Portable dispenser for generally spherical confectioneries
US5385267A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65D83/04
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A portable dispenser for spherical confectioneries such as gumballs has a clear tubular reservoir that is movable with respect to a base. Within a substantially hollow interior of the base, a pivoting ramp is mounted to receive a single gumball and convey it to an opening in the base while blocking other gumballs from dropping out of the tubular reservoir. Mounted for pivotal movement adjacent a free end of the ramp is a door for closing the opening in the base as the ramp itself pivots to convey the gumball toward the opening. Adjacent the bottom of the tubular reservoir are a pair of actuators that lock the tubular reservoir to the base for limited movement relative to the base. The actuators engage the ramp upon the tubular reservoir being moved toward the base. An integrally formed spring on the bottom of the ramp biases the ramp and biases the tubular reservoir away from the base. Adjacent the top of the tubular reservoir is a pivotally mounted head for capping the tubular reservoir. The head may conveniently be styled as a licensed character and indications are provided to facilitate proper rotational alignment with the other components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.