US20100065577A1 - Apparatus for Dispensing Treats - Google Patents
Apparatus for Dispensing Treats Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100065577A1 US20100065577A1 US12/603,094 US60309409A US2010065577A1 US 20100065577 A1 US20100065577 A1 US 20100065577A1 US 60309409 A US60309409 A US 60309409A US 2010065577 A1 US2010065577 A1 US 2010065577A1
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- Prior art keywords
- dispensing device
- dispenser
- treats
- treat
- rotating member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
- G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
- G07F11/16—Delivery means
- G07F11/24—Rotary or oscillatory members
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
- G07F11/28—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined
- G07F11/32—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined two or magazines having a common delivery chute
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
- G07F11/44—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored in bulk
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for dispensing a single treat at a time, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for dispensing treats which requires an extended period of time between each dispensation.
- trick-or-treating On Halloween it is customary for children to dress up in costumes and go door to door to receive treats such as candy. This is commonly known as trick-or-treating.
- parents and children trick-or-treat their own house is unattended and children that trick-or-treat at that house will be disappointed because they will not receive treats.
- One way of handling this is to leave a container of treats on the doorstep of the unattended house.
- this practice is undesirable for various reasons. Namely, a child may take numerous treats from the container, thereby depleting the amount of treats remaining in the container for other children. Another problem is that this practice poses a potential safety risk if someone were to adulterate the treats in the container.
- a dispensing device which dispenses a single treat at a time and which requires a period of time between each dispensation to discourage a child from taking more than one treat. It would also be desirable to provide a dispensing device that could be used to dispense treats at times other than Halloween.
- the present invention relates to a dispensing device that dispenses a single treat at a time and which requires an extended period of time between each dispensation. More particularly, the dispensing device includes a housing and a reservoir in the housing for holding treats to be dispensed. A dispenser is moveable from a first position to a second position to sequentially release treats from the reservoir. An actuating mechanism is provided for actuating the dispenser to move the dispenser incrementally from the first position to the second position. The dispensing device also includes a receptacle that is accessible from the exterior of the housing. A passageway is provided for treats to travel from the reservoir to the receptacle.
- a method is also disclosed for providing treats at an unattended location.
- a device is initially mounted to a supporting surface. The device is allowed to be actuated by an user. A period of time is imposed prior to dispensing.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing device according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the dispensing device, which shows a treat loaded in a dispenser
- FIG. 3 is a front view similar to the view shown in FIG. 2 , where the dispenser has rotated, causing one of the treats to be released from the dispenser while blocking another treat from entering the dispenser;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an actuating mechanism for actuating the dispenser
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to the view shown in FIG. 4 , which shows the portion of the actuating mechanism in an activated position;
- FIG. 6 is a rear view of a portion of the actuating mechanism
- FIG. 7 is a rear view of a portion of the actuating mechanism showing a lever arm pivoted upwardly;
- FIG. 8 is rear view similar to the view shown in FIG. 7 , showing the lever arm pivoted downwardly;
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken along section lines 9 - 9 and looking in the direction of the arrows, of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein an actuating mechanism is a rotatable knob;
- FIG. 11 is a front view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an actuating mechanism of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 13 is a front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein electronic control is provided;
- FIG. 14 is a front view showing an another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a dispenser is preloaded with treats;
- FIG. 15 is a front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a dispenser is a L-shaped member
- FIG. 16 is a partially cut away front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, where the dispenser is in a loading position;
- FIG. 17 is a partially cut away front view similar to the view shown in FIG. 16 , where the dispenser is in a dispensing position;
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 19 is a front view of the dispensing device with a cover sheet
- FIG. 20 is a partially cut away front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, where the dispenser is in a loading position;
- FIG. 21 is a partially cut away front view similar to the view shown in FIG. 20 , where the dispenser is in a dispensing position;
- FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 20 ;
- FIG. 23 is a rear view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 20 ;
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 25 is a partially cut away front view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 24 , where the dispenser is in a loading position;
- FIG. 26 is a partially cut away front view similar to the view shown in FIG. 25 , where the dispenser is in a dispensing position;
- FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 24 ;
- FIG. 28 is a rear view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 24 ;
- FIG. 29 is a partially cut away front view showing another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 30 is a partially cut away front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, where the dispenser is in a loading position.
- FIG. 31 is a partially cut away front view similar to the view shown in FIG. 30 , where the dispenser is in a dispensing position.
- FIGS. 1-9 shows a dispensing device adapted to hold a plurality of items, articles, or treats (e.g., spherical containers of candy or any other desirable object such as a trinket or a useful product, generally spherically shaped candy, etc.) and to dispense a single treat or article at a time.
- a dispensing device adapted to hold a plurality of items, articles, or treats (e.g., spherical containers of candy or any other desirable object such as a trinket or a useful product, generally spherically shaped candy, etc.) and to dispense a single treat or article at a time.
- the present invention has particular use during Halloween, but it should be understood, that it could also be used during other holidays, other occasions or at any other desirable time. Also, it should be understood that the present invention can be used with other types of items or articles (e.g., Christmas ball ornaments).
- the invention could even be used as part of a behavioral program
- FIG. 1 illustrates a dispensing device 10 that is used to dispense a plurality of treats 12 , such as balls containing candy.
- the dispensing device 10 includes a housing 14 which contains a reservoir 16 for holding the treats 12 to be dispensed, a dispenser 18 for sequentially releasing the treats 12 from the reservoir 16 , an actuating mechanism 20 for actuating the dispenser 18 , a receptacle 22 accessible from the exterior of the housing 14 , and a passageway 24 for the treats 12 to travel from the reservoir 16 to the receptacle 22 .
- the housing 14 includes a front wall 26 that has an opening 28 to provide access to the receptacle 22 , a rear wall 30 that has an opening 32 to provide access to the reservoir 16 , side walls 34 , 36 connecting the front wall 26 to the rear wall 30 , a top wall 38 interconnected with the side walls 34 , 36 , and a bottom wall 40 interconnected with the side walls 34 , 36 .
- the front, rear, side, top and bottom walls form a generally rectangular structure.
- the various walls can be attached together during the manufacturing process, as is known, depending on the materials used, or two or more of the walls can be formed integrally together.
- the dispensing device 10 can be configured to be attached to a suitable surface for use. Accordingly, a pair of hooks 42 , 44 could be provided extending from the top of the rear wall 30 and sized to removeably secure the dispensing device 10 to a supporting surface (not shown), such as an outer surface of a front door of a house. As such, the hooks 42 , 44 would extend over the top of the door and effectively lock the dispensing device 10 to the door when the door is closed and locked. Additionally, when attached and locked to a door, the reservoir opening 32 , which will be hereinafter discussed, is inaccessible and the device cannot be ransacked for treats.
- the front wall 26 is made at least partially of a transparent material, such as a transparent plastic, such that the interior of the housing 14 , or a portion thereof, is visible to an user or observer.
- a transparent material such as a transparent plastic
- the housing 14 could be made from opaque material if the visibility of its contents is not desired.
- the housing 14 can be decorated with indicia, pictures, symbols, etc., and can accordingly be designed for use at a specific time of the year or holiday such as Halloween, or any other time of year or holiday.
- the decorations can be manufactured as part of the dispensing device 10 , or the dispensing device 10 can be decorated, and even redecorated by an user.
- the dispensing device 10 could come with a decorating kit so that it could be decorated by the purchaser.
- a kit could include a coloring applicator, such as markets, adhesive, figures, etc.
- the treats 12 to be dispensed are placed in the reservoir 16 via the reservoir opening 32 formed in the rear wall 30 .
- the opening 32 allows the dispensing device 10 to be refillable.
- the device could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats.
- the reservoir opening 32 could be positioned at any other desirable location, such as on the top wall 38 , and it could include a cover if desired, which cover could be a locking cover, if desired.
- the dispenser 18 sequentially releases the treats 12 from the reservoir 16 to a portion of the passageway 24 positioned below the dispenser 18 .
- the dispenser 18 will be discussed in further detail after discussion of the passageway 24 .
- the passageway 24 descends toward the receptacle 22 and is configured such that the treats 12 arrive at the receptacle 22 after an extended period of time for reasons to be discussed hereinafter.
- the passageway 24 could be in form or an elaborate winding path, or panels positioned at angles directing the treat 12 to the receptacle 22 , or it could be a short drop to the receptacle 22 , or any other suitable configuration.
- the passageway 24 includes a plurality of panels 46 a - e , each of which inclines downwardly toward the receptacle 22 .
- Each of the panels 46 a - e has a bottom end 48 a - e .
- the panels 46 a - e are vertically spaced relative to each other to allow the treats 12 to travel from one panel to an adjacent lower panel.
- the first panel 46 a and the second panel 46 b are provided in the reservoir 16 and are adjacent to each other such that any treat 12 falling from the first panel 46 a will land on the second panel 46 b .
- the bottom end 48 b of the second panel 46 b is adjacent to the dispenser 18 such that the bottommost treat 12 on the second panel 46 b can enter the dispenser 18 when the dispenser 18 is properly aligned, as will be discussed.
- the third panel 46 c cooperates with the dispenser 18 such that any treat 12 released from the dispenser 18 will land on the third panel 46 c .
- the third panel 46 c could be continuous with the first panel 46 a .
- the third panel 46 c terminates above and adjacent to the fourth panel 46 d such that any treat 12 falling from the third panel 46 c will land on the fourth panel 46 d .
- the fourth panel 46 d is above and adjacent to the fifth panel 46 e such that any treat 12 falling from the fourth panel 46 d will land on the fifth panel 46 e .
- the bottom end 48 e of the fifth panel 46 e is positioned adjacent to the receptacle 22 such that any treat 12 traveling on the fifth panel 46 e will land in the receptacle 22 .
- a panel 47 is attached to the second panel 46 b and is continuous with the second panel 46 b . The panel 47 serves to support the second panel 46 b.
- the configuration of the passageway 24 as shown in the figures and discussed herein is only exemplary, and it will be apparent that the present invention can employ other configurations for delivering a treat to a receptacle.
- Some such configurations may include passageways or chutes for the treats 12 to travel from the reservoir 16 to the receptacle 22 , or the treats can otherwise be delivered to the receptacle, by for example, a rotating dispensing device that moves the treats past a receptacle where the treats can be removed from the rotating dispenser.
- the dispenser 18 is driven by the actuating mechanism 20 . More particularly, the dispenser 18 shown in the figures is adapted to rotate when actuated. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the dispenser 18 includes a central portion 52 and a plurality of arms 54 a - d extending radially outwardly from the central portion 52 . Each of the arms 54 a - d includes a free end 56 a - d . An opening 58 is formed between an adjacent pair of arms 54 a - b , while an opening 60 is formed between an adjacent pair of arms 54 b - c . Likewise, an opening 62 is formed between an adjacent pair of arms 54 c - d , while an opening 64 is formed between an adjacent pair of arms 54 d - a.
- the opening 58 formed between the arm 54 a and the arm 54 b is unobstructed and is sized to accommodate only a single treat 12 .
- the opening 58 allows the treat 12 to fall from the dispenser 18 .
- the opening 62 formed between the arm 54 c and the arm 54 d is unobstructed and is sized to accommodate only a single treat 12 .
- the opening 62 allows the treat 12 to fall from the dispenser 18 .
- a board 66 connects the free end 56 a of the arm 54 a to the free end 56 d of the arm 54 d so as to block access to the opening 64 thereby closing the opening 64
- a board 68 connects the free end 54 b of the arm 56 b to the free end 56 c of the arm 54 c so as to block access to the opening 60 thereby closing the opening 60 .
- the purpose of the boards 66 , 68 is to increase time between each dispensation. Any of the openings 58 , 60 , 62 , and 64 could be open or closed to adjust the rate of dispensation.
- a treat 12 a can be loaded into the dispenser 18 when the opening 58 (as shown in FIG. 2 ) or 62 is substantially adjacent to the treat 12 positioned at the bottom end 48 b of the second panel 46 b . Because the second panel 46 b is inclined downwardly, the treat 12 moves into the dispenser 18 when the opening 58 or 62 is aligned with the treat 12 .
- the dispenser 18 As the dispenser 18 rotates to a position shown in FIG. 3 , the free end 56 a of the arm 54 a prevents further treats 12 from being accepted into the dispenser 18 . As the dispenser 18 continues to rotate, the treat 12 falls from the opening 62 onto the third panel 46 c when the free end 56 d of the arm 54 d is substantially facing the bottom wall 40 . In this manner, the treats 12 can be sequentially released from the dispenser 18 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the dispenser 18 can accommodate up to two treats 12 a , 12 b at a time.
- the configuration of the dispenser 18 is only exemplary. It will be understood that the present invention can employ other dispensers or transfer devices to transfer the treats 12 from the reservoir 16 to the third panel 46 c .
- the dispenser 18 could be a large rotating structure with a plurality of receptacles for treats. The time involved in rotating the structure to move treats to a dispensing point could provide the period needed to discourage an user from taking more than one treat. Alternatively, any other sequential dispensing mechanism could be employed in furtherance of the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- the actuating mechanism 20 includes a button 70 , a linkage assembly 72 , a lower sprocket 74 , a ratchet assembly 76 attached to the lower sprocket 74 , an upper sprocket 78 (see FIG. 9 ) attached to the dispenser 18 , and a chain 79 trained around the lower sprocket 74 and the upper sprocket 78 .
- the button 70 includes a base 80 mounted to the front wall 26 , a front portion 82 , a rear portion 84 connected to the front portion 82 , an opening 86 formed in the rear portion 84 , a spring 88 positioned in a cavity 90 formed between the base 80 and the front portion 82 .
- the button 70 is sized to move between an inner retracted position as shown in FIG. 5 when the front portion 82 is depressed by an user and an outer extended position as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the spring 88 is sized to axially urge the button 70 to its outer extended position as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the linkage assembly 72 includes a horizontal driving arm 92 attached to the button 70 that drives a vertical driven arm 94 . More particularly, a proximal end 104 of the horizontal driving arm 92 is attached to the rear portion 84 of the button 70 such that the horizontal driving arm 92 is movable conjointly with the button 70 . A distal end 106 of the horizontal driving arm 92 is positioned adjacent to the rear wall 30 of the housing 14 . The distal end 106 of the horizontal driving arm 92 includes a ramp mechanism, such as an inclined surface 108 , to allow a wheel 96 of the vertical driven arm 94 to slide therealong.
- a ramp mechanism such as an inclined surface 108
- the horizontal driving arm 92 is adapted to move toward the rear wall 30 of the housing 14 when the button 70 is depressed as shown in FIG. 5 . This motion causes the wheel 96 to slide in an upward direction along the inclined surface 108 .
- a fulcrum 98 is sized to support the horizontal driving arm 92 .
- a proximal end 110 of the vertical driven arm 94 includes the wheel 96 which cooperates with the inclined surface 108 , while a distal end 112 of the vertical driven arm 94 is attached to a lever arm 100 and is pivotable thereabout.
- the vertical driven arm 94 is adapted to move between a lower position as shown in FIG. 4 , wherein the wheel 96 is positioned on the bottom of the inclined surface 108 , and an upper position as shown in FIG. 5 , wherein the wheel 96 is positioned on the top of the inclined surface 108 .
- a spring 102 urges the vertical driven arm 94 to its lower position as shown in FIG. 4 and the horizontal driving arm 92 moves toward the front wall 26 of the housing 14 .
- the lever arm 100 has a proximal end 114 attached to the vertical driven arm 94 and a distal end 116 attached to the ratchet assembly 76 .
- the proximal end 114 of the lever arm 100 pivots upwardly as the vertical driven arm 94 moves to its upper position as shown in FIG. 7 , and pivots downwardly as the vertical driven arm 94 moves to its lower position as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the ratchet assembly 76 includes a ratchet housing 118 having a plurality of teeth 120 , a pawl 122 sized to engage the teeth 120 , a steel ball 124 in slidable contact with the pawl 122 , a spring 126 urging the steel ball 124 against the pawl 122 , and a pin 128 extending through the pawl 122 and the distal end 116 of the lever arm 100 , which attaches the pawl 122 to the lever arm 100 .
- a ratchet housing 118 having a plurality of teeth 120 , a pawl 122 sized to engage the teeth 120 , a steel ball 124 in slidable contact with the pawl 122 , a spring 126 urging the steel ball 124 against the pawl 122 , and a pin 128 extending through the pawl 122 and the distal end 116 of the lever arm 100 , which attaches the pawl 122 to the lever arm
- the pawl 122 and the ratchet housing 118 cooperate such that when the lever arm 100 is pivotably moved upwardly, the pawl 122 catches the teeth 120 , thereby preventing movement of the ratchet housing 118 .
- the lever arm 100 is pivotably moved downwardly as shown in FIG. 8 , the pawl 122 slides over the teeth 120 , which rotates the ratchet housing 118 in a clockwise manner (when viewed through the rear wall of the housing), thereby advancing the chain 79 .
- the present invention could be configured such that the ratchet housing 118 moves in a counterclockwise manner.
- the present invention is not limited by the term “clockwise.”
- the lower sprocket 74 is attached to the ratchet housing 118 such that the lower sprocket 74 rotates conjointly with the ratchet housing 118 in a clockwise manner as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the chain 79 connects the lower sprocket 74 to the upper sprocket 78 such that when the lower sprocket 74 rotates in a certain direction, the upper sprocket 78 is caused to rotate in the same direction.
- the upper sprocket 78 is attached to the dispenser 18 such that the dispenser 18 rotates conjointly with the upper sprocket 78 .
- the configuration of the actuating mechanism 20 is only exemplary. It will be understood that the present invention can employ other mechanisms to actuate the dispenser 18 .
- the present invention could employ other mechanical structures to actuate the dispenser 18 .
- the present invention could also employ solenoids or other electronic mechanisms to actuate the dispenser 18 .
- the present invention could employ a switch rather than a button.
- an user depresses the button 70 , thereby moving the horizontal driving arm 92 toward the rear wall 30 of the housing 14 as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the movement of the horizontal driving arm 92 causes the wheel 96 to slide in an upward direction along the inclined surface 108 , thereby causing the vertical driven arm 94 to move from its lower position to its upper position.
- the lever arm 100 pivots upwardly as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the pawl 122 catches the teeth 120 of the ratchet housing 118 .
- the horizontal driving arm 92 moves toward the front wall 26 of the housing 14 and the wheel 96 slides in an downward direction along the inclined surface 108 as shown in FIG. 4 , thereby causing the vertical driven arm 94 to assume its lower position.
- the lever arm 100 pivots downwardly as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the pawl 122 slides over the teeth 120 , thereby rotating the ratchet housing 118 in a clockwise manner.
- the ratchet assembly 76 rotates the lower sprocket 74 causing the teeth 130 of the lower sprocket 74 to engage the links of the chain 79 and thereby revolve the chain 79 around the lower sprocket 74 and the upper sprocket 78 .
- the rotation of the upper sprocket 78 causes the dispenser 18 to rotate.
- the user repeatedly depresses the button 70 and releases the button 70 , which will cause the dispenser 18 to rotate incrementally between various positions.
- the user continues to depress the button 70 and release the button 70 in order to rotate the dispenser 18 until the treat 12 releases from the dispenser 18 and falls onto the third panel 46 c .
- the treat 12 then travels down the third panel 46 c and falls onto the fourth panel 46 d .
- the treat 12 travels down the fourth panel 46 d and falls onto the fifth panel 46 e .
- the treat 12 travels down the fifth panel 46 e to the receptacle 22 .
- the user accesses the treat 12 through the opening 28 in the front wall 26 when the treat 12 is positioned in the receptacle 22 .
- the user will be required for a second time to repeatedly depress the button 70 and release the button 70 to rotate the dispenser 18 until the second treat 12 releases from the dispenser 18 .
- the user will have to repeat the operation each time for any additional treat 12 .
- the dispensing device 10 is configured such that a single treat 12 is released from the dispenser 18 after an extended period of time since it takes time for an user to repeatedly depress and release the button 70 .
- the passageway 24 is configured such that the treat 12 arrives at the opening 32 after an extended period of time.
- an extended period of time e.g., many seconds or even one minute
- This extended period of time discourages an user from taking more than one treat 12 because the user would have to wait for another period of time for additional treats.
- a time delay is imposed between actuating the dispenser and sequentially releasing treats.
- the dispensing device 10 can be used at a house during Halloween when the occupants are not at home or otherwise elect not to open their door.
- FIGS. 10-12 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention, indicated generally as 110 , that is used to dispense a plurality of treats 112 .
- the dispensing device 110 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise.
- the dispensing device 110 includes a housing 114 , a reservoir 116 , a dispenser 118 , an actuating mechanism 120 , a receptacle 122 , and a passageway 124 .
- the actuating mechanism 120 includes a manually operable knob 111 that is interconnected with a first end of an axle 113 .
- the knob 111 rotates the axle 113 when turned, which in turn rotates the lower sprocket 174 .
- the axle 113 is supported at a second end by axle support 115 .
- a chain 179 rides the lower sprocket 174 and extends about the upper sprocket 178 (see FIG. 11 ).
- a proximal end 117 of the axle 113 is positioned within an opening 186 formed in a base 180 of the knob 111 such that the axle 113 is movable conjointly with the knob 111 .
- a distal end 119 of the axle 113 is attached to the lower sprocket 174 such that rotation of the axle 113 and the knob 111 causes the lower sprocket 174 to rotate.
- the support 115 extends through a rear wall 130 and is sized and configured to support the axle 113 .
- an user grips the knob 111 and rotates the knob 111 in a counterclockwise manner, thereby rotating the axle 113 and the lower sprocket 174 in a counterclockwise manner.
- Rotation of the lower sprocket 174 drives the chain 179 around the lower sprocket 174 and the upper sprocket 178 .
- the rotation of the upper sprocket 178 causes the dispenser 118 to rotate.
- the gearing of the upper sprocket and the lower sprocket can be such that numerous rotations of the knob are required to move the upper sprocket sufficiently to move the dispenser sufficiently to dispense a treat.
- FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention, wherein electronic control is provided.
- the dispensing device 210 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise.
- the dispensing device 210 includes a housing 214 , a reservoir 216 , a dispenser 218 , an actuating mechanism 220 , and a receptacle 222 .
- the dispenser 218 is a large rotating structure with a pair of openings 211 and 213 that are sized to contain a treat 212 .
- the openings 211 and 213 are diametrically opposed to each other.
- a treat 212 can be loaded into the dispenser 218 when the opening 211 or 213 is substantially adjacent to the treat 212 a positioned at the bottom of the reservoir 216 .
- the treat 212 falls from the opening 211 or 213 when the dispenser 218 is rotated to the position shown in phantom in FIG. 13 .
- a panel 215 is provided for the treats 212 to travel from the dispenser 218 to the receptacle 222 .
- the actuating mechanism 220 includes a button 270 and a circuit unit 217 .
- the circuit unit 217 includes various conventional electrical/electronic components, such as a circuit board, a motor, and a power source (e.g., a battery).
- the button 270 , the circuit unit 217 , and the dispenser 218 are in electrical communication with each other such that when an user depresses the button 270 , the dispenser 218 is actuated and rotates a pre-set amount. As such, the button 270 must be depressed multiple times to effect dispensation of a treat 212 .
- a time delay can be programmed such that when an user depresses the button 270 only once, the dispenser 218 is actuated and dispenses a treat 212 after an extended period of time.
- FIG. 14 Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 14 .
- the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 14 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise.
- FIG. 14 shows a dispensing device 310 , wherein a dispenser 318 is preloaded with treats 312 .
- the device 310 could include a reservoir of treats and can self-reload as described herein with respect to other embodiments.
- the dispensing device 310 also includes a housing 314 and an actuating mechanism 320 , which includes a button 370 and a circuit unit 317 , for actuating the dispenser 318 .
- a delay tactic is employed to consume time from an initial actuation effort to dispensation of a treat.
- the delay tactic could comprise a time delay in an electronic circuit or the requirement of numerous actuations of an actuator.
- manual actuation techniques associated with other embodiments of the invention can be employed.
- the dispenser 318 is a large rotating structure with a plurality of openings 311 along its perimeter.
- the openings 311 are sized to contain the treats 312 .
- a cut-out 313 is formed in a front wall 326 to provide access to the bottommost opening 311 a of the dispenser 318 .
- FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention.
- the dispensing device 410 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise.
- the dispensing device 410 includes a housing 414 , a reservoir 416 , a dispenser 418 , an actuating mechanism 420 , and a receptacle 422 positioned between the dispenser 418 and the reservoir 416 .
- the actuating mechanism 420 operates and is constructed in manners similar to the actuating mechanism 120 (see FIGS. 10-12 ).
- the actuating mechanism 420 includes a manually operable knob 411 , a lower sprocket 474 , a chain 479 , and an upper sprocket 478 .
- a projection member 413 is attached to the chain 479 and moves conjointly with the chain 479 .
- the projection member 413 is sized to engage the dispenser 418 for reasons to be discussed hereinafter.
- the dispenser 418 is in the form of a L-shaped member 415 with a first arm 417 and a second arm 419 .
- the L-shaped member 415 is sized to move about a pivot area 421 .
- the L-shaped member 415 moves between a relaxed position and an extended position.
- a spring 416 is provided to urge the L-shaped member 415 to its relaxed position.
- the first arm 417 includes a distal end 423 sized to engage the projection member 413
- the second arm 419 includes a distal end 425 that has a slot 427 . Contact between the first arm 417 and the projection member 413 moves the L-shaped member 415 to its extended position.
- a plunger 429 is connected to the distal end 425 of the second arm 417 by a pin 431 received in the slot 427 .
- the pin 431 is sized to slide in the slot 427 as the L-shaped member 415 moves between its relaxed and extended positions.
- the plunger 429 is movably connected to the L-shaped member 415 such that the plunger 429 moves in a horizontal direction as the L-shaped member 415 moves for reasons to be discussed hereinafter.
- the reservoir 416 includes two vertical walls 431 , 433 , a pair of springs 435 , a bottom plate 437 connected to the springs 435 , and a top plate 439 .
- the treats 412 are vertically stacked on the bottom plate 437 and between the two walls 431 , 433 .
- the springs 435 are connected to the bottom plate 437 and are sized to axially urge the treats 412 upwardly toward the top plate 439 .
- the top plate 439 is connected to the back wall of the housing 414 .
- the top plate 439 includes an extension member 441 that is connected to the front wall of the housing 414 .
- the top plate 439 is sized to function as a stop and inhibits the treats 412 from moving after the treats 412 come into contact with the top plate 439 .
- the top plate 439 also inhibits the plunger 429 from moving after the second arm 419 of the L-shaped member 415 comes into contact with the top plate 439 .
- an user grips the knob 411 and rotates the knob 411 in a counterclockwise manner, thereby rotating the chain 479 and the projection member 413 .
- the user continues to rotate the knob 411 until the projection member 413 comes into contact with the first arm 417 of the dispenser 418 and moves the first arm 417 upwardly to thereby pivot the L-shaped member 415 to its extended position.
- the first arm 417 moves upwardly, the second arm 419 moves toward the reservoir 416 .
- This motion causes the plunger 429 to move in a horizontal direction, thereby moving the treat 412 a horizontally.
- the plunger 429 continues to move in a horizontal direction until the second arm 419 contacts the top plate 439 .
- the plunger 429 moves the treat 412 a such that a sufficient portion of the treat 412 a is extended beyond the reservoir 416 so as to allow the treat 412 a to tip and fall in a vertical direction toward the receptacle 422
- the first arm 417 then moves downwardly due to the spring 416 so as to move the L-shaped member 415 to its relaxed position.
- FIGS. 16-19 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention.
- the dispensing device 510 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise.
- the dispensing device 510 is simplified in terms of components.
- the dispensing device 510 can be configured to be attached to a suitable surface for use. Accordingly, a hook 542 could be provided extending from the top of a housing 514 and sized to removeably secure the dispensing device 510 to a supporting surface (not shown), such as an outer surface of a front door of a house.
- the dispensing device 510 includes the housing 514 that has a reservoir, such as an upper storage hopper 516 , that can be loaded with treats 512 and the treats 512 can be stored in the storage hopper 516 for subsequent dispensation.
- a reservoir such as an upper storage hopper 516
- One or more shelves 546 a - b lead the treats 512 from the storage hopper 516 toward a dispenser, which includes a rotating member 518 .
- the rotating member 518 has a recess 511 therein, which could assume the shape of, for example, a pie with a slice removed.
- a treat 512 is allowed to fall into the recess 511 of the rotating member 518 and travel with the rotating member 518 as the rotating member 518 is rotated.
- the rotating member 518 includes a gear 513 driven by an actuating mechanism 520 .
- An axle 515 extends through the rotating member 518 and serves to hold the rotating member 518 in place.
- the axle 515 is supported by an axle support 517 (see FIG. 18 ).
- the actuating mechanism 520 includes a drive gear 519 which can be accessed from the exterior of the housing 514 through a manually operable handle 521 .
- An axle 523 extends through the drive gear 519 and serves to hold the drive gear 519 in place.
- the handle 521 is interconnected to a first end of the axle 523 and rotates the axle 523 when turned, which in turn rotates the drive gear 519 .
- the axle 523 is supported at a second end by an axle support 525 (see FIG. 18 ).
- a lock in the form of a pawl 527 , is sized to engage the drive gear 519 to allow rotation of the drive gear 519 in only a single direction.
- the axle 523 and the drive gear 519 of the actuating mechanism 520 rotate in a clockwise manner.
- the drive gear 519 meshes with the gear 513 of the rotating member 518 , which causes the rotating member 518 to rotate in an opposite, counterclockwise, manner.
- the gears 513 , 519 are sized such that numerous rotations of the drive gear 519 are required to effectively rotate the rotating member 518 from a loading position (see FIG. 16 ) to a dispensing position (see FIG. 17 ), and back to a loading position.
- the present invention could be configured such that the handle 521 moves in a counterclockwise manner.
- the present invention is not limited by the term “clockwise.”
- the gear ratio between the drive gear 519 and the rotating member 518 can be varied, and the rotating member 518 could have more than one recess.
- the treat 512 falls and rolls down to a receptacle 522 where the treat 512 is positioned for retrieval. If the user wishes to obtain a second treat 512 , or if a subsequent user wishes to obtain a treat, the drive gear 519 can be continued to be rotated until the rotating member 518 is in its loading position to receive a second treat 512 and then again subsequently rotated into its dispensing position to dispense the second treat 512 .
- the housing 514 can include a cover sheet 529 with decoration thereon such as a pumpkin 531 , having an exaggerated stem 533 functioning as the storage hopper 516 , the nose 535 comprising the handle 521 for the drive gear 519 , and the mouth 537 comprising the receptacle 522 .
- the housing 514 is decorated for use during Halloween, the housing 514 can be decorated or designed for use at any time of the year or holiday, and the housing 514 could take on other shapes suitable for other holidays, e.g., a Christmas tree shape for the Christmas holiday.
- FIGS. 20-23 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention.
- the dispensing device 610 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise.
- the dispensing device 610 is simplified in terms of components.
- the dispensing device 610 can be configured to be attached to a suitable surface for use. Accordingly, hooks 642 , 644 could be provided extending from the top of a housing 614 and sized to removeably secure the dispensing device 610 to a supporting surface (not shown), such as an outer surface of a front door of a house. A plurality of anchors 611 a , 611 b , 613 a , 613 b are provided on the rear wall 630 of the housing 614 to removeably secure the hooks 642 , 644 to the dispensing device 610 . The dispensing device 610 is provided to a user without the hooks 642 , 644 installed to facilitate packaging and shipping.
- the hook 642 includes an arm 615 sized to pass through anchors 611 a , 611 b . More particularly, the arm 615 includes latches 617 a , 617 b sized to slide through openings formed in the anchors 611 a , 611 b and to engage the anchors 611 a , 611 b . Likewise, the hook 644 includes an arm 619 sized to pass through anchors 613 a , 613 b . More particularly, the arm 619 includes latches 621 a , 621 b sized to slide through openings formed in the anchors 613 a , 613 b and to engage the anchors 613 a , 613 b.
- an user slides the arm 615 through the anchor 611 a and the anchor 611 b .
- the user slides the arm 619 through the anchor 613 a and the anchor 613 b .
- the latches 617 a , 617 b of the arm 615 pass through the anchors 611 a , 611 b and engage the anchors 611 a , 611 b when the hook 642 is pulled away from the dispensing device 610 .
- the latches 621 a , 621 b of the arm 619 pass through the anchors 613 a , 613 b and engage the anchors 613 a , 613 b when the hook 644 is pulled away from the dispensing device 610 .
- the hooks 642 , 644 can be used to hang the dispensing device 610 and support the dispensing device 610 on a surface.
- the dispensing device 610 could be manufactured with the hooks 642 , 644 pre-installed and attached to the dispensing device 610 in any suitable manner.
- the hooks 642 , 644 have top ends 623 , 625 that are spaced from the top of the dispensing device 610 a suitable distance, such as 12 inches.
- the hooks 642 , 644 have a relatively thin thickness, such as 1/16 of an inch. It would be understood that the above dimensions are merely exemplary, and that the hooks 642 , 644 can have other dimensions and the spacing between the top ends 623 , 625 of the hooks 642 , 644 and the top of the dispensing device 610 can be varied.
- the housing 614 has a reservoir 616 that can be loaded with treats 612 and the treats 612 can be stored in the reservoir 616 for subsequent dispensation.
- One or more shelves 646 a - b lead the treats 612 from the reservoir 616 toward a dispenser, which includes a rotating member 618 .
- the treats 612 to be dispensed are placed in the reservoir 616 via the reservoir opening 632 formed in the rear wall 630 .
- the opening 632 allows the dispensing device 610 to be refillable.
- a cover 627 (see FIG. 22 ), which could be a locking cover, is provided to close off the opening 632 .
- the dispensing device 610 could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats.
- the dispensing device 610 has a width W (see FIG. 20 ) which could be approximately 18 inches, a height H (see FIG. 20 ) which could be approximately 24 inches, and a depth D (see FIG. 22 ) which could be approximately 3 inches.
- the treats 612 are in the form of balls that could be approximately 2.25 inches in diameter.
- the corners of the dispensing device 610 could be rounded, as shown, or beveled. It would be understood that these dimensions are merely exemplary, and that the dispensing device 610 and the treats 612 can have other dimensions.
- the rotating member 618 includes a C-shaped cylinder 629 that has a recess 631 formed therein.
- the cylinder 629 has an uniform thickness.
- a treat 612 is allowed to fall into the recess 631 of the cylinder 629 and travel with the rotating member 618 as the rotating member 618 is rotated.
- a plurality of teeth 633 extend from the rear of the cylinder 629 .
- a prong 635 extends from a block 636 mounted in the rear wall 630 and is sized to engage the teeth 633 of the rotating member 618 to allow rotation of the rotating member 618 in only a single direction. If the rotating member 618 were to be turned in the opposite direction, the prong 635 and the teeth 633 would engage to prevent such movement. When moved in the allowed direction, the prong 635 slides over the teeth 633 and provides some small amount of frictional resistance against movement of the rotating member 618 .
- the dispensing device 610 includes a knob that includes a recessed front portion 637 which is interconnected with the rotating member 618 .
- the knob includes a manually operable handle 641 that extends outwardly from the recessed front portion 637 .
- the rotating member 618 is supported by a support ring 643 (see FIG. 22 ) formed on the back surface of the dispensing device 610 .
- the knob could include a flat front portion.
- the rotating member 618 rotates in a clockwise manner.
- the frictional resistance of the prong 635 and the teeth 633 cooperates to reduce the speed of the rotating member 618 , as the rotating member 618 rotates from a loading position (see FIG. 20 ) to a dispensing position (see FIG. 21 ), and back to a loading position.
- the present invention could be configured such that the handle 641 moves in a counterclockwise manner.
- the present invention is not limited by the term “clockwise.”
- the rotating member 618 could have more than one recess.
- the treat 612 falls and rolls down to a receptacle 622 where the treat 612 is positioned for retrieval. If the user wishes to obtain a second treat 612 , or if a subsequent user wishes to obtain a treat, the handle 641 can be continued to be rotated until the rotating member 618 is in its loading position to receive a second treat 612 and then again subsequently rotated into its dispensing position to dispense the second treat 612 .
- FIGS. 24-28 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention.
- the dispensing device 710 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise.
- the dispensing device 710 can be configured to be attached to a suitable surface for use. Accordingly, hooks 742 , 744 could be provided extending from the top of a housing 714 and sized to removeably secure the dispensing device 710 to a supporting surface (not shown), such as an outer surface of a front door of a house.
- a plurality of anchors 711 a , 711 b , 713 a , 713 b are provided on the rear wall 730 of the housing 714 to removeably secure the hooks 742 , 744 to the dispensing device 710 .
- the dispensing device 710 is provided to a user without the hooks 742 , 744 installed to facilitate packaging and shipping.
- the hook 742 includes an arm 715 sized to pass through anchors 711 a , 711 b . More particularly, the arm 715 includes latches 717 a , 717 b sized to slide through openings formed in the anchors 711 a , 711 b and to engage the anchors 711 a , 711 b . Likewise, the hook 744 includes an arm 719 sized to pass through anchors 713 a , 713 b . More particularly, the arm 719 includes latches 721 a , 721 b sized to slide through openings formed in the anchors 713 a , 713 b and to engage the anchors 713 a , 713 b.
- an user slides the arm 715 through the anchor 711 a and the anchor 711 b .
- the user slides the arm 719 through the anchor 713 a and the anchor 713 b .
- the latches 717 a , 717 b of the arm 715 pass through the anchors 711 a , 711 b and engage the anchors 711 a , 711 b when the hook 742 is pulled away from the dispensing device 710 .
- the latches 721 a , 721 b of the arm 719 pass through the anchors 713 a , 713 b and engage the anchors 713 a , 713 b when the hook 744 is pulled away from the dispensing device 710 .
- the hooks 742 , 744 can be used to hang the dispensing device 710 and support the dispensing device 710 on a surface.
- the dispensing device 710 could be manufactured with the hooks 742 , 744 pre-installed and attached to the dispensing device 710 in any suitable manner.
- the housing 714 has a passageway 724 that can be loaded with treats 712 and the treats 712 can be stored in the passageway 724 for subsequent dispensation.
- the passageway 724 descends toward a dispenser, which includes a rotating member 718 .
- the passageway 724 includes a plurality of shelves 746 a - e , each of which inclines downwardly toward the rotating member 718 .
- Each of the shelves 746 a - e has a bottom end 748 a - e .
- the shelves 746 a - e are vertically spaced relative to each other to allow the treats 712 to travel from one shelf to an adjacent lower shelf.
- the first shelf 746 a and the second shelf 746 b are adjacent to each other such that any treat 712 falling from the first shelf 746 a will land on the second shelf 746 b .
- the second shelf 746 b and the third shelf 746 c are adjacent to each other such that any treat 712 falling from the second shelf 746 b will land on the third shelf 746 c .
- the third shelf 746 c and the fourth shelf 746 d are adjacent to each other such that any treat 712 falling from the third shelf 746 c will land on the fourth shelf 746 d .
- the treats 712 to be dispensed are placed on the first shelf 746 a via an opening 732 formed in the rear wall 730 .
- the opening 732 allows the dispensing device 710 to be refillable.
- a cover 727 which could be a locking cover, is provided to close off the opening 732 .
- the dispensing device 710 could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats.
- the rotating member 718 includes a C-shaped cylinder 729 that has a recess 731 formed therein.
- the cylinder 729 has an uniform thickness.
- a treat 712 is allowed to fall into the recess 731 of the cylinder 729 and travel with the rotating member 718 as the rotating member 718 is rotated.
- a plurality of teeth 733 extend from the rear of the cylinder 729 .
- a prong 735 extends from a block 737 mounted in the rear wall 730 and is sized to engage the teeth 733 of the rotating member 718 to allow rotation of the rotating member 718 in only a single direction. If the rotating member 718 were to be turned in the opposite direction, the prong 735 and the teeth 733 would engage to prevent such movement.
- the prong 735 When moved in the allowed direction, the prong 735 slides over the teeth 733 and provides some small amount of frictional resistance against movement of the rotating member 718 .
- the prong 735 can be made from any material such as metal, while the block 737 can be made from any material such as plastic.
- the dispensing device 710 includes a handle 739 which is interconnected with the cylinder 729 of the rotating member 718 .
- the rotating member 718 rotates in a clockwise manner.
- the frictional resistance of the prong 735 and the teeth 733 cooperates to reduce the speed of the rotating member 718 , as the rotating member 718 rotates from a loading position (see FIG. 25 ) to a dispensing position (see FIG. 26 ), and back to a loading position.
- the cylinder 729 prevents further treats 712 from being accepted into the recess 731 .
- the rotating member 718 is supported by a support mechanism 743 (see FIG.
- the present invention could be configured such that the handle 739 moves in a counterclockwise manner.
- the present invention is not limited by the term “clockwise.”
- the rotating member 718 could have more than one recess.
- the treat 712 falls and rolls down to a receptacle 722 where the treat 712 is positioned for retrieval. If the user wishes to obtain a second treat 712 , or if a subsequent user wishes to obtain a treat, the handle 739 can be continued to be rotated until the rotating member 718 is in its loading position to receive a second treat 712 and then again subsequently rotated into its dispensing position to dispense the second treat 712 .
- FIG. 29 shows another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention.
- the dispensing device 810 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 and the dispensing device 710 shown in FIGS. 24-28 , unless stated otherwise.
- the dispensing device 810 includes hooks 842 , 844 , a housing 814 , a receptacle 822 , and a passageway 824 that can be loaded with treats 812 .
- the treats 812 can be stored in the passageway 824 for subsequent dispensation.
- the passageway 824 descends toward a dispenser, which includes a rotating member 818 .
- the passageway 824 includes a plurality of shelves 846 a - e , each of which inclines downwardly toward the rotating member 818 .
- the shelf 846 d includes a bottom section that has an arc region 847 .
- the configuration of the passageway 824 as shown in the figures and discussed herein is only exemplary, and it will be apparent that the present invention can employ other configurations for delivering a treat to a rotating member 818 .
- the treats 812 to be dispensed are placed on the first shelf 846 a via an opening 832 .
- the opening 832 allows the dispensing device 810 to be refillable.
- a cover 827 which could be a locking cover, is provided to close off the opening 832 .
- the dispensing device 810 could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats.
- the rotating member 818 includes a C-shaped cylinder 829 that has a recess 831 formed therein.
- a treat 812 is allowed to fall into the recess 831 of the cylinder 829 and travel with the rotating member 818 as the rotating member 818 is rotated.
- a plurality of teeth 833 extend from the rear of the cylinder 829 .
- a prong 835 extends from a block 837 and is sized to engage the teeth 833 of the rotating member 818 to allow rotation of the rotating member 818 in only a single direction. If the rotating member 818 were to be turned in the opposite direction, the prong 835 and the teeth 833 would engage to prevent such movement. When moved in the allowed direction, the prong 835 slides over the teeth 833 and provides some small amount of frictional resistance against movement of the rotating member 818 .
- the dispensing device 810 includes a handle 839 which is interconnected with the cylinder 829 of the rotating member 818 .
- the rotating member 818 rotates in a counterclockwise manner.
- the frictional resistance of the prong 835 and the teeth 833 cooperates to reduce the speed of the rotating member 818 , as the rotating member 818 rotates from a loading position to a dispensing position, and back to a loading position.
- the cylinder 829 prevents further treats 812 from being accepted into the recess 831 .
- the present invention could be configured such that the handle 839 moves in a clockwise manner.
- the present invention is not limited by the term “counterclockwise.”
- FIGS. 30 and 31 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention.
- the dispensing device 910 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9 and the dispensing device 810 shown in FIG. 29 , unless stated otherwise.
- the dispensing device 910 includes hooks 942 , 944 , a housing 914 , a receptacle 922 , and a passageway 924 that can be loaded with treats 912 .
- the treats 912 can be stored in the passageway 924 for subsequent dispensation.
- the passageway 924 descends toward a dispenser, which includes a rotating member 918 .
- the passageway 924 includes a plurality of shelves 946 a - e , each of which inclines downwardly toward the rotating member 918 .
- the configuration of the passageway 924 as shown in the figures and discussed herein is only exemplary, and it will be apparent that the present invention can employ other configurations for delivering a treat to a rotating member 918 .
- the treats 912 to be dispensed are placed on the first shelf 946 a via an opening 932 .
- the opening 932 allows the dispensing device 910 to be refillable.
- a cover 927 which could be a locking cover, is provided to close off the opening 932 .
- the dispensing device 910 could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats.
- the rotating member 918 includes a C-shaped cylinder 929 that has a recess 931 formed therein.
- a treat 912 is allowed to fall into the recess 931 of the cylinder 929 and travel with the rotating member 918 as the rotating member 918 is rotated.
- the dispensing device 910 includes a handle 939 movably connected to the rotating member 918 and a slot 940 formed in the rotating member 918 .
- the handle 939 is sized to slide in the slot 940 .
- the rotating member 918 moves toward the dispensing position.
- the cylinder 929 prevents further treats 912 from being accepted into the recess 931 .
- the rotating member 918 moves toward the loading position.
- the dispensing device 10 , 110 , 210 , 310 , 410 , 510 , 610 , 710 , 810 , and 910 can employ an illumination source (not shown), such as a light bulb or an array of light emitting diodes.
- the dispensing device 10 , 110 , 210 , 310 , 410 , 510 , 610 , 710 , 810 , and 910 can also be configured to emit a sound and/or other special effects upon actuation.
- the motif of the dispensing device 10 , 110 , 210 , 310 , 410 , 510 , 610 , 710 , 810 , and 910 could be changeable.
Abstract
A dispensing device that can store a plurality of treats and sequentially release a single treat is provided. The dispensing device includes a housing and a reservoir in the housing for holding treats to be dispensed. A dispenser is moveable from a first position to a second position to sequentially release treats from the reservoir. The dispensing device also includes a receptacle that is accessible from the exterior of the housing. A passageway is provided for treats to travel from the reservoir to the receptacle.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/107,562 filed Oct. 22, 2008, and this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/137,102 filed Jun. 11, 2008, the disclosures of which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for dispensing a single treat at a time, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for dispensing treats which requires an extended period of time between each dispensation.
- On Halloween it is customary for children to dress up in costumes and go door to door to receive treats such as candy. This is commonly known as trick-or-treating. Presently, it has become popular for parents to accompany their children and chaperone them. However, when the parents and children trick-or-treat, their own house is unattended and children that trick-or-treat at that house will be disappointed because they will not receive treats. One way of handling this is to leave a container of treats on the doorstep of the unattended house. However, this practice is undesirable for various reasons. Namely, a child may take numerous treats from the container, thereby depleting the amount of treats remaining in the container for other children. Another problem is that this practice poses a potential safety risk if someone were to adulterate the treats in the container.
- Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a dispensing device which dispenses a single treat at a time and which requires a period of time between each dispensation to discourage a child from taking more than one treat. It would also be desirable to provide a dispensing device that could be used to dispense treats at times other than Halloween.
- The present invention relates to a dispensing device that dispenses a single treat at a time and which requires an extended period of time between each dispensation. More particularly, the dispensing device includes a housing and a reservoir in the housing for holding treats to be dispensed. A dispenser is moveable from a first position to a second position to sequentially release treats from the reservoir. An actuating mechanism is provided for actuating the dispenser to move the dispenser incrementally from the first position to the second position. The dispensing device also includes a receptacle that is accessible from the exterior of the housing. A passageway is provided for treats to travel from the reservoir to the receptacle.
- A method is also disclosed for providing treats at an unattended location. A device is initially mounted to a supporting surface. The device is allowed to be actuated by an user. A period of time is imposed prior to dispensing.
- For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following Detailed Description of the Invention, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing device according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a front view of the dispensing device, which shows a treat loaded in a dispenser; -
FIG. 3 is a front view similar to the view shown inFIG. 2 , where the dispenser has rotated, causing one of the treats to be released from the dispenser while blocking another treat from entering the dispenser; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an actuating mechanism for actuating the dispenser; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to the view shown inFIG. 4 , which shows the portion of the actuating mechanism in an activated position; -
FIG. 6 is a rear view of a portion of the actuating mechanism; -
FIG. 7 is a rear view of a portion of the actuating mechanism showing a lever arm pivoted upwardly; -
FIG. 8 is rear view similar to the view shown inFIG. 7 , showing the lever arm pivoted downwardly; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken along section lines 9-9 and looking in the direction of the arrows, of the dispensing device shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein an actuating mechanism is a rotatable knob; -
FIG. 11 is a front view of the dispensing device shown inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an actuating mechanism of the dispensing device shown inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 13 is a front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein electronic control is provided; -
FIG. 14 is a front view showing an another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a dispenser is preloaded with treats; -
FIG. 15 is a front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a dispenser is a L-shaped member; -
FIG. 16 is a partially cut away front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, where the dispenser is in a loading position; -
FIG. 17 is a partially cut away front view similar to the view shown inFIG. 16 , where the dispenser is in a dispensing position; -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown inFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 19 is a front view of the dispensing device with a cover sheet; -
FIG. 20 is a partially cut away front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, where the dispenser is in a loading position; -
FIG. 21 is a partially cut away front view similar to the view shown inFIG. 20 , where the dispenser is in a dispensing position; -
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown inFIG. 20 ; and -
FIG. 23 is a rear view of the dispensing device shown inFIG. 20 ; -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 25 is a partially cut away front view of the dispensing device shown inFIG. 24 , where the dispenser is in a loading position; -
FIG. 26 is a partially cut away front view similar to the view shown inFIG. 25 , where the dispenser is in a dispensing position; -
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown inFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 28 is a rear view of the dispensing device shown inFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 29 is a partially cut away front view showing another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 30 is a partially cut away front view showing another embodiment of the present invention, where the dispenser is in a loading position; and -
FIG. 31 is a partially cut away front view similar to the view shown inFIG. 30 , where the dispenser is in a dispensing position. - The present invention is described in connection with
FIGS. 1-9 which shows a dispensing device adapted to hold a plurality of items, articles, or treats (e.g., spherical containers of candy or any other desirable object such as a trinket or a useful product, generally spherically shaped candy, etc.) and to dispense a single treat or article at a time. The present invention has particular use during Halloween, but it should be understood, that it could also be used during other holidays, other occasions or at any other desirable time. Also, it should be understood that the present invention can be used with other types of items or articles (e.g., Christmas ball ornaments). The invention could even be used as part of a behavioral program, such as, for example, an ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) program, where rewards are given for encouraging behavior. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a dispensingdevice 10 that is used to dispense a plurality oftreats 12, such as balls containing candy. The dispensingdevice 10 includes ahousing 14 which contains areservoir 16 for holding thetreats 12 to be dispensed, adispenser 18 for sequentially releasing thetreats 12 from thereservoir 16, anactuating mechanism 20 for actuating thedispenser 18, areceptacle 22 accessible from the exterior of thehousing 14, and apassageway 24 for thetreats 12 to travel from thereservoir 16 to thereceptacle 22. - Referring to
FIGS. 1-3 , thehousing 14 includes afront wall 26 that has anopening 28 to provide access to thereceptacle 22, arear wall 30 that has anopening 32 to provide access to thereservoir 16,side walls front wall 26 to therear wall 30, atop wall 38 interconnected with theside walls bottom wall 40 interconnected with theside walls - The dispensing
device 10 can be configured to be attached to a suitable surface for use. Accordingly, a pair ofhooks rear wall 30 and sized to removeably secure thedispensing device 10 to a supporting surface (not shown), such as an outer surface of a front door of a house. As such, thehooks dispensing device 10 to the door when the door is closed and locked. Additionally, when attached and locked to a door, thereservoir opening 32, which will be hereinafter discussed, is inaccessible and the device cannot be ransacked for treats. - It is desirable that the
front wall 26 is made at least partially of a transparent material, such as a transparent plastic, such that the interior of thehousing 14, or a portion thereof, is visible to an user or observer. This feature may be advantageous for entertainment purposes, since the contents of the dispensingdevice 10 may attract interest. Of course, thehousing 14 could be made from opaque material if the visibility of its contents is not desired. Thehousing 14 can be decorated with indicia, pictures, symbols, etc., and can accordingly be designed for use at a specific time of the year or holiday such as Halloween, or any other time of year or holiday. The decorations can be manufactured as part of the dispensingdevice 10, or the dispensingdevice 10 can be decorated, and even redecorated by an user. Indeed, the dispensingdevice 10 could come with a decorating kit so that it could be decorated by the purchaser. Such a kit could include a coloring applicator, such as markets, adhesive, figures, etc. - The
treats 12 to be dispensed are placed in thereservoir 16 via thereservoir opening 32 formed in therear wall 30. Theopening 32 allows the dispensingdevice 10 to be refillable. Of course, the device could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats. On the other hand, thereservoir opening 32 could be positioned at any other desirable location, such as on thetop wall 38, and it could include a cover if desired, which cover could be a locking cover, if desired. - The
dispenser 18 sequentially releases thetreats 12 from thereservoir 16 to a portion of thepassageway 24 positioned below thedispenser 18. Thedispenser 18 will be discussed in further detail after discussion of thepassageway 24. - The
passageway 24 descends toward thereceptacle 22 and is configured such that thetreats 12 arrive at thereceptacle 22 after an extended period of time for reasons to be discussed hereinafter. Thepassageway 24 could be in form or an elaborate winding path, or panels positioned at angles directing thetreat 12 to thereceptacle 22, or it could be a short drop to thereceptacle 22, or any other suitable configuration. As shown in theFIGS. 1-3 , thepassageway 24 includes a plurality of panels 46 a-e, each of which inclines downwardly toward thereceptacle 22. Each of the panels 46 a-e has a bottom end 48 a-e. The panels 46 a-e are vertically spaced relative to each other to allow thetreats 12 to travel from one panel to an adjacent lower panel. - The
first panel 46 a and thesecond panel 46 b are provided in thereservoir 16 and are adjacent to each other such that anytreat 12 falling from thefirst panel 46 a will land on thesecond panel 46 b. Thebottom end 48 b of thesecond panel 46 b is adjacent to thedispenser 18 such that thebottommost treat 12 on thesecond panel 46 b can enter thedispenser 18 when thedispenser 18 is properly aligned, as will be discussed. Thethird panel 46 c cooperates with thedispenser 18 such that anytreat 12 released from thedispenser 18 will land on thethird panel 46 c. Thethird panel 46 c could be continuous with thefirst panel 46 a. Thethird panel 46 c terminates above and adjacent to thefourth panel 46 d such that anytreat 12 falling from thethird panel 46 c will land on thefourth panel 46 d. Likewise, thefourth panel 46 d is above and adjacent to thefifth panel 46 e such that anytreat 12 falling from thefourth panel 46 d will land on thefifth panel 46 e. Thebottom end 48 e of thefifth panel 46 e is positioned adjacent to thereceptacle 22 such that anytreat 12 traveling on thefifth panel 46 e will land in thereceptacle 22. Apanel 47 is attached to thesecond panel 46 b and is continuous with thesecond panel 46 b. Thepanel 47 serves to support thesecond panel 46 b. - The configuration of the
passageway 24 as shown in the figures and discussed herein is only exemplary, and it will be apparent that the present invention can employ other configurations for delivering a treat to a receptacle. Some such configurations may include passageways or chutes for thetreats 12 to travel from thereservoir 16 to thereceptacle 22, or the treats can otherwise be delivered to the receptacle, by for example, a rotating dispensing device that moves the treats past a receptacle where the treats can be removed from the rotating dispenser. - As will be explained in further detail hereinafter, the
dispenser 18 is driven by theactuating mechanism 20. More particularly, thedispenser 18 shown in the figures is adapted to rotate when actuated. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3 , thedispenser 18 includes acentral portion 52 and a plurality of arms 54 a-d extending radially outwardly from thecentral portion 52. Each of the arms 54 a-d includes a free end 56 a-d. Anopening 58 is formed between an adjacent pair of arms 54 a-b, while anopening 60 is formed between an adjacent pair ofarms 54 b-c. Likewise, anopening 62 is formed between an adjacent pair ofarms 54 c-d, while anopening 64 is formed between an adjacent pair ofarms 54 d-a. - The
opening 58 formed between thearm 54 a and thearm 54 b is unobstructed and is sized to accommodate only asingle treat 12. Theopening 58 allows thetreat 12 to fall from thedispenser 18. Also, theopening 62 formed between thearm 54 c and thearm 54 d is unobstructed and is sized to accommodate only asingle treat 12. Theopening 62 allows thetreat 12 to fall from thedispenser 18. Aboard 66 connects thefree end 56 a of thearm 54 a to thefree end 56 d of thearm 54 d so as to block access to theopening 64 thereby closing theopening 64, and aboard 68 connects thefree end 54 b of thearm 56 b to thefree end 56 c of thearm 54 c so as to block access to theopening 60 thereby closing theopening 60. The purpose of theboards openings - Referring to
FIG. 2 , atreat 12 a can be loaded into thedispenser 18 when the opening 58 (as shown inFIG. 2 ) or 62 is substantially adjacent to thetreat 12 positioned at thebottom end 48 b of thesecond panel 46 b. Because thesecond panel 46 b is inclined downwardly, thetreat 12 moves into thedispenser 18 when theopening treat 12. - As the
dispenser 18 rotates to a position shown inFIG. 3 , thefree end 56 a of thearm 54 a prevents further treats 12 from being accepted into thedispenser 18. As thedispenser 18 continues to rotate, thetreat 12 falls from theopening 62 onto thethird panel 46 c when thefree end 56 d of thearm 54 d is substantially facing thebottom wall 40. In this manner, thetreats 12 can be sequentially released from thedispenser 18. As shown inFIG. 3 , thedispenser 18 can accommodate up to twotreats 12 a, 12 b at a time. - The configuration of the
dispenser 18 is only exemplary. It will be understood that the present invention can employ other dispensers or transfer devices to transfer thetreats 12 from thereservoir 16 to thethird panel 46 c. For example, thedispenser 18 could be a large rotating structure with a plurality of receptacles for treats. The time involved in rotating the structure to move treats to a dispensing point could provide the period needed to discourage an user from taking more than one treat. Alternatively, any other sequential dispensing mechanism could be employed in furtherance of the spirit and scope of the present invention. - The
actuating mechanism 20 includes abutton 70, a linkage assembly 72, alower sprocket 74, aratchet assembly 76 attached to thelower sprocket 74, an upper sprocket 78 (seeFIG. 9 ) attached to thedispenser 18, and achain 79 trained around thelower sprocket 74 and theupper sprocket 78. - Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , thebutton 70 includes a base 80 mounted to thefront wall 26, afront portion 82, arear portion 84 connected to thefront portion 82, anopening 86 formed in therear portion 84, aspring 88 positioned in acavity 90 formed between the base 80 and thefront portion 82. Thebutton 70 is sized to move between an inner retracted position as shown inFIG. 5 when thefront portion 82 is depressed by an user and an outer extended position as shown inFIG. 4 . Thespring 88 is sized to axially urge thebutton 70 to its outer extended position as shown inFIG. 4 . - With reference to
FIGS. 4-6 , the linkage assembly 72 includes ahorizontal driving arm 92 attached to thebutton 70 that drives a vertical drivenarm 94. More particularly, aproximal end 104 of thehorizontal driving arm 92 is attached to therear portion 84 of thebutton 70 such that thehorizontal driving arm 92 is movable conjointly with thebutton 70. Adistal end 106 of thehorizontal driving arm 92 is positioned adjacent to therear wall 30 of thehousing 14. Thedistal end 106 of thehorizontal driving arm 92 includes a ramp mechanism, such as aninclined surface 108, to allow awheel 96 of the vertical drivenarm 94 to slide therealong. Thehorizontal driving arm 92 is adapted to move toward therear wall 30 of thehousing 14 when thebutton 70 is depressed as shown inFIG. 5 . This motion causes thewheel 96 to slide in an upward direction along theinclined surface 108. Afulcrum 98 is sized to support thehorizontal driving arm 92. - Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , aproximal end 110 of the vertical drivenarm 94 includes thewheel 96 which cooperates with theinclined surface 108, while adistal end 112 of the vertical drivenarm 94 is attached to alever arm 100 and is pivotable thereabout. The vertical drivenarm 94 is adapted to move between a lower position as shown inFIG. 4 , wherein thewheel 96 is positioned on the bottom of theinclined surface 108, and an upper position as shown inFIG. 5 , wherein thewheel 96 is positioned on the top of theinclined surface 108. When thebutton 70 is released, aspring 102 urges the vertical drivenarm 94 to its lower position as shown inFIG. 4 and thehorizontal driving arm 92 moves toward thefront wall 26 of thehousing 14. - With reference to
FIG. 6 , thelever arm 100 has aproximal end 114 attached to the vertical drivenarm 94 and adistal end 116 attached to theratchet assembly 76. Theproximal end 114 of thelever arm 100 pivots upwardly as the vertical drivenarm 94 moves to its upper position as shown inFIG. 7 , and pivots downwardly as the vertical drivenarm 94 moves to its lower position as shown inFIG. 8 . - Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , theratchet assembly 76 includes aratchet housing 118 having a plurality ofteeth 120, apawl 122 sized to engage theteeth 120, asteel ball 124 in slidable contact with thepawl 122, aspring 126 urging thesteel ball 124 against thepawl 122, and apin 128 extending through thepawl 122 and thedistal end 116 of thelever arm 100, which attaches thepawl 122 to thelever arm 100. Referring toFIG. 7 , thepawl 122 and theratchet housing 118 cooperate such that when thelever arm 100 is pivotably moved upwardly, thepawl 122 catches theteeth 120, thereby preventing movement of theratchet housing 118. When thelever arm 100 is pivotably moved downwardly as shown inFIG. 8 , thepawl 122 slides over theteeth 120, which rotates theratchet housing 118 in a clockwise manner (when viewed through the rear wall of the housing), thereby advancing thechain 79. Alternatively, the present invention could be configured such that theratchet housing 118 moves in a counterclockwise manner. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the term “clockwise.” - The
lower sprocket 74 is attached to theratchet housing 118 such that thelower sprocket 74 rotates conjointly with theratchet housing 118 in a clockwise manner as shown inFIG. 8 . Thechain 79 connects thelower sprocket 74 to theupper sprocket 78 such that when thelower sprocket 74 rotates in a certain direction, theupper sprocket 78 is caused to rotate in the same direction. Theupper sprocket 78 is attached to thedispenser 18 such that thedispenser 18 rotates conjointly with theupper sprocket 78. - The configuration of the
actuating mechanism 20 is only exemplary. It will be understood that the present invention can employ other mechanisms to actuate thedispenser 18. For example, the present invention could employ other mechanical structures to actuate thedispenser 18. The present invention could also employ solenoids or other electronic mechanisms to actuate thedispenser 18. The present invention could employ a switch rather than a button. - To operate the dispensing
device 10, an user depresses thebutton 70, thereby moving thehorizontal driving arm 92 toward therear wall 30 of thehousing 14 as shown inFIG. 5 . The movement of thehorizontal driving arm 92 causes thewheel 96 to slide in an upward direction along theinclined surface 108, thereby causing the vertical drivenarm 94 to move from its lower position to its upper position. As the vertical drivenarm 94 moves to its upper position, thelever arm 100 pivots upwardly as shown inFIG. 7 . Thepawl 122, in turn, catches theteeth 120 of theratchet housing 118. - When the user releases the
button 70, thehorizontal driving arm 92 moves toward thefront wall 26 of thehousing 14 and thewheel 96 slides in an downward direction along theinclined surface 108 as shown inFIG. 4 , thereby causing the vertical drivenarm 94 to assume its lower position. As the vertical drivenarm 94 moves to its lower position, thelever arm 100 pivots downwardly as shown inFIG. 8 . Thepawl 122, in turn, slides over theteeth 120, thereby rotating theratchet housing 118 in a clockwise manner. Theratchet assembly 76 rotates thelower sprocket 74 causing theteeth 130 of thelower sprocket 74 to engage the links of thechain 79 and thereby revolve thechain 79 around thelower sprocket 74 and theupper sprocket 78. The rotation of theupper sprocket 78 causes thedispenser 18 to rotate. - The user repeatedly depresses the
button 70 and releases thebutton 70, which will cause thedispenser 18 to rotate incrementally between various positions. The user continues to depress thebutton 70 and release thebutton 70 in order to rotate thedispenser 18 until thetreat 12 releases from thedispenser 18 and falls onto thethird panel 46 c. Thetreat 12 then travels down thethird panel 46 c and falls onto thefourth panel 46 d. Thetreat 12 travels down thefourth panel 46 d and falls onto thefifth panel 46 e. Thetreat 12 travels down thefifth panel 46 e to thereceptacle 22. The user accesses thetreat 12 through theopening 28 in thefront wall 26 when thetreat 12 is positioned in thereceptacle 22. - If the user attempts to retrieve a
second treat 12 from the dispensingdevice 10, the user will be required for a second time to repeatedly depress thebutton 70 and release thebutton 70 to rotate thedispenser 18 until thesecond treat 12 releases from thedispenser 18. The user will have to repeat the operation each time for anyadditional treat 12. - The dispensing
device 10 is configured such that asingle treat 12 is released from thedispenser 18 after an extended period of time since it takes time for an user to repeatedly depress and release thebutton 70. In view of the number of panels 46 a-e, thepassageway 24 is configured such that thetreat 12 arrives at theopening 32 after an extended period of time. Thus, an extended period of time (e.g., many seconds or even one minute) is required between each dispensation. This extended period of time discourages an user from taking more than onetreat 12 because the user would have to wait for another period of time for additional treats. Thus, a time delay is imposed between actuating the dispenser and sequentially releasing treats. - It should be noted that numerous other advantages are provided by the dispensing
device 10. For example, the dispensingdevice 10 can be used at a house during Halloween when the occupants are not at home or otherwise elect not to open their door. -
FIGS. 10-12 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention, indicated generally as 110, that is used to dispense a plurality oftreats 112. Thedispensing device 110 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensingdevice 10 shown inFIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise. Like the dispensingdevice 10, thedispensing device 110 includes ahousing 114, areservoir 116, adispenser 118, anactuating mechanism 120, areceptacle 122, and apassageway 124. - Referring to
FIGS. 10-12 , theactuating mechanism 120 includes a manuallyoperable knob 111 that is interconnected with a first end of anaxle 113. Theknob 111 rotates theaxle 113 when turned, which in turn rotates thelower sprocket 174. Theaxle 113 is supported at a second end byaxle support 115. Achain 179 rides thelower sprocket 174 and extends about the upper sprocket 178 (seeFIG. 11 ). - With reference to
FIG. 12 , aproximal end 117 of theaxle 113 is positioned within anopening 186 formed in abase 180 of theknob 111 such that theaxle 113 is movable conjointly with theknob 111. Adistal end 119 of theaxle 113 is attached to thelower sprocket 174 such that rotation of theaxle 113 and theknob 111 causes thelower sprocket 174 to rotate. Thesupport 115 extends through arear wall 130 and is sized and configured to support theaxle 113. - To operate the
dispensing device 110, an user grips theknob 111 and rotates theknob 111 in a counterclockwise manner, thereby rotating theaxle 113 and thelower sprocket 174 in a counterclockwise manner. Rotation of thelower sprocket 174 drives thechain 179 around thelower sprocket 174 and theupper sprocket 178. The rotation of theupper sprocket 178 causes thedispenser 118 to rotate. The gearing of the upper sprocket and the lower sprocket can be such that numerous rotations of the knob are required to move the upper sprocket sufficiently to move the dispenser sufficiently to dispense a treat. -
FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention, wherein electronic control is provided. Thedispensing device 210 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensingdevice 10 shown inFIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise. Thedispensing device 210 includes ahousing 214, areservoir 216, adispenser 218, anactuating mechanism 220, and areceptacle 222. - The
dispenser 218 is a large rotating structure with a pair ofopenings treat 212. Theopenings treat 212 can be loaded into thedispenser 218 when theopening treat 212 a positioned at the bottom of thereservoir 216. Thetreat 212 falls from theopening dispenser 218 is rotated to the position shown in phantom inFIG. 13 . Apanel 215 is provided for thetreats 212 to travel from thedispenser 218 to thereceptacle 222. - The
actuating mechanism 220 includes abutton 270 and acircuit unit 217. Thecircuit unit 217 includes various conventional electrical/electronic components, such as a circuit board, a motor, and a power source (e.g., a battery). Thebutton 270, thecircuit unit 217, and thedispenser 218 are in electrical communication with each other such that when an user depresses thebutton 270, thedispenser 218 is actuated and rotates a pre-set amount. As such, thebutton 270 must be depressed multiple times to effect dispensation of atreat 212. Alternatively, a time delay can be programmed such that when an user depresses thebutton 270 only once, thedispenser 218 is actuated and dispenses atreat 212 after an extended period of time. - Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
FIG. 14 . The embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 14 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the dispensingdevice 10 shown inFIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise. -
FIG. 14 shows adispensing device 310, wherein adispenser 318 is preloaded withtreats 312. Alternatively, thedevice 310 could include a reservoir of treats and can self-reload as described herein with respect to other embodiments. Thedispensing device 310 also includes ahousing 314 and anactuating mechanism 320, which includes abutton 370 and acircuit unit 317, for actuating thedispenser 318. As with other embodiments of the invention, a delay tactic is employed to consume time from an initial actuation effort to dispensation of a treat. Here, the delay tactic could comprise a time delay in an electronic circuit or the requirement of numerous actuations of an actuator. Alternatively, manual actuation techniques associated with other embodiments of the invention can be employed. - The
dispenser 318 is a large rotating structure with a plurality ofopenings 311 along its perimeter. Theopenings 311 are sized to contain thetreats 312. A cut-out 313 is formed in afront wall 326 to provide access to thebottommost opening 311 a of thedispenser 318. -
FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention. Thedispensing device 410 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensingdevice 10 shown inFIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise. Thedispensing device 410 includes ahousing 414, areservoir 416, adispenser 418, anactuating mechanism 420, and areceptacle 422 positioned between thedispenser 418 and thereservoir 416. - The
actuating mechanism 420 operates and is constructed in manners similar to the actuating mechanism 120 (seeFIGS. 10-12 ). Theactuating mechanism 420 includes a manuallyoperable knob 411, alower sprocket 474, achain 479, and anupper sprocket 478. Aprojection member 413 is attached to thechain 479 and moves conjointly with thechain 479. Theprojection member 413 is sized to engage thedispenser 418 for reasons to be discussed hereinafter. - The
dispenser 418 is in the form of a L-shapedmember 415 with afirst arm 417 and asecond arm 419. The L-shapedmember 415 is sized to move about apivot area 421. The L-shapedmember 415 moves between a relaxed position and an extended position. Aspring 416 is provided to urge the L-shapedmember 415 to its relaxed position. Thefirst arm 417 includes adistal end 423 sized to engage theprojection member 413, and thesecond arm 419 includes adistal end 425 that has aslot 427. Contact between thefirst arm 417 and theprojection member 413 moves the L-shapedmember 415 to its extended position. - A
plunger 429 is connected to thedistal end 425 of thesecond arm 417 by apin 431 received in theslot 427. Thepin 431 is sized to slide in theslot 427 as the L-shapedmember 415 moves between its relaxed and extended positions. Theplunger 429 is movably connected to the L-shapedmember 415 such that theplunger 429 moves in a horizontal direction as the L-shapedmember 415 moves for reasons to be discussed hereinafter. - The
reservoir 416 includes twovertical walls springs 435, abottom plate 437 connected to thesprings 435, and atop plate 439. Thetreats 412 are vertically stacked on thebottom plate 437 and between the twowalls springs 435 are connected to thebottom plate 437 and are sized to axially urge thetreats 412 upwardly toward thetop plate 439. - The
top plate 439 is connected to the back wall of thehousing 414. Thetop plate 439 includes anextension member 441 that is connected to the front wall of thehousing 414. Thetop plate 439 is sized to function as a stop and inhibits thetreats 412 from moving after thetreats 412 come into contact with thetop plate 439. Thetop plate 439 also inhibits theplunger 429 from moving after thesecond arm 419 of the L-shapedmember 415 comes into contact with thetop plate 439. - To operate the
dispensing device 410, an user grips theknob 411 and rotates theknob 411 in a counterclockwise manner, thereby rotating thechain 479 and theprojection member 413. The user continues to rotate theknob 411 until theprojection member 413 comes into contact with thefirst arm 417 of thedispenser 418 and moves thefirst arm 417 upwardly to thereby pivot the L-shapedmember 415 to its extended position. As thefirst arm 417 moves upwardly, thesecond arm 419 moves toward thereservoir 416. This motion causes theplunger 429 to move in a horizontal direction, thereby moving thetreat 412 a horizontally. Theplunger 429 continues to move in a horizontal direction until thesecond arm 419 contacts thetop plate 439. Theplunger 429 moves thetreat 412 a such that a sufficient portion of the treat 412 a is extended beyond thereservoir 416 so as to allow thetreat 412 a to tip and fall in a vertical direction toward thereceptacle 422 Thefirst arm 417 then moves downwardly due to thespring 416 so as to move the L-shapedmember 415 to its relaxed position. -
FIGS. 16-19 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention. Thedispensing device 510 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensingdevice 10 shown inFIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise. In this embodiment, thedispensing device 510 is simplified in terms of components. - As with other embodiments of the present invention, the
dispensing device 510 can be configured to be attached to a suitable surface for use. Accordingly, ahook 542 could be provided extending from the top of ahousing 514 and sized to removeably secure thedispensing device 510 to a supporting surface (not shown), such as an outer surface of a front door of a house. - The
dispensing device 510 includes thehousing 514 that has a reservoir, such as anupper storage hopper 516, that can be loaded withtreats 512 and thetreats 512 can be stored in thestorage hopper 516 for subsequent dispensation. One or more shelves 546 a-b lead thetreats 512 from thestorage hopper 516 toward a dispenser, which includes a rotatingmember 518. - The rotating
member 518 has arecess 511 therein, which could assume the shape of, for example, a pie with a slice removed. Atreat 512 is allowed to fall into therecess 511 of the rotatingmember 518 and travel with the rotatingmember 518 as the rotatingmember 518 is rotated. The rotatingmember 518 includes agear 513 driven by anactuating mechanism 520. Anaxle 515 extends through the rotatingmember 518 and serves to hold the rotatingmember 518 in place. Theaxle 515 is supported by an axle support 517 (seeFIG. 18 ). - The
actuating mechanism 520 includes adrive gear 519 which can be accessed from the exterior of thehousing 514 through a manuallyoperable handle 521. Anaxle 523 extends through thedrive gear 519 and serves to hold thedrive gear 519 in place. Thehandle 521 is interconnected to a first end of theaxle 523 and rotates theaxle 523 when turned, which in turn rotates thedrive gear 519. Theaxle 523 is supported at a second end by an axle support 525 (seeFIG. 18 ). A lock, in the form of apawl 527, is sized to engage thedrive gear 519 to allow rotation of thedrive gear 519 in only a single direction. - When an user grips the
handle 521 and rotates thehandle 521 in a clockwise manner, theaxle 523 and thedrive gear 519 of theactuating mechanism 520 rotate in a clockwise manner. Thedrive gear 519 meshes with thegear 513 of the rotatingmember 518, which causes the rotatingmember 518 to rotate in an opposite, counterclockwise, manner. Thegears drive gear 519 are required to effectively rotate the rotatingmember 518 from a loading position (seeFIG. 16 ) to a dispensing position (seeFIG. 17 ), and back to a loading position. Of course, the present invention could be configured such that thehandle 521 moves in a counterclockwise manner. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the term “clockwise.” The gear ratio between thedrive gear 519 and the rotatingmember 518 can be varied, and the rotatingmember 518 could have more than one recess. - Once the rotating
member 518 rotates sufficiently to allow thetreat 512 to fall from therecess 511, thetreat 512 falls and rolls down to areceptacle 522 where thetreat 512 is positioned for retrieval. If the user wishes to obtain asecond treat 512, or if a subsequent user wishes to obtain a treat, thedrive gear 519 can be continued to be rotated until the rotatingmember 518 is in its loading position to receive asecond treat 512 and then again subsequently rotated into its dispensing position to dispense thesecond treat 512. - As shown in
FIG. 19 , thehousing 514 can include acover sheet 529 with decoration thereon such as apumpkin 531, having anexaggerated stem 533 functioning as thestorage hopper 516, thenose 535 comprising thehandle 521 for thedrive gear 519, and themouth 537 comprising thereceptacle 522. While thehousing 514 is decorated for use during Halloween, thehousing 514 can be decorated or designed for use at any time of the year or holiday, and thehousing 514 could take on other shapes suitable for other holidays, e.g., a Christmas tree shape for the Christmas holiday. -
FIGS. 20-23 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention. Thedispensing device 610 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensingdevice 10 shown inFIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise. In this embodiment, thedispensing device 610 is simplified in terms of components. - The
dispensing device 610 can be configured to be attached to a suitable surface for use. Accordingly, hooks 642, 644 could be provided extending from the top of ahousing 614 and sized to removeably secure thedispensing device 610 to a supporting surface (not shown), such as an outer surface of a front door of a house. A plurality ofanchors rear wall 630 of thehousing 614 to removeably secure thehooks dispensing device 610. Thedispensing device 610 is provided to a user without thehooks - The
hook 642 includes anarm 615 sized to pass throughanchors arm 615 includeslatches anchors anchors hook 644 includes anarm 619 sized to pass throughanchors arm 619 includeslatches anchors anchors - To insert the
hooks dispensing device 610, an user slides thearm 615 through theanchor 611 a and theanchor 611 b. The user slides thearm 619 through theanchor 613 a and theanchor 613 b. Thelatches arm 615 pass through theanchors anchors hook 642 is pulled away from thedispensing device 610. Similarly, thelatches arm 619 pass through theanchors anchors hook 644 is pulled away from thedispensing device 610. As such, thehooks dispensing device 610 and support thedispensing device 610 on a surface. Alternatively, thedispensing device 610 could be manufactured with thehooks dispensing device 610 in any suitable manner. - The
hooks hooks hooks hooks dispensing device 610 can be varied. - The
housing 614 has areservoir 616 that can be loaded withtreats 612 and thetreats 612 can be stored in thereservoir 616 for subsequent dispensation. One or more shelves 646 a-b lead thetreats 612 from thereservoir 616 toward a dispenser, which includes a rotatingmember 618. - The
treats 612 to be dispensed are placed in thereservoir 616 via thereservoir opening 632 formed in therear wall 630. Theopening 632 allows thedispensing device 610 to be refillable. A cover 627 (seeFIG. 22 ), which could be a locking cover, is provided to close off theopening 632. Of course, thedispensing device 610 could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats. - The
dispensing device 610 has a width W (seeFIG. 20 ) which could be approximately 18 inches, a height H (seeFIG. 20 ) which could be approximately 24 inches, and a depth D (seeFIG. 22 ) which could be approximately 3 inches. Thetreats 612 are in the form of balls that could be approximately 2.25 inches in diameter. The corners of thedispensing device 610 could be rounded, as shown, or beveled. It would be understood that these dimensions are merely exemplary, and that thedispensing device 610 and thetreats 612 can have other dimensions. - The rotating
member 618 includes a C-shapedcylinder 629 that has arecess 631 formed therein. Thecylinder 629 has an uniform thickness. Atreat 612 is allowed to fall into therecess 631 of thecylinder 629 and travel with the rotatingmember 618 as the rotatingmember 618 is rotated. A plurality ofteeth 633 extend from the rear of thecylinder 629. Aprong 635 extends from ablock 636 mounted in therear wall 630 and is sized to engage theteeth 633 of the rotatingmember 618 to allow rotation of the rotatingmember 618 in only a single direction. If the rotatingmember 618 were to be turned in the opposite direction, theprong 635 and theteeth 633 would engage to prevent such movement. When moved in the allowed direction, theprong 635 slides over theteeth 633 and provides some small amount of frictional resistance against movement of the rotatingmember 618. - The
dispensing device 610 includes a knob that includes a recessedfront portion 637 which is interconnected with the rotatingmember 618. The knob includes a manuallyoperable handle 641 that extends outwardly from the recessedfront portion 637. The rotatingmember 618 is supported by a support ring 643 (seeFIG. 22 ) formed on the back surface of thedispensing device 610. Alternatively, the knob could include a flat front portion. - When an user grips the
handle 641 and rotates thehandle 641 in a clockwise manner, the rotatingmember 618 rotates in a clockwise manner. The frictional resistance of theprong 635 and theteeth 633 cooperates to reduce the speed of the rotatingmember 618, as the rotatingmember 618 rotates from a loading position (seeFIG. 20 ) to a dispensing position (seeFIG. 21 ), and back to a loading position. Of course, the present invention could be configured such that thehandle 641 moves in a counterclockwise manner. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the term “clockwise.” The rotatingmember 618 could have more than one recess. - Once the rotating
member 618 rotates sufficiently to allow thetreat 612 to fall from therecess 631, thetreat 612 falls and rolls down to areceptacle 622 where thetreat 612 is positioned for retrieval. If the user wishes to obtain asecond treat 612, or if a subsequent user wishes to obtain a treat, thehandle 641 can be continued to be rotated until the rotatingmember 618 is in its loading position to receive asecond treat 612 and then again subsequently rotated into its dispensing position to dispense thesecond treat 612. -
FIGS. 24-28 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention. Thedispensing device 710 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensingdevice 10 shown inFIGS. 1-9 , unless stated otherwise. - The
dispensing device 710 can be configured to be attached to a suitable surface for use. Accordingly, hooks 742, 744 could be provided extending from the top of ahousing 714 and sized to removeably secure thedispensing device 710 to a supporting surface (not shown), such as an outer surface of a front door of a house. A plurality ofanchors FIG. 28 ) are provided on therear wall 730 of thehousing 714 to removeably secure thehooks dispensing device 710. Thedispensing device 710 is provided to a user without thehooks - The
hook 742 includes anarm 715 sized to pass throughanchors arm 715 includeslatches anchors anchors hook 744 includes anarm 719 sized to pass throughanchors arm 719 includeslatches anchors anchors - To insert the
hooks dispensing device 710, an user slides thearm 715 through theanchor 711 a and theanchor 711 b. The user slides thearm 719 through theanchor 713 a and theanchor 713 b. Thelatches arm 715 pass through theanchors anchors hook 742 is pulled away from thedispensing device 710. Similarly, thelatches arm 719 pass through theanchors anchors hook 744 is pulled away from thedispensing device 710. As such, thehooks dispensing device 710 and support thedispensing device 710 on a surface. Alternatively, thedispensing device 710 could be manufactured with thehooks dispensing device 710 in any suitable manner. - The
housing 714 has apassageway 724 that can be loaded withtreats 712 and thetreats 712 can be stored in thepassageway 724 for subsequent dispensation. Thepassageway 724 descends toward a dispenser, which includes a rotatingmember 718. - As shown in the
FIGS. 24-28 , thepassageway 724 includes a plurality of shelves 746 a-e, each of which inclines downwardly toward the rotatingmember 718. Each of the shelves 746 a-e has a bottom end 748 a-e. The shelves 746 a-e are vertically spaced relative to each other to allow thetreats 712 to travel from one shelf to an adjacent lower shelf. - The
first shelf 746 a and thesecond shelf 746 b are adjacent to each other such that anytreat 712 falling from thefirst shelf 746 a will land on thesecond shelf 746 b. Likewise, thesecond shelf 746 b and thethird shelf 746 c are adjacent to each other such that anytreat 712 falling from thesecond shelf 746 b will land on thethird shelf 746 c. Thethird shelf 746 c and thefourth shelf 746 d are adjacent to each other such that anytreat 712 falling from thethird shelf 746 c will land on thefourth shelf 746 d. This continues until thetreat 712 reaches thebottom end 748 e of thelast shelf 746 e adjacent to the rotatingmember 718 such that thebottommost treat 712 can enter the rotatingmember 718 when the rotatingmember 718 is properly aligned. The configuration of thepassageway 724 as shown in the figures and discussed herein is only exemplary, and it will be apparent that the present invention can employ other configurations for delivering a treat to a rotatingmember 718. - The
treats 712 to be dispensed are placed on thefirst shelf 746 a via anopening 732 formed in therear wall 730. Theopening 732 allows thedispensing device 710 to be refillable. Acover 727, which could be a locking cover, is provided to close off theopening 732. Of course, thedispensing device 710 could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats. - The rotating
member 718 includes a C-shapedcylinder 729 that has arecess 731 formed therein. Thecylinder 729 has an uniform thickness. Atreat 712 is allowed to fall into therecess 731 of thecylinder 729 and travel with the rotatingmember 718 as the rotatingmember 718 is rotated. A plurality ofteeth 733 extend from the rear of thecylinder 729. Aprong 735 extends from ablock 737 mounted in therear wall 730 and is sized to engage theteeth 733 of the rotatingmember 718 to allow rotation of the rotatingmember 718 in only a single direction. If the rotatingmember 718 were to be turned in the opposite direction, theprong 735 and theteeth 733 would engage to prevent such movement. When moved in the allowed direction, theprong 735 slides over theteeth 733 and provides some small amount of frictional resistance against movement of the rotatingmember 718. Theprong 735 can be made from any material such as metal, while theblock 737 can be made from any material such as plastic. - The
dispensing device 710 includes ahandle 739 which is interconnected with thecylinder 729 of the rotatingmember 718. When an user rotates thehandle 739 in a clockwise manner, the rotatingmember 718 rotates in a clockwise manner. The frictional resistance of theprong 735 and theteeth 733 cooperates to reduce the speed of the rotatingmember 718, as the rotatingmember 718 rotates from a loading position (seeFIG. 25 ) to a dispensing position (seeFIG. 26 ), and back to a loading position. In the dispensing position, thecylinder 729 preventsfurther treats 712 from being accepted into therecess 731. The rotatingmember 718 is supported by a support mechanism 743 (seeFIG. 27 ) formed on the back surface of thedispensing device 710. Of course, the present invention could be configured such that thehandle 739 moves in a counterclockwise manner. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the term “clockwise.” The rotatingmember 718 could have more than one recess. - Once the rotating
member 718 rotates sufficiently to allow thetreat 712 to fall from therecess 731, thetreat 712 falls and rolls down to areceptacle 722 where thetreat 712 is positioned for retrieval. If the user wishes to obtain asecond treat 712, or if a subsequent user wishes to obtain a treat, thehandle 739 can be continued to be rotated until the rotatingmember 718 is in its loading position to receive asecond treat 712 and then again subsequently rotated into its dispensing position to dispense thesecond treat 712. -
FIG. 29 shows another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention. Thedispensing device 810 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensingdevice 10 shown inFIGS. 1-9 and thedispensing device 710 shown inFIGS. 24-28 , unless stated otherwise. Like the dispensingdevice 710, thedispensing device 810 includeshooks housing 814, areceptacle 822, and apassageway 824 that can be loaded withtreats 812. Thetreats 812 can be stored in thepassageway 824 for subsequent dispensation. Thepassageway 824 descends toward a dispenser, which includes a rotatingmember 818. - As shown in the
FIG. 29 , thepassageway 824 includes a plurality of shelves 846 a-e, each of which inclines downwardly toward the rotatingmember 818. Theshelf 846 d includes a bottom section that has anarc region 847. The configuration of thepassageway 824 as shown in the figures and discussed herein is only exemplary, and it will be apparent that the present invention can employ other configurations for delivering a treat to a rotatingmember 818. - The
treats 812 to be dispensed are placed on thefirst shelf 846 a via anopening 832. Theopening 832 allows thedispensing device 810 to be refillable. Acover 827, which could be a locking cover, is provided to close off theopening 832. Of course, thedispensing device 810 could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats. - The rotating
member 818 includes a C-shapedcylinder 829 that has arecess 831 formed therein. Atreat 812 is allowed to fall into therecess 831 of thecylinder 829 and travel with the rotatingmember 818 as the rotatingmember 818 is rotated. A plurality ofteeth 833 extend from the rear of thecylinder 829. Aprong 835 extends from ablock 837 and is sized to engage theteeth 833 of the rotatingmember 818 to allow rotation of the rotatingmember 818 in only a single direction. If the rotatingmember 818 were to be turned in the opposite direction, theprong 835 and theteeth 833 would engage to prevent such movement. When moved in the allowed direction, theprong 835 slides over theteeth 833 and provides some small amount of frictional resistance against movement of the rotatingmember 818. - The
dispensing device 810 includes ahandle 839 which is interconnected with thecylinder 829 of the rotatingmember 818. When an user rotates thehandle 839 in a counterclockwise manner, the rotatingmember 818 rotates in a counterclockwise manner. The frictional resistance of theprong 835 and theteeth 833 cooperates to reduce the speed of the rotatingmember 818, as the rotatingmember 818 rotates from a loading position to a dispensing position, and back to a loading position. In the dispensing position, thecylinder 829 preventsfurther treats 812 from being accepted into therecess 831. Of course, the present invention could be configured such that thehandle 839 moves in a clockwise manner. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the term “counterclockwise.” -
FIGS. 30 and 31 show another embodiment of a dispensing device of the present invention. Thedispensing device 910 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the dispensingdevice 10 shown inFIGS. 1-9 and thedispensing device 810 shown inFIG. 29 , unless stated otherwise. Like the dispensingdevice 810, thedispensing device 910 includeshooks housing 914, areceptacle 922, and apassageway 924 that can be loaded withtreats 912. Thetreats 912 can be stored in thepassageway 924 for subsequent dispensation. Thepassageway 924 descends toward a dispenser, which includes a rotatingmember 918. - The
passageway 924 includes a plurality of shelves 946 a-e, each of which inclines downwardly toward the rotatingmember 918. The configuration of thepassageway 924 as shown in the figures and discussed herein is only exemplary, and it will be apparent that the present invention can employ other configurations for delivering a treat to a rotatingmember 918. - The
treats 912 to be dispensed are placed on thefirst shelf 946 a via anopening 932. Theopening 932 allows thedispensing device 910 to be refillable. Acover 927, which could be a locking cover, is provided to close off theopening 932. Of course, thedispensing device 910 could be manufactured as a single use, disposable device pre-loaded with treats. - The rotating
member 918 includes a C-shapedcylinder 929 that has arecess 931 formed therein. Atreat 912 is allowed to fall into therecess 931 of thecylinder 929 and travel with the rotatingmember 918 as the rotatingmember 918 is rotated. - The
dispensing device 910 includes ahandle 939 movably connected to the rotatingmember 918 and aslot 940 formed in the rotatingmember 918. Thehandle 939 is sized to slide in theslot 940. When an user slides thehandle 939 in theslot 940 in a direction toward thetreats 912, the rotatingmember 918 moves toward the dispensing position. In the dispensing position, thecylinder 929 preventsfurther treats 912 from being accepted into therecess 931. When an user slides thehandle 939 in a direction away from thetreats 912, the rotatingmember 918 moves toward the loading position. - The dispensing
device device device - It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (6)
1. A dispensing device comprising:
a housing;
a dispenser within said housing, said dispenser rotatably moveable from a first position to a second position to sequentially release treats contained in said housing; and
a receptacle for receiving treats released by said dispenser, said receptacle accessible from outside of said housing.
2. The dispensing device of claim 1 , further comprising a series of ramps for directing treats from through the dispensing device to said receptacle.
3. The dispensing device of claim 1 , further comprising an actuator for actuating said dispenser, said dispenser pushing treats off a spring-biased stack of treats to a position at said receptacle when said actuator is rotated.
4. The dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein said dispenser comprises a hollow cylinder with an opening for receiving a treat, said dispenser rotatable in a full circle to move said opening to a position where the treat is released to said receptacle.
5. The dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein said dispenser includes gears and a prong sized to cooperate with said gears.
6. The dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein said dispenser is rotated in a first direction to a loading position and then in a second, opposite direction to a dispensing position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/603,094 US20100065577A1 (en) | 2008-06-11 | 2009-10-21 | Apparatus for Dispensing Treats |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/137,102 US20090308884A1 (en) | 2008-06-11 | 2008-06-11 | Method and Apparatus for Dispensing Treats |
US10756208P | 2008-10-22 | 2008-10-22 | |
US12/603,094 US20100065577A1 (en) | 2008-06-11 | 2009-10-21 | Apparatus for Dispensing Treats |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/137,102 Continuation-In-Part US20090308884A1 (en) | 2008-06-11 | 2008-06-11 | Method and Apparatus for Dispensing Treats |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20100065577A1 true US20100065577A1 (en) | 2010-03-18 |
Family
ID=42006320
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/603,094 Abandoned US20100065577A1 (en) | 2008-06-11 | 2009-10-21 | Apparatus for Dispensing Treats |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20100065577A1 (en) |
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US20120312834A1 (en) * | 2010-02-25 | 2012-12-13 | Radz Brands Llc | Novelty Dispenser |
CN103848107A (en) * | 2014-03-13 | 2014-06-11 | 中山火炬职业技术学院 | Candy packing box |
CN106798483A (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2017-06-06 | 福建盈浩工艺制品有限公司 | The hanger for producing Christmas ball efficiently inserts ball device and its method of work |
WO2018229513A1 (en) * | 2017-06-16 | 2018-12-20 | Davitt Maxwell Paul | Vending machines |
US10407235B2 (en) * | 2016-11-30 | 2019-09-10 | My Favorite Company, Inc. | Candy dispenser |
US20190326006A1 (en) * | 2018-04-24 | 2019-10-24 | Arrix, Inc. | Systems and methods for medication management |
US11440055B2 (en) * | 2020-12-04 | 2022-09-13 | William Vaughn Jenkins | Systems and methods for sorting balls |
US20220396426A1 (en) * | 2020-12-02 | 2022-12-15 | Outform Ltd. | Touchless system for dispensing product samples |
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US10896750B2 (en) * | 2018-04-24 | 2021-01-19 | Arrix, Inc. | Systems and methods for medication management |
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US11440055B2 (en) * | 2020-12-04 | 2022-09-13 | William Vaughn Jenkins | Systems and methods for sorting balls |
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Legal Events
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