• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    A lid dispenser includes a base adapted for fixed securement to an associated support structure. An elongated shank projects outwardly from the base and includes a proximal end connected to the base. The shank also includes a distal end that is spaced from the proximal end, and a lid holding region is located intermediate the proximal and distal ends. The intermediate region defines a first maximum cross-sectional dimension. An enlarged member is located adjacent the distal end of the shank and defines a second maximum cross-sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension. Accordingly, associated lids are held on the intermediate region by placement of the enlarged member into and through an aperture defined in each of the associated lids, wherein at least a portion of the aperture defines a minimal span that is less than the second maximum cross-sectional dimension of the enlarged member. The second maximum cross-sectional dimension can be adjustable.
    公开号:CA2316139A1
    申请号:C2316139
    申请日:2000-08-15
    公开日:2001-02-17
    发明作者:Henry G. Roethel
    申请人:Meyer Co；
    IPC主号:B65D83-04
    专利说明:
    DOMED LID DISPENSERCross-Reference to Related Application This application claims priority from and hereby expressly incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/149,394 filed August 17, 1999. Background of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a dispenser for lids and, more particularly, to a dispenser for plastic domed lids having a central aperture adapted for receipt of a drinking straw or a spoon. Such lids are commonly employed for covering frozen drinks or so-called "icee" drinks. Heretofore, domed lids have often been dispensed simply by loosely stacking the lids in a suitable open-top container. The uppermost lid in the stack is dispensed by lifting it from the stack for use. Such containers have sometimes included an open slit along one side to facilitate dispensing of lids from the stack when the stack does not extend above the upper edge of the container. This arrangement for dispensing domed lids has been found to be cumbersome and inefficient. In certain instances, e.g., when the stack is nearly depleted, it is difficult and time consuming to obtain a lid from the stack. Also, the container and lids therein often become soiled due liquids and other items being spilled into the container. Other dispensers for domed lids and other types of lids have been proposed and used. However, these have also been found to be sub-optimal for a wide variety of reasons. Often, these prior dispensers are too complicated and, thus, too expensive. For example, some include a spring-loaded lid feeding and/or retaining mechanism that is expensive to manufacture and assemble, and that is subject to malfunction. Also, some of these prior dispensers have been found to be ineffective in dispensing individual lids, i.e., dispensing lids one at a time. Others have been found to be difficult to load. Furthermore, lid dispensers that act on the periphery of the lids held thereby are limited in the various lid diameters that can be accommodated. In light of these specifically noted deficiencies and others, there has been found a need for a new and improved lid dispenser specially adapted for dispensing domed lids having a central aperture, wherein the dispenser is effective in holding and dispensing differently sized lids, and further wherein the dispenser is easy to load, easy to use, sanitary, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to assemble, and that does not include moving parts subject to wear and malfunction over time. Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved dispenser for domed lids is provided. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a domed lid dispenser formed in accordance with the present invention comprises a base adapted for being fixedly secured to a support member such as a wall or the like. The base projects outwardly from the support surface. A shank depends from the base. More particularly, the shank depends from a portion of the base that is spaced from the support surface, e.g., a distal end of the base, so that the support surface does not interfere with a domed lids supported on the shank. Preferably, the shank and base are conformed so that, when the base is affixed to a support surface, the shank is substantially vertically oriented. The shank is preferably cylindrical and has a first diameter. The shank terminates in a distal portion that defines a bulbous region having a cross-sectional dimension larger than the diameter of the shank. Preferably, the bulbous portion is defined by a first region that is frusto-conical and that diverges in a direction moving away from the base. The bulbous region preferably also includes a second, outermost region that is also frusto-conical, but that converges in a direction moving away from the base. The maximum cross-sectional dimension of the bulbous region is defined by a cusp region that is larger than the diameter of the central aperture of each domed lid to be held and dispensed by the dispenser. The domed lid dispenser thus formed is adapted for receipt of associated domed lids by insertion of the bulbous region of the shank through the central aperture of the lids. Although the bulbous portion is larger in cross-section dimension relative to the central aperture of the associated domed lids, the plastic lids deflect somewhat under force so that the bulbous portion is able to pass through the aperture. Once the bulbous portion is passed through the aperture of a domed lid, the lid is freely movable along the shank. Thus, a plurality of domed lids can be held on the shank in the form of a stack of lids extending along the length of the shank. Lids are individually dispensed by manually grasping and pulling same over the bulbous region. In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the cross-sectional dimension of the bulbous portion is adjustable between minimum and maximum dimensions so that the dispenser can be adjusted to accommodate lids having differently sized central apertures. Also, a dispenser formed in accordance with the present invention can include a flange projecting outwardly from the shank in the region of the base so that when the dispenser is inverted, e.g., for loading, lids held on the shank are supported by the flange. One advantage of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved domed lid dispenser. Another advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a domed lid dispenser that effective in retaining and dispensing domed lids of a variety of sizes. Still another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a domed lid dispenser that is inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and that has few or no moving parts that are subject to wear and malfunction over time. Yet another advantage of the present invention is found in the provision of a domed lid dispenser that is easy to load. A further advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a dispenser for domed lids that is sanitary and easy to clean. Still other benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification along with the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention takes form from various components and arrangements of components, preferred embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein: FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a domed lid dispenser formed in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the domed lid r dispenser of FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view of the domed lid dispenser of FIGURE 1; FIGURE 4 is a rear elevational view of the domed lid dispenser of FIGURE 1 and an associated domed lid retained thereby in a dispensing position, and also showing an optional lid support flange in phantom lines; FIGURE 5A is a partial elevational view of the shank and a bulbous portions of a lid dispenser formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and, FIGURE 5B is an exploded view, partially in cross-section, of the shank and bulbous portion shown in FIGURE 5A. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments only, and not for purposes of limiting same, FIGURES 1-4 illustrate a domed lid dispenser 10 formed in accordance with the present invention. The subject domed lid dispenser comprises a base 12, and shank 14 depending from the base, and a bulbous region 16 located at 'a distal end of the shank 14. The base, shank, and bulbous regions 12,14,16 are preferably all constructed from conventional molded plastic. The dispenser 10 can be a one-piece construction or one or more of its components 12,14,16 can alternatively be secured to the others by fasteners, adhesive, mechanical interconnection, or any other suitable means. The base 12, itself, is adapted for securement to a support member or surface such as a wall. As shown herein, the base 12 includes a mounting portion 20 that defines a wedge shape or conformation 22 that is adapted for receipt in a mating groove or slot of a mounting base (not shown) that is affixed to a wall or other support member. The mounting portion 20 defines the wedge shape 22 so that it is frictionally retained in the groove or slot of the associated mounting base. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the mounting portion 20 of the base 12 can be affixed to a support member by any other suitable means such as fasteners, adhesive, or the like. The base 12 further comprises a neck portion 26 that projects outwardly from the mounting portion 20, and the shank 14 depends from the neck portion 26. More particularly, the neck portion 26 is dimensioned so that, a stand-off distance D is defined between the wall or other support member to which the base 12 is affixed and the shank 14. The stand-off distance D is selected based upon the maximum radius R (FIGURE4) of the domed lids L to be held by the apparatus 10 and is sufficiently large so that the wall or other support member to which the base 12 is secured does not interfere with lids secured on the shank 14 as is described in greater detail below. A proximal end of the shank is connected to the neck portion 26 of the base 20, with the remainder of the shank 14 depending from the neck portion 26 to an opposite distal end. The shank 14 is elongated and extends from the base 12 a select distance, e.g., in the range of 8 to 12 inches, although it may be longer or shorter as desired. As shown herein, the shank 14 is preferably cylindrical along its entire length, but it may alternatively be defined to have any other cross-sectional shape as desired. The shank 14 terminates in a distal end 30 that defines or otherwise includes the enlarged or bulbous portion 16. As will become readily apparent below, the portion of the shank between the proximal and distal ends defines a lid holding portion. _ 7 _ The bulbous portion 16, itself, comprises a first portion 40 that increases in cross-sectional size in a direction moving away from the base 12, and a second portion 42, connected to the first portion 40, that decreases in cross-sectional size in a direction moving away from the base 12. Thus, the bulbous portion 16 defines a cusp 44 of maximum cross-sectional dimension located between the first and second bulbous portions 40,42. As illustrated herein, both the first and second portions 40,42 are defined by frusto-conical conformations, the first portion 40 diverging in a direction moving away from the base 12, and the second portion converging in a direction moving away from the base 12. Turning now more particularly to FIGURE 4, operation of the dispenser 10 is explained. A domed lid L to be held and dispensed by the dispenser comprises an upper surface Uthat defines a central aperture A that is typically circular. The diameter or size of the aperture A can vary depending upon lid size and design, but is always greater than that of the shank 14, but less than that of the cusp 44 of the bulbous region 16. If the aperture defined in the lid L is non-circular, it will still define a minimum opening size or span between directly opposed portions of the opening that is smaller than the largest cross-sectional dimension of the enlarged shank region 16. The lid L includes a peripheral flange F that is typically concentric with the aperture A, and the lid is defined by a radius R. Of course, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the dispenser 10 is adapted for dispensing any other type and/or size of lid, as long as the lid includes a central aperture A within the size restraints noted above. The lid L is installed on the dispenser 10 by placing the second bulbous portion 42 in the aperture A with _ g _ the upper surface U of the lid facing upwardly toward the dispenser base 12. The tapered configuration of the second bulbous portion 42 facilitates insertion of the portion 42 in the lid aperture A. The lid L is then manually forced upwardly toward the base 12 so that the upper surface U of the lid deflects downwardly away from the base 12 and so that the cusp 44 of the bulbous region 16 passes through the lid aperture A. The tapered second bulbous portion 42 acts as a wedge to facilitate passage of the cusp 44 through the aperture A. The lid L is then secured on the shank 14 of the dispenser 10 and freely movable upwardly and downwardly on the shank 14 between the base 12 and the bulbous region 16. Of course, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a plurality of lids L are preferably held by the dispenser 10 at all times, and numerous lids may be simultaneously loaded as desired. The dispenser 10 can include an optional flange 50 that is integrally or otherwise connected to and projects outwardly from the shank 14 adjacent the base 12. This flange 50 defines a stop surface 52 against which lids L held by the shank 14 can rest in the event the dispenser 10 is inverted as may be found convenient, for example, during loading of lids L onto the dispenser. A lid L is removed from the dispenser 10 simply by pulling or otherwise forcing a lid L downwardly away from the base 12 so that the upper lid surface L deflects upwardly toward the base 12 and so that the cusp 44 of the bulbous region 16 passes through the lid aperture A. Again, the tapered conformation of the first bulbous region 40 acts as a wedge to facilitate passage of the cusp 44 through the lid aperture A. The remaining lids L held on the shank 14 of the dispenser 10 move downward toward the bulbous portion 16 under the force of gravity. However, without exertion of manual force thereon, these remaining lids are unable to pass over the cusp 44. In an alternative embodiment, the enlarged, bulbous member 16 is defined from a resilient material such as an elastomer. In this embodiment, the enlarged portion 16 deforms to facilitate movement of the associated lids Ltherepast during loading and dispensing operations as described above. Referring now to FIGURES 5A and 5B, a shank 14' and bulbous portion 16' of a dispenser formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. Except as illustrated, a dispenser formed in accordance with this alternative embodiment of the present invention is identical to the dispenser 10 described above. Thus, like components/features relative to the dispenser 10 are identified with like reference numerals including a primed (') suffix. The shank 14' includes or defines a bulbous portion 16' that is formed and operates similarly to the bulbous portion 16 described above. However, the bulbous portion 16', which is molded or otherwise formed of conventional plastic, is provided with an axially extending slot 60 entirely therethrough so that first and second bulbous portion halves 16a,16b are defined on opposite lateral sides of the slot 60. Further, a blind bore 64, including screw threads 66 and a non-threaded, outer portion 68, is formed in a lowermost transverse end surface 62 of the bulbous portion 16', at least partially coincident with the slot 60. The non-tapered portion 68 may be cylindrical or tapered in a manner converging into the bore 64. An adjustment plug 70 is adapted for receipt in the bore 64 and is defined by a threaded distal end 72 adapted to threadably mate with the threads 66 defined in the bore 64, a tapered, preferably frusto-conical section 74 that converges toward the threaded distal portion 72, a cylindrical portion 76, and an enlarged head 78 that has a diameter greater than that of the bore 64. In operation, the adjustment plug 70 is threadably received in the bore 64 as illustrated in FIGURE 5A. The plug 70 is adapted for being rotated in first and second (clockwise and counter-clockwise) directions as indicated by the arrow R. When rotated in a first direction, the plug 70 is moved farther into the bore 64. This, then, causes the tapered portion 74 of the plug to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the threaded and/or non-threaded surfaces 66,68 defining of the bore 64 so that the first and second bulbous portion halves 16a,16b are moved away from each other, thus enlarging the overall cross-sectional dimension of the bulbous portion 16'. On the other hand, rotating the plug 70 in the opposite, second direction causes the plug 70 to move outwardly from the bore 64 and allows the bulbous portion 16' to contract to its normal or non-enlarged cross-sectional dimension due to its natural resilience. This enlargement and contraction of the cross-sectional dimension of the bulbous portion 16' is illustrated by the arrows S. Of course, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that, as an alternative to defining the bulbous portion 16' from two halves 16a,16b, it may be defined from three, four, or more sections without departing from the overall scope and intent of the present invention. The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
    权利要求:
    Claims (18)
    [1] 1. A lid dispenser comprising:a base adapted for fixed securement to an associated support structure;an elongated shank projecting outwardly from the base, said shank including a proximal end connected to the base, a distal end spaced from the proximal end, and a lid holding region intermediate said proximal and distal ends, said intermediate region defining a first maximum cross-sectional dimension;an enlarged member located adjacent the distal end of the shank, said enlarged member defining a second maximum cross-sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension whereby associated lids are held on said intermediate region by placement of said enlarged member into and through an aperture defined in each of said associated lids wherein at least a portion of said aperture defines a minimal span that is less than said second maximum cross-sectional dimension of said enlarged member.
    [2] 2. The lid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said enlarged member and said shank are defined as a one-piece construction.
    [3] 3. The lid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said enlarged member comprises:a first tapered portion that converges in a direction moving away from said base; and, a second tapered portion, located adjacent said first tapered portion between said first tapered portion and said base, said second tapered portion converging in a direction moving toward said base.
    [4] 4. The lid dispenser as set forth in claim 3, wherein said first and second tapered portions are defined as a one-piece construction.
    [5] 5. The lid dispenser as set forth in claim 3, wherein said first and second tapered portions are each defined as a frusto-conical conformation.
    [6] 6. The lid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second maximum cross-sectional dimension is adjustable.
    [7] 7. The lid dispenser as set forth in claim 6, wherein said enlarged member is defined by first and second portions, and wherein said enlarged member defines a threaded bore, said dispenser further comprising:a plug including a threaded portion adapted for threadable insertion into said threaded bore, said plug defining a tapered portion, whereby upon threadable advancement of said plug into said bore urges said first and second portions of said enlarged member away from each other, and whereby upon threaded retraction of said plug out of said bore, said first and second portions of said enlarged member move resiliently toward each other.
    [8] 8. The lid dispenser as set forth in claim 7, wherein said shank is elongated along a first axis, and wherein said threaded bore is a blind bore defined coaxially on said first axis.
    [9] 9. The lid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said base defines a wedge conformation that converges from a first end toward a second end, said wedge conformation adapted for sliding receipt and frictional retention in a mating slot of an associated mounting structure affixed to the associated support structure.
    [10] 10. The lid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said enlarged member is resiliently deformable and defined from an elastomeric material.
    [11] 11. The lid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:a flange that projects outwardly from the shank adjacent the base, said flange defining a stop surface adapted for supporting associated lids held on said intermediate region of said shank when said lid dispenser is inverted for loading associated lids thereon.
    [12] 12. An apparatus for releasably retaining associated lids that have apertures defined therein, said apparatus comprising:a base;a shank projecting outwardly from said base, said shank defining a distal end spaced from said base and including an enlarged portion that defines a cross-sectional size greater than a minimum width of said aperture of associated lids whereby associated lids are insertable onto and removable from said shank by movement of said enlarged portion through said aperture.
    [13] 13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said shank and said enlarged portion are defined together as a one-piece construction.
    [14] 14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said cross-sectional size of said enlarged portion is adjustable.
    [15] 15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein said enlarged portion is defined by at least two members resiliently biased into a first position and selectively resiliently movable apart from each other to a second position.
    [16] 16. The apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said enlarged portion defines a bore that includes a threaded portion, and wherein said apparatus further comprises:a plug including a threaded portion engaged with said threaded portion of said bore, said plug conformed so that advancement of said plug into said bore moves said at least two members apart from each other to increase said cross-sectional size of said enlarged portion.
    [17] 17. A method of storing and dispensing an associated lid, said method comprising:placing an enlarged end of a shank in an aperture defined in an associated lid, wherein said enlarged end defines a cross-sectional size greater than a minimum width of the aperture of the associated lid;urging said enlarged shank end entirely through said aperture by flexing said lid adjacent said aperture;slidably supporting said lid on a portion of said shank defining a cross-sectional size less than a cross-sectional size of said enlarged end; and, removing said lid from said shank by movement of said lid past said enlarged end whereby said lid flexes to accommodate movement of said enlarged end through said aperture.
    [18] 18. The method as set forth in claim 17, further comprising:selectively increasing the cross-sectional size of the enlarged shank end.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    2003-08-15| FZDE| Dead|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US14939499P| true| 1999-08-17|1999-08-17||
    US60/149,394||1999-08-17||
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