dispenser side second coupling 125c is a serviceability feature in that it allows the user to quickly remove and re-install the coupler on existing dispensers. This capability allows for ease of reassembly/disassembly of the dispenser during initial assembly and for regular cleaning. The detent retention feature is also useful in that it keeps the dispenser side coupling from coming off the shaft while servicing the dispenser.
The design of the torque transfer ridges or ribs 140 and the channels 126 enables a relative motion of the couplers in one direction. This aspect of the invention allows for the tool-less removal and installation of the invention to the dispenser canisters.
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Informing the user of the amount they have received based on weight and nutritional value is highly desirable for bulk dispensing. This provides the user the same information they would find in individually packaged products. This can be accomplished by determining the weight of the dispensed product and using the information in the nutrition panel of the product to generate nutritional information. There are two methods envisioned for determining the weight of the dispensed product: (a) Measurement based on dispensing time and speed; or (b) measurement based on dispensed weight.
In a preferred embodiment, there may be provided a system for determining the amount of material or product dispersed by determining dispensing time and speed. The computer as used in the present invention has access to the dispensing time (e.g. how long the motor subassembly is rotating) and dispensing speed (e.g. how fast the motor subassembly is rotating). Using data tables achieved by standardized testing in the computer which were generated from experiments to measure dispensed weight based on dispensing time and speed of different products, the computer can provide an estimated amount of dispensed product via a small computer display on the dispenser after the product has been dispensed.
In a preferred embodiment, there may also be provided a weight sensor. By adding a weight measurement sensor (loadcell, etc.) that can measure the weight of the product in the canisters, the computer will have access to the initial weight of products at the start of the dispensing cycle. The computer can measure how much weight has been dispensed and provide an estimated amount of dispensed product via a small computer display on the dispenser after the product has been dispensed.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be networked such that it can be operated, monitored and serviced remotely. As such, a remote operator can monitor the amount of material dispensed, directly or indirectly control the dispensing of material. In addition, diagnostic functions may also be performed o the dispensing device of the present invention.
By making the computer aware of the estimated dispensed amount, additional user interaction features are possible. It is envisioned that a smartphone App can be developed that allows the user to input their desired amount of product based on nutritional value (calories, protein, etc.).
Using some touchless method (QR code, NFC), the user can use an application on a mobile device (e.g. an “App”) to interact with the dispenser computer which would dispense the amount desired by the user. The use of App may also allow for remote control of the device. For example, in a preferred embodiment, a networked dispenser of the present invention can indicate the device status to a user (e.g. that the dispenser is empty or nearly empty and requires refilling). This can result in more efficient servicing of the present invention.
The ability to control and provide this data to the user or the user's organization, many possibilities are opened up to encourage mindful snacking habits.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in numerous configurations depending on implementation choices based upon the principles described herein. Various specific aspects are disclosed, which are illustrative embodiments not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Although the present specification describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to standards and protocols known to a person skilled in the art, the present disclosures as well as the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific standard or construction technique.
Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments. As shown in
This application claims priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/292,643 filed on Dec. 22, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63292643 | Dec 2021 | US |
