CUP DISPENSER

Abstract

A cup dispenser for separating a bottom-most cup from a stack of cups having rims, the dispenser including a reciprocating separator defining an oblong opening for supporting the stack of cups, a portion of the opening having a diameter smaller than the rims, a wedge on each side of the separator adapted and configured for insertion between each side of a bottom-most cup and a second-to-bottom-most cup in the stack, so as to separate the bottom-most cup from the second-to-bottom-most cup, until the bottom-most cup falls through a wider diameter portion of the opening, and a stop member for engaging the stack during separation. The cup dispenser may further include a released cup holder and/or an adapter for changing the diameter of the opening.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cup dispensers in general and, in particular, to a cup dispenser for disposable cups for dispensing one cup at a time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Devices for dispensing disposable cups are known in the art. These generally include a tubular cup container affixable to a wall or water dispensing devices. The tubular container has an inward-facing lip which holds the rim of the bottom-most cup. When it is desired to release a cup, the user must move the cup back and forth in order to release the rim from the lip. However, generally more than one cup at a time is inadvertently pulled out of the dispenser, which is very annoying, and either the additional cups are thrown away, which is wasteful, or they are placed back on top of the container or in the stack, which is unhygienic. In addition, often such force is required to pull a cup out, that the cup is bent or distorted.

A number of devices have been proposed for releasing one cup at a time from a dispenser. Each of these devices has its disadvantages.

One of the known cup dispensers is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,029, to Yang. This cup dispenser dispenses cups upside down, and includes a dispensing plate separating the lowermost cup from the stack.

Another cup dispenser is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,937, to Erik Blom. From a pile or stack of cups, which is available in a magazine, the lowermost one is released with the aid of a slide. Simultaneously, retaining elements are slid away from and separating and releasing elements are slid in between the rims of a lowermost cup and the one above it to release the lowermost cup. The separating and releasing elements are provided with upper and lower inclined surfaces and their common points are beveled away from each other. According to this design, all essential parts of the separating and releasing device are made in one piece together with the slide.

These two patents provide separation means but do not provide sufficient support for the stack, which tends to tilt when dispensing a cup. When the stack tilts, the separation action is not smooth and cups often get stuck inside the dispenser.

A solution to this problem is suggested in US Application 2006/0169712 to Yitzchaki. This cup dispenser includes an operator member of generally planar configuration adapted to perform a reciprocating sliding movement within a cups carrier structure between extracted and inserted positions, to thereby separate the bottom cup from the stack above and then dispense it below. The operator member has two arm-like projections, generally parallel to each other and forming a hollow between them where the cups reside. Each arm-like projection includes three sections in longitudinal succession relative to each other. The first section supports one side of a cup by the rim of a cup and wedges between the rims of two cups in the stack. The second section is a recessed portion that allows a cup to pass through the hollow. The third section is an arched extension to support one side of a cup by the rim, so that each arm-like portion supports the bottom cup in a stack of cups on diametrically opposite sides of the cup. The process of using the cup dispenser involves pushing a button to slide the operator member to the inserted position and taking the dispensed cup. A disadvantage in this dispenser is that the separated cup is often pulled into the slit by the separating member and gets stuck inside the dispenser. In addition, occasionally pushing one cup causes the entire stack to move until the lowest cup engages the bottom of the housing, and is unable to fall out.

In addition, these prior art dispensers are designed only for cups of one size. Thus, these devices are unable to hold cups of different sizes and different lip finishes, as the device for releasing cups is of a pre-selected size.

Accordingly, there is a long felt need for a device for efficiently and reliably separating a bottom cup from a stack of cups in a cup dispenser which can be easily adapted to any size of cups.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided according to the present invention a cup dispenser including a cup container for holding a stack of cups having rims, a housing, a separator unit mounted for reciprocating motion in a housing beneath the cup container, and including, a substantially planar body having an actuator rod at one end and a distal end, the planar body defining an oblong opening, wherein one end of the planar body and the distal end having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the rims of the cups in the stack. Each side of the planar body defines a recess, the recesses being in registration with one another, and defining a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the rims of the cups of the stack, to permit passage of a cup therebetween. A pair of wedges, extending parallel to and adjacent the recesses, are adapted and configured to enter between the rim of a bottom-most cup in the stack of cups in the cup container and the rim of a second-to bottom-most cup when the separator is actuated by actuator rod, so as to release the bottom-most cup from the stack. The dispenser further includes a released cup holder, depending from the separator unit, having a substantially semi-circular aperture defined by an inwardly facing flange for engaging a rim of a released cup.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cup dispenser further comprising a stop member on the housing for engaging and supporting the stack of cups during release of the bottom-most cup.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the housing defines a separator receiving recess for receiving the distal end of the planar body.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the cup dispenser further comprises at least one diameter adapter mountable on the separator for reducing diameter of the oblong opening.

According to another embodiment of the cup dispenser the adaptor comprises at least one wedge adaptor, configured to be mounted on one of the wedges, and means for mounting the wedge adaptor on the wedge.

According an embodiment of the invention, the separator is removably mounted in the housing for replacement with an alternative separator of different diameter.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cup dispenser further comprises a lower flange on the housing adapted and configured to catch a separated cup by its rim.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention the wedges include an elongated separating edge.

According to one embodiment of the invention the cup dispenser comprises a reciprocating separator defining an oblong opening for supporting the stack of cups, a portion of the opening having a diameter smaller than the rim, a wedge on each side of the separator adapted and configured for insertion between each side of a bottom-most cup and a second-to-bottom-most cup in the stack, so as to separate the bottom-most cup from the second-to-bottom-most cup, until the bottom-most cup falls through a wider diameter portion of the opening, and a stop member for engaging the stack during separation.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cup dispenser comprises a housing, a cup separator mounted for reciprocating motion in the housing, the cup separator defining a substantially circular aperture for holding a stack of cups by their rims and two wedge portions adapted and configured to move between a lowermost cup and a second-to-lowermost cup in the stack so as to release the lowermost cup. The housing according to this embodiment defines a lower flange adapted and configured to catch a separated cup by its rim.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the cup dispenser further includes a stop member mounted on the housing for stopping motion of the stack of cups without stopping motion of the cup separator.

There is further provided according to the present invention a method for separating a bottom-most cup from a stack of cups having rims, the method comprising the steps of moving a reciprocating separator supporting the stack of cups on a diameter smaller than said rims, and by moving the separator, inserting a wedge on each side of the separator between each side of a bottom-most cup and a second-to-bottom-most cup in the stack, so as to separate the bottom-most cup from the second-to-bottom-most cup, until the bottom-most cup falls through a wider diameter portion in the separator, while the stack thereon engages a stop member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method for separating, further comprises catching the bottom-most cup on a flange on the housing after it falls.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a cup dispenser, the method comprising providing a cup container for holding a stack of cups having a rim, mounting a separator unit for reciprocating motion in a housing beneath the cup container, the separator unit including a substantially planar body having an actuator rod at one end and a distal end, wherein the planar body defining an oblong opening, one end of the planar body and the distal end having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the rim of the cups in said stack. Each side of the planar body defines a recess, the recesses being in registration with one another, and defining a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the rims of the cups of the stack, to permit passage of a cup therebetween. A pair of wedges, extending parallel to and adjacent the recesses, are adapted and configured to enter between the rim of a bottom-most cup in the stack of cups in the cup container and the rim of a second-to bottom-most cup when the separator is actuated by actuator rod, so as to release the bottom-most cup from the stack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further understood and appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIGS. 1a and 1b are side and perspective views, respectively, of a cup dispenser constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a separator constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a separator constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2c is a perspective view of a separator constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a separator having diameter adaptors constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top sectional view of the cup dispenser of FIG. 1a in a non-dispensing orientation;

FIG. 5 is side sectional view of the cup dispenser of FIG. 1a in a non-dispensing orientation;

FIG. 6 is a top sectional view of the cup dispenser of FIG. 1a in a dispensing orientation;

FIG. 7 is side sectional view of the cup dispenser of FIG. 1a in a dispensing orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispenser for disposable cups which provides easy and efficient separation and release of a bottom-most cup in a stack. The dispenser includes a separator mounted for reciprocating motion in a housing. The separator is adapted and configured to support a stack of cups, and separate a bottom-most cup from the stack, while supporting the remaining cups in the stack.

Referring now to FIGS. 1a and 1b, there are shown perspective views of a cup dispenser 10 constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Cup dispenser 10 includes a cup container 12 adapted for mounting in a substantially vertical orientation on a housing 18, such as on a wall or water cooler. Cup container 12 can be any conventional cup container adapted to hold a plurality of cups having an outer rim. According to a preferred embodiment, the height of cup container 12 may be selected, depending on the maximum number of cups desired to be held at one time.

Mounted beneath cup container 12 is a separator unit 14, which serves to support the stack 11 of cups in cup container 12, and to separate a single cup at a time from the stack, when actuated. A stop member 13 may be provided on housing 18 to stop the movement of the stack of cups while the separator continues to move to separate the bottom-most cup from the stack.

Depending from separator unit 14 is a released cup holder 15 having a substantially semi-circular aperture defined by an inwardly facing flange 16 for engaging the rim of a released cup. Thus, cup holder 15 is arranged to hold the released cup for a user to remove when desired, as shown in FIG. 1b.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a separator 20 constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Separator 20 includes a substantially planar body 22 having an actuator rod 24 and defining an oblong opening 26. The end portion 28 of body 22 coupled to actuator rod 24 and the distal end 29 of body 22 have diameters slightly smaller than that of the rims of the cups in the cup container, so as to support the stack of cups. Along the sides of body 22 and in registration with one another, are two recesses 30 defining a diameter slightly larger than the rims of the cups in the cup container, to permit passage of a cup therebetween.

Separator 20 further comprises a pair of wedges 32 extending parallel to and adjacent recesses 30. Wedges 32 are adapted and configured to enter between the rim of a bottom-most cup in the stack 11 of cups in cup container 12 and the rim of the second-to bottom-most cup, when separator 20 is actuated by actuator rod 24, so as to release the bottom-most cup from the stack by causing the bottom-most cup to slide between recesses 30.

FIG. 2b shows an alternative embodiment of the separator 20′. Separator 20′ is substantially the same as separator 20 but includes a groove 27 to prevent the separator 20′ from hitting stop member 13 on housing 18.

FIG. 2c shows another embodiment of the separator 20″. Separator 20″ is substantially the same as separator 20′ but it includes wedges 32″ which define an elongated separating edge 33 defining a more acute angle than wedges 32. Separating edge 33 provides improved separation of the two bottom-most cups, which is especially useful when cups in container 12 have small rims, which are more difficult to separate, such as paper cups.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that body 22 of the separator 20, 20′ or 20″ is substantially circular at each end, thereby providing substantial support for the stack, around about one half the rim of the cups, in all positions of the separator. This provides greater reliability of release of cups and reduces tilting of the stack inside the container or the separator.

In order to use this inventive cup dispenser with cups of different diameters, at least one wedge adaptor 35, and preferably a pair thereof, is provided in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows separator 20′ including a pair of wedge adaptors 35 mounted on wedges 32. Wedge adaptors 35 are adjusted to reduce the distance between wedges 32 allowing separation of a cup of a smaller diameter from a stack of cups. In addition, in order to provide support for a stack of cups of a smaller diameter, separator 20′ may further include at least one diameter adaptor 37, and preferably a plurality thereof, mounted on the end portion of separator 20′ adjusted to reduce the diameter of oblong opening 26. It will be appreciated that adaptors 35 and 37 may include adaptor screws 34 or other means for easy mounting and removal, such as pins or snap clips. Accordingly, inside circumference of oblong opening 26 may include apertures (not showing) for receiving the screws, pins or other known means of mounting. Alternatively, adaptors 35 and 37 may be replaced with one arced adaptor configured to be mounted on the inside circumference of oblong opening 26. According to another embodiment, separator 20 may be removed and replaced with a separator of a smaller diameter to accommodate cups having rims with a smaller diameter. In the latter case, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that separator unit 14 may be easily opened to allow separator replacement.

Separator 20 is preferably spring loaded for reciprocating motion in housing 18, as known.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there are shown respective top and side sectional views of the cup dispenser of FIG. 1a in a non-dispensing orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, cup container 12 is seated on a housing 18 in which separator 20 is reciprocatingly mounted. A recess 19 is provided in housing 18 to receive the distal end 29 of separator 20 when a cup is being dispensed. Here, a pair of springs 34 is provided for biasing body 22 of separator 20 in the non-dispensing orientation. A stop member 13 is provided on housing 18 to support the stack against tilting and prevent cups from the stack from entering recess 19.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the stack 11 of cups is supported around about one half its diameter by the distal end 29 of separator 20, thereby providing greater stability than in conventional cup dispensers.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, there are shown respective top and side sectional views of the cup dispenser of FIG. 1a in a dispensing orientation. Here, actuator rod 24 has been manually pressed, or activated in any other manner, such as by means of a small motor, and body 22 has moved towards recess 19 in housing 18. As body 22 moves relative to stack 11, wedges 32 on either side of the stack enter between the rim of a bottom-most cup 36 in the stack 11 and the rim of the second-to bottom-most cup 38. The wedges 32 serve to release the frictional grip holding cups 36 and 38 to one another, and to press bottom-most cup 36 away from the stack. As can be seen, bottom-most cup 36 is released when it is between recesses 30, whereby it is enabled to fall between the recesses 30 into the released cup container below.

It is a particular feature of the invention that housing 18 includes a stop member 13. As can be seen in FIG. 7, stop member 13 prevents stack 11 from tilting and thereby prevents cups on the bottom of the stack from entering recess 19, as can occur in conventional cup dispensers.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. It will further be appreciated that the invention is not limited to what has been described hereinabove merely by way of example. Rather, the invention is limited solely by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A cup dispenser comprising:

a cup container for holding a stack of cups having rims;

a separator unit mounted for reciprocating motion in a housing beneath said cup container;

said separator unit including: a substantially planar body having an actuator rod at one end and a distal end; said planar body defining an oblong opening; said one end of said body and said distal end having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the rims of the cups in said stack; each side of said body defining a recess, said recesses being in registration with one another, and defining a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the rim of the cups of said stack, to permit passage of a cup therebetween; and a pair of wedges, extending parallel to and adjacent said recesses, adapted and configured to enter between the rim of a bottom-most cup in the stack of cups in the cup container and the rim of a second-to bottom-most cup when said separator is actuated by actuator rod, so as to release the bottom-most cup from the stack.

a released cup holder, depending from said separator unit, having a substantially semi-circular aperture defined by an inwardly facing flange for engaging a rim of a released cup.

2. The cup dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a stop member on said housing for engaging and supporting said stack of cups during release of said bottom-most cup.

3. The cup dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said housing defines a separator receiving recess for receiving said distal end.

4. The cup dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising at least one diameter adapter mountable on said separator for reducing diameter of said oblong opening.

5. The cup dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising at least one wedge adapter configured to be mounted on one of said wedges for reducing the distance between said wedges.

6. The cup dispenser according to claim 5, wherein said at least one adaptor comprises:

a pair of adaptors, each configured to be mounted on one of said wedges; and

means for mounting said adaptors on said wedges.

7. The cup dispenser according to claim 3, wherein said separator is removably mounted in said housing for replacement with an alternative separator of different diameter.

8. The cup dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a lower flange on the housing adapted and configured to catch a separated cup by its rim.

9. The cup dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said wedges include an elongated separating edge.

10. A cup dispenser for separating a bottom-most cup from a stack of cups having rims, the dispenser comprising:

a reciprocating separator defining an oblong opening for supporting the stack of cups, a portion of said opening having a diameter smaller than said rims;

a wedge on each side of said separator adapted and configured for insertion between each side of a bottom-most cup and a second-to-bottom-most cup in the stack, so as to separate said bottom-most cup from said second-to-bottom-most cup, until said bottom-most cup falls through a wider diameter portion of said opening; and

a stop member for engaging said stack during separation.

11. A cup dispenser comprising:

a housing;

a cup separator mounted for reciprocating motion in the housing;

said cup separator defining a substantially circular aperture for holding a stack of cups by their rims and two wedge portions adapted and configured to move between a lowermost cup and a second-to-lowermost cup in the stack so as to release the lowermost cup;

the housing defining a lower flange adapted and configured to catch a separated cup by its rim.

12. The cup dispenser according to claim 11, further including a stop member mounted on said housing for stopping motion of the stack of cups without stopping motion of the cup separator.

13. A method for separating a bottom-most cup from a stack of cups having rims, the method comprising:

moving a reciprocating separator supporting the stack of cups on a diameter smaller than said rims; and

by moving said separator, inserting a wedge on each side of said separator between each side of a bottom-most cup and a second-to-bottom-most cup in the stack, so as to separate said bottom-most cup from said second-to-bottom-most cup, until said bottom-most cup falls through a wider diameter portion in said separator, while said stack thereon engages a stop member.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising catching said bottom-most cup on a flange on said housing after it falls.

15. A method for forming a cup dispenser, the method comprising:

providing a cup container for holding a stack of cups having rims;

mounting a separator unit for reciprocating motion in a housing beneath said cup container, said separator unit including: a substantially planar body having an actuator rod at one end and a distal end; said planar body defining an oblong opening; said one end of said body and said distal end having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the rims of the cups in said stack; each side of said body defining a recess, said recesses being in registration with one another, and defining a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the rims of the cups of said stack, to permit passage of a cup therebetween; and a pair of wedges, extending parallel to and adjacent said recesses, adapted and configured to enter between the rim of a bottom-most cup in the stack of cups in the cup container and the rim of a second-to bottom-most cup when separator is actuated by actuator rod, so as to release the bottom-most cup from the stack.