CA1248062A - Cup dispenser - Google Patents
Cup dispenserInfo
- Publication number
- CA1248062A CA1248062A CA000472682A CA472682A CA1248062A CA 1248062 A CA1248062 A CA 1248062A CA 000472682 A CA000472682 A CA 000472682A CA 472682 A CA472682 A CA 472682A CA 1248062 A CA1248062 A CA 1248062A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cam
- dispenser
- degrees
- stack
- cup
- 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.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G59/00—De-stacking of articles
- B65G59/10—De-stacking nested articles
- B65G59/107—De-stacking nested articles by means of rotary devices or endless elements
- B65G59/108—De-stacking nested articles by means of rotary devices or endless elements the axis of rotation being substantially parallel to the axis of the stack
Landscapes
- Stackable Containers (AREA)
- Beverage Vending Machines With Cups, And Gas Or Electricity Vending Machines (AREA)
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A cup dispenser particularly for dispensing foam cups singly from a stack of cups which will normally be a vertical stack comprising a plurality of cam bodies each having a cam surface being a helix about the axis of the body, each body carrying a helically extending projection or bead about the body, the undersurface of the projection or bead presenting an extension of the cam face to provide an enlarged cam face for providing a greater cup rim engaging cam surface than presented by the body itself.
A cup dispenser particularly for dispensing foam cups singly from a stack of cups which will normally be a vertical stack comprising a plurality of cam bodies each having a cam surface being a helix about the axis of the body, each body carrying a helically extending projection or bead about the body, the undersurface of the projection or bead presenting an extension of the cam face to provide an enlarged cam face for providing a greater cup rim engaging cam surface than presented by the body itself.
Description
~2~62 This invention relates to a cup dispenser particularly for dispensing foam cups singly from a stack of cups which will normally be a vertical stack.
BACKGROVND OF THE INVENTION
Because of the constxaints of space in a dispenser used for dispensing cups, the dimensions of the components - making up the dispenser must be minimized both as to size and number. Additionally, the movements of the components must be minimized.
One such dispenser comprises a plurality of cams spaced about a first axis (coaxial with the axis of the stack of cups) and drive means for rotating the cams together, each about an associated axis parallel to the first axis.
A connector, for example, a gear carrying a handle, connects the cams to the drive means for rotating the cams.
Each of the cams has a cam face which cam face is a helix about its axis and is arranged to engage the rim of th.e end cup of a stack of cups located in the dispenser so that rotation of the handle through an angle of about 30 degrees, rotates the cams in one direction pushing the end cup away from the remainder of the stack dispensing the cup. The handle is then returned through the same arc to its initial position readying the cam for dispensing -the next cup.
Where use of such dispenser has been tried to dispense foam cups, the dispenser oE a construction as used to dispense conventional paper or thermofoamed plastic cups is not satisfactory.
Particularly, the rotation of the handle through the 1 small arc (about 30 degrees) must be sufficient to cause the foam cup to be dispensed. Therefore, the helical angle of the cam Eace of the cam (which cam face is a helix about the cam's axis) must be such as to eject the engaged foam cup. If the helical angle of the d:ispensing cam face is too steep, the foam cup will be crushed. If the helical angle is too shallow, the resultant structure of the cam would be too large for the dispenser size required.
Conventionally the dispensing cam face is downwardly facing, and in the direction of any diameter, is normal to the axis of rotation of the cam. This disposition of the cam face however, is not satisfactory for use in dispensing foam cups. Particularly, this cam face does not provide a satisfactory dispensing action, tending to dig into the lS rim of the cup and scoring the rim, by a point contact between the cup rim and cam face when the cam face engages the rim, seriously damaging the cup.
It has been thought that for minimizing scoring, contact of the cam face and the rim of the cup must be minimized.
Therefore, the optimum shape of the cam face would be that of the rim of the cup it would be engaging (curved). However, the manufacture of such curved face on the cam would be very difficult to achieve - the die could not be separated from the injection moulded part, undercutting the curve in the cam face, damaging it. In Canadian Patent Number 1,180,359, a dispenser for dispensing foam cups one by one from a stack of cups was taught which provided improved dispensing. This dispenser compr;sed a plurality of cams spaced about a first axis, coaxial with the axis of the stack of cups when present, and drive means for rotating 1 the cams together, each about an associated axis parallel to the first axis. Each of the cams has a cam face which is a helix about its axis and is arranged to engage the rim of the end of a stack of cups located in the dispenser so that rotation of the cams in one direction pushes the end cup away from the remainder of the stack to dispense it, the spiral angle of the helix being in the range of about 8 to 14 degrees, and in which the cam face of each cam is chamfered with respect to any diameter of the cam with the angle of the cam face chamfer through its entire length in the range of substantially 22 degrees to substantially 28 degrees achieves a satisfactory dispenser overcoming the problems of the prior art. Preferably the angle of chamfer is substantially 25 degrees.
Preferably each cam also had an upwardly facing cam surface for engaging the next cup in the stack and holding up the stack as the lowermost cup is dispensed. Preferably this upwardly directed cam face is also chamfered with respect to any diameter, preferably the chamfer angle being in the range 19 degrees to 26 degrees and with advantage substantially 22~ degrees.
The spiral angle of the helix of the dispensing cam face was preferably in the range 10 degrees to 12 degrees and with advantage substantially 11 degrees. The effective length of the cam face extended through at least 270 degrees around the cam and with advantage through over 300 degrees.
While the above structure is an improvement to prior art structures, nevertheless, dispensing is not fool proof in all instances particularly where the cups are held together by substantial forces (electrostatic for example). In 1 those instances where the cam face is applied to the rim of the cup, the force may not be sufficient to separate each of the rotating cam faces. In another instance where the cups to be dispensed are of lower density or lesser rigidity, the cup rim because of its lower density or lesser rigidity is deformed by the pressure of the cam and thereafter the cam rides over the deformed rim of the cup without discharging the cup.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a cam profile which provides a more satisfactory dispensing action to discharge the lowermost cup.
Further and other objects of this invention will be realized by those skilled in the art from the following summary of the invention and detailed description of an embodiment.
SU~IARY OF INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, a cup dispenser for dispensing foam cups one by one from a stack of cups is provided comprising a plurality of injection moulded cam bodies of plastics material spaced about a first axis, -coaxial with the axis of the stack of cups when present, each body comprising an outer wall of predetermined thickness and having, a longitudinally extending axis parallel to the first axis, the body carrylng a cam surface about the longitudinal axis of the body, drive means for rotating the cam bodies and thus the cam surfaces together, each of the cam surfaces being a cam face which is a helix about the axis of the body and arranged to engage the rim of the lowest or bottom cup of a stack of cups located in the dispenser so that rotation of the cam bodies in one -1 direction pushes the lowest end cup away from the remainder of the stack to dispense it, the improvement comprising each body carrying a helically extending projection or bead about the body, the undersurface of the projection or bead presenting an extension of the cam face of each body to provide an enlarged cam face for providing a greater cup rim engaging cam surface than presented by the body - itself, (i) the distance the projection extends from the ca~ body, (ii) the thickness between the top of the projection or bead and extension of the cam face from the wall of the cam body, and (iii) the thickness of the side wall of the cam body, being such that on formation of the body by injection moulding, there is uniform cooling of the parts so that there is no distortion of the part when removed from the mould, the spiral angle of the helix being in the range of about 8 degrees to about 14 degrees (preferably about 11 degrees) and in which the cam face of each cam body and extension thereof provided by the projection is chamfered with respect to any diameter of the cam body at an angle of substantially 22 degrees to substantially 28 degrees through its entire length. Preferably the angle of chamfer is substantially 25 degrees. Preferably the thickness of the side wall of the cam body is in the range of 3 mm., the thickness between the top of the projection or bead and extension of the cam face Erom the wall of the cam body is in the range of 2-3 mm., and the distance the projection extends from the cam body is in the range of ~ mm.
With this construction, a more reliable and better dispenser is provicled. With this construction, the cam 1 bodies carrying the helical projections are effectively manufactured by injection moulding processes to provide a reliable structure.
Preferably, each cam body also has an upwardly facing cam surface for engaging the next cup in the stack and holding up the stack as the lowermost cup is dispensed.
Preferably this upwardly directed cam face is also chamfered with respect to any diameter, preferably the chamfer angle being in the range of between 19 degrees to about 26 degrees and with advantage substantially 22~ degrees.
The spiral angle of the helix of the dispensing cam face (and extension) is preferably in the range of 10 degrees to 12 degrees and preferably 11 degrees. The effective length of the cam face extends through at least 270 degrees around the cam body and preferably through over 300 degrees.
In some embodiments, where the cam body has a diameter of 26 mm., and wall thickness in the range of 3 mm., the distance the projection extends from the cam body is in the range of about ~ to about 1~ mm., preferably about 1 mm., and the average distance between the top of the projection and the point where the cam surface starts to be carried by the projection is about 2-3 mm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A cup dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a foam cup dispenser according to the ernbodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the dispenser shown in Figure 1.
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1 Figure 3 shown (with Figure 1) is a perspective view of a cam body incorporated in the dispenser in Figures 1 and 2.
Figures 4 and 5 (shown with Figure 2) are side cross-sectional views through the dispenser illustrating the positions of cam bodies in the process of discharging the lowermost cup from a stack of cups.
Figure 6 (shown with Figures 1 and 3) is a close-up side view of part of a cam body shown in Figures 4 and ~ illustrating its engagement with the rim of the cup.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown cup dispenser 10 having a hollow casing 12 having upper and lower halves 14 and 16 respectively, connected together by three equi-angularly spaced bolts 18 through bolt housings one of which is shown at 20. Dispenser 10 has a vertical axis 22 therethrough with its top 24 open to define bore 26 for holding a stack of cups 27 (only two of which are shown). Six injection mbulded cam bodies 28 of plastics material are spaced circumferentially about axis 22 in casing 12 for the ejection of foam cups, one at a time from the stack 27 of foam cups 30. Each cam body 28 has a longitudinally extending axis 31 (see Figure 3) parallel to axis 20 and carries a helically extending downwardly facing cup dispenser cam surace 32 about cam body 28. Each cam body 28 is anqularly oscillatable about axis 31 by drive means in the form of a common ring gear 34 (see Figures 1 and 2). Ring gear 34 is formed on its inner periphery with teeth 36 which engage a pinion gear 38 on each of the cam bodies 28. Ring gear 34 has operation handle 40 ~a8~62 1 which projects through aperture 42 in casing 12 and by means of which the ring gear 34 can be reciprocated through an angle of about 30 degrees as indicated by arrow 44.
Each cam body 28 has curved upright surface 46 forming in cross-section part of an arc of a circle, and generally flat upright surface 48 (see Figure 3), support ledge 50 extending radially from flat surface 48 and which ledge 50 projects into bore 26 of the dispenser for carrying the stack of foam cups engaging the under the rim of the lowermost cup to hold up the stack of cups (not shown).
~ ach cam body 28 also comprises an upwardly facing cam surface 52 located above surface 46 but not above surface 48. These surfaces are both chamfered on an angle to any diameter of the cam, the lower cam surface 32 being at an angle of 25 degrees with respect to such diameter and the upper facing surface 52 being at an angle of 22~ degrees with respect to such diameter. Cam surface 32 comprises two portions 32A and 32B (see Figure 6) one being a continuation oE the plane of the other. Cam surface 32B protrudes about 1 mm. from surface 46 and is carried by helical bead or projection 33 (see Figures 5 and 6) extending about 1 mm.
from surface 46 extending from a position proximate the ends 50A and 50B of ledge 50 helically around surface 46 from position 46A (where surface 46 meets surface 48 at one side) to position 46B (where surface 46 meets the other side of surface 48) proximate ledge 50. Projection or bead 33 is about 2~ mm. thick (about the same thickness of the wall of cam body 28 carrying surfaces 46 and 48 which is about 3 mm.), and extends substantially 300 degrees along surface 46. Each cam body 28 is injection moulded ~l2~062 1 cf plastics material. Because the thicknesses and other dimensions of the individual parts making up the cam body 28 (for example the support pins 60 at either end, the projection or bead 33, the thickness of the wall carrying surfaces 46 and 48, etc.) are substantially uniform without substantial variations, manufacture is relatively simple without the incurring of special moulding costs for special mould designs and cooling of the injection moulded part while achieving a high quality part.
In operation of the dispenser shown in Figures 4 and 5, the lowermost cup seats on ledge 50. As handle 40 is rotated in opening 42 from one side to the other, each cam surface 32 of each body is brought to bear on the upper rim of the lower foam cup, pushing the cup downwardly while lS the second cup (and thus the rest of the stack of cups) is supported by the upper surface 52 until the lower cup has been pushed away. After the lower cup has fallen and after handle 40 is returned to its initial position, the second cup and thus the rest of the stack of cups vertically becomes aligned with surface 48 on each body 28 falling to ledge 50 which ledge supports the stack. Thereafter, the dispensing operation is repeated. Because cam surface 32 comprises portions 32A and 32B, the effective cam surface is increased without causing major manufacture proble~s to the mould design and cooling operation. In this way sufficient vertical force can be applied to the rim of each cup [whether of low density as in the case of foam cups or low rigidity as in the case oE any cup (whether foam or thermoformed plastic or paper)] over the entire rim's surface to ensure discharge of the lowermost cup -~2~62 1 from the stack without scoring or damaging the cup even where the cups are jammed together or strong electrcstatic forces tend to keep the cups together.
As many changes can be made to the preferred embodiment ~ithout departing from the scope o;E the invention, it is intended that all matter contained herein be interpreted as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting - sense.
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BACKGROVND OF THE INVENTION
Because of the constxaints of space in a dispenser used for dispensing cups, the dimensions of the components - making up the dispenser must be minimized both as to size and number. Additionally, the movements of the components must be minimized.
One such dispenser comprises a plurality of cams spaced about a first axis (coaxial with the axis of the stack of cups) and drive means for rotating the cams together, each about an associated axis parallel to the first axis.
A connector, for example, a gear carrying a handle, connects the cams to the drive means for rotating the cams.
Each of the cams has a cam face which cam face is a helix about its axis and is arranged to engage the rim of th.e end cup of a stack of cups located in the dispenser so that rotation of the handle through an angle of about 30 degrees, rotates the cams in one direction pushing the end cup away from the remainder of the stack dispensing the cup. The handle is then returned through the same arc to its initial position readying the cam for dispensing -the next cup.
Where use of such dispenser has been tried to dispense foam cups, the dispenser oE a construction as used to dispense conventional paper or thermofoamed plastic cups is not satisfactory.
Particularly, the rotation of the handle through the 1 small arc (about 30 degrees) must be sufficient to cause the foam cup to be dispensed. Therefore, the helical angle of the cam Eace of the cam (which cam face is a helix about the cam's axis) must be such as to eject the engaged foam cup. If the helical angle of the d:ispensing cam face is too steep, the foam cup will be crushed. If the helical angle is too shallow, the resultant structure of the cam would be too large for the dispenser size required.
Conventionally the dispensing cam face is downwardly facing, and in the direction of any diameter, is normal to the axis of rotation of the cam. This disposition of the cam face however, is not satisfactory for use in dispensing foam cups. Particularly, this cam face does not provide a satisfactory dispensing action, tending to dig into the lS rim of the cup and scoring the rim, by a point contact between the cup rim and cam face when the cam face engages the rim, seriously damaging the cup.
It has been thought that for minimizing scoring, contact of the cam face and the rim of the cup must be minimized.
Therefore, the optimum shape of the cam face would be that of the rim of the cup it would be engaging (curved). However, the manufacture of such curved face on the cam would be very difficult to achieve - the die could not be separated from the injection moulded part, undercutting the curve in the cam face, damaging it. In Canadian Patent Number 1,180,359, a dispenser for dispensing foam cups one by one from a stack of cups was taught which provided improved dispensing. This dispenser compr;sed a plurality of cams spaced about a first axis, coaxial with the axis of the stack of cups when present, and drive means for rotating 1 the cams together, each about an associated axis parallel to the first axis. Each of the cams has a cam face which is a helix about its axis and is arranged to engage the rim of the end of a stack of cups located in the dispenser so that rotation of the cams in one direction pushes the end cup away from the remainder of the stack to dispense it, the spiral angle of the helix being in the range of about 8 to 14 degrees, and in which the cam face of each cam is chamfered with respect to any diameter of the cam with the angle of the cam face chamfer through its entire length in the range of substantially 22 degrees to substantially 28 degrees achieves a satisfactory dispenser overcoming the problems of the prior art. Preferably the angle of chamfer is substantially 25 degrees.
Preferably each cam also had an upwardly facing cam surface for engaging the next cup in the stack and holding up the stack as the lowermost cup is dispensed. Preferably this upwardly directed cam face is also chamfered with respect to any diameter, preferably the chamfer angle being in the range 19 degrees to 26 degrees and with advantage substantially 22~ degrees.
The spiral angle of the helix of the dispensing cam face was preferably in the range 10 degrees to 12 degrees and with advantage substantially 11 degrees. The effective length of the cam face extended through at least 270 degrees around the cam and with advantage through over 300 degrees.
While the above structure is an improvement to prior art structures, nevertheless, dispensing is not fool proof in all instances particularly where the cups are held together by substantial forces (electrostatic for example). In 1 those instances where the cam face is applied to the rim of the cup, the force may not be sufficient to separate each of the rotating cam faces. In another instance where the cups to be dispensed are of lower density or lesser rigidity, the cup rim because of its lower density or lesser rigidity is deformed by the pressure of the cam and thereafter the cam rides over the deformed rim of the cup without discharging the cup.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a cam profile which provides a more satisfactory dispensing action to discharge the lowermost cup.
Further and other objects of this invention will be realized by those skilled in the art from the following summary of the invention and detailed description of an embodiment.
SU~IARY OF INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, a cup dispenser for dispensing foam cups one by one from a stack of cups is provided comprising a plurality of injection moulded cam bodies of plastics material spaced about a first axis, -coaxial with the axis of the stack of cups when present, each body comprising an outer wall of predetermined thickness and having, a longitudinally extending axis parallel to the first axis, the body carrylng a cam surface about the longitudinal axis of the body, drive means for rotating the cam bodies and thus the cam surfaces together, each of the cam surfaces being a cam face which is a helix about the axis of the body and arranged to engage the rim of the lowest or bottom cup of a stack of cups located in the dispenser so that rotation of the cam bodies in one -1 direction pushes the lowest end cup away from the remainder of the stack to dispense it, the improvement comprising each body carrying a helically extending projection or bead about the body, the undersurface of the projection or bead presenting an extension of the cam face of each body to provide an enlarged cam face for providing a greater cup rim engaging cam surface than presented by the body - itself, (i) the distance the projection extends from the ca~ body, (ii) the thickness between the top of the projection or bead and extension of the cam face from the wall of the cam body, and (iii) the thickness of the side wall of the cam body, being such that on formation of the body by injection moulding, there is uniform cooling of the parts so that there is no distortion of the part when removed from the mould, the spiral angle of the helix being in the range of about 8 degrees to about 14 degrees (preferably about 11 degrees) and in which the cam face of each cam body and extension thereof provided by the projection is chamfered with respect to any diameter of the cam body at an angle of substantially 22 degrees to substantially 28 degrees through its entire length. Preferably the angle of chamfer is substantially 25 degrees. Preferably the thickness of the side wall of the cam body is in the range of 3 mm., the thickness between the top of the projection or bead and extension of the cam face Erom the wall of the cam body is in the range of 2-3 mm., and the distance the projection extends from the cam body is in the range of ~ mm.
With this construction, a more reliable and better dispenser is provicled. With this construction, the cam 1 bodies carrying the helical projections are effectively manufactured by injection moulding processes to provide a reliable structure.
Preferably, each cam body also has an upwardly facing cam surface for engaging the next cup in the stack and holding up the stack as the lowermost cup is dispensed.
Preferably this upwardly directed cam face is also chamfered with respect to any diameter, preferably the chamfer angle being in the range of between 19 degrees to about 26 degrees and with advantage substantially 22~ degrees.
The spiral angle of the helix of the dispensing cam face (and extension) is preferably in the range of 10 degrees to 12 degrees and preferably 11 degrees. The effective length of the cam face extends through at least 270 degrees around the cam body and preferably through over 300 degrees.
In some embodiments, where the cam body has a diameter of 26 mm., and wall thickness in the range of 3 mm., the distance the projection extends from the cam body is in the range of about ~ to about 1~ mm., preferably about 1 mm., and the average distance between the top of the projection and the point where the cam surface starts to be carried by the projection is about 2-3 mm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A cup dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a foam cup dispenser according to the ernbodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the dispenser shown in Figure 1.
~2~8~:
1 Figure 3 shown (with Figure 1) is a perspective view of a cam body incorporated in the dispenser in Figures 1 and 2.
Figures 4 and 5 (shown with Figure 2) are side cross-sectional views through the dispenser illustrating the positions of cam bodies in the process of discharging the lowermost cup from a stack of cups.
Figure 6 (shown with Figures 1 and 3) is a close-up side view of part of a cam body shown in Figures 4 and ~ illustrating its engagement with the rim of the cup.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown cup dispenser 10 having a hollow casing 12 having upper and lower halves 14 and 16 respectively, connected together by three equi-angularly spaced bolts 18 through bolt housings one of which is shown at 20. Dispenser 10 has a vertical axis 22 therethrough with its top 24 open to define bore 26 for holding a stack of cups 27 (only two of which are shown). Six injection mbulded cam bodies 28 of plastics material are spaced circumferentially about axis 22 in casing 12 for the ejection of foam cups, one at a time from the stack 27 of foam cups 30. Each cam body 28 has a longitudinally extending axis 31 (see Figure 3) parallel to axis 20 and carries a helically extending downwardly facing cup dispenser cam surace 32 about cam body 28. Each cam body 28 is anqularly oscillatable about axis 31 by drive means in the form of a common ring gear 34 (see Figures 1 and 2). Ring gear 34 is formed on its inner periphery with teeth 36 which engage a pinion gear 38 on each of the cam bodies 28. Ring gear 34 has operation handle 40 ~a8~62 1 which projects through aperture 42 in casing 12 and by means of which the ring gear 34 can be reciprocated through an angle of about 30 degrees as indicated by arrow 44.
Each cam body 28 has curved upright surface 46 forming in cross-section part of an arc of a circle, and generally flat upright surface 48 (see Figure 3), support ledge 50 extending radially from flat surface 48 and which ledge 50 projects into bore 26 of the dispenser for carrying the stack of foam cups engaging the under the rim of the lowermost cup to hold up the stack of cups (not shown).
~ ach cam body 28 also comprises an upwardly facing cam surface 52 located above surface 46 but not above surface 48. These surfaces are both chamfered on an angle to any diameter of the cam, the lower cam surface 32 being at an angle of 25 degrees with respect to such diameter and the upper facing surface 52 being at an angle of 22~ degrees with respect to such diameter. Cam surface 32 comprises two portions 32A and 32B (see Figure 6) one being a continuation oE the plane of the other. Cam surface 32B protrudes about 1 mm. from surface 46 and is carried by helical bead or projection 33 (see Figures 5 and 6) extending about 1 mm.
from surface 46 extending from a position proximate the ends 50A and 50B of ledge 50 helically around surface 46 from position 46A (where surface 46 meets surface 48 at one side) to position 46B (where surface 46 meets the other side of surface 48) proximate ledge 50. Projection or bead 33 is about 2~ mm. thick (about the same thickness of the wall of cam body 28 carrying surfaces 46 and 48 which is about 3 mm.), and extends substantially 300 degrees along surface 46. Each cam body 28 is injection moulded ~l2~062 1 cf plastics material. Because the thicknesses and other dimensions of the individual parts making up the cam body 28 (for example the support pins 60 at either end, the projection or bead 33, the thickness of the wall carrying surfaces 46 and 48, etc.) are substantially uniform without substantial variations, manufacture is relatively simple without the incurring of special moulding costs for special mould designs and cooling of the injection moulded part while achieving a high quality part.
In operation of the dispenser shown in Figures 4 and 5, the lowermost cup seats on ledge 50. As handle 40 is rotated in opening 42 from one side to the other, each cam surface 32 of each body is brought to bear on the upper rim of the lower foam cup, pushing the cup downwardly while lS the second cup (and thus the rest of the stack of cups) is supported by the upper surface 52 until the lower cup has been pushed away. After the lower cup has fallen and after handle 40 is returned to its initial position, the second cup and thus the rest of the stack of cups vertically becomes aligned with surface 48 on each body 28 falling to ledge 50 which ledge supports the stack. Thereafter, the dispensing operation is repeated. Because cam surface 32 comprises portions 32A and 32B, the effective cam surface is increased without causing major manufacture proble~s to the mould design and cooling operation. In this way sufficient vertical force can be applied to the rim of each cup [whether of low density as in the case of foam cups or low rigidity as in the case oE any cup (whether foam or thermoformed plastic or paper)] over the entire rim's surface to ensure discharge of the lowermost cup -~2~62 1 from the stack without scoring or damaging the cup even where the cups are jammed together or strong electrcstatic forces tend to keep the cups together.
As many changes can be made to the preferred embodiment ~ithout departing from the scope o;E the invention, it is intended that all matter contained herein be interpreted as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting - sense.
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Claims (24)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. A cup dispenser for dispensing foam cups one by one from a stack of cups, the dispenser comprising a plurality of injection moulded cam bodies of plastics material spaced about a first axis, co-axial with the axis of the stack of cups when present, each body comprising an outer wall of predetermined thickness having, a longitudinally extending axis parallel to the first axis, the body carrying a cam surface about the longitudinal axis of the body, drive means for rotating the cam bodies and thus the cam surfaces together, each of the cam surfaces being a cam face which is a helix about the axis of the body and arranged to engage the rim of the lowest or bottom cup of a stack of cups located in the dispenser so that rotation of the cam bodies in one direction pushes the lowest cup away from the remainder of the stack to dispense it, the improvement comprising each body carrying a helically extending projection or bead about the body, the undersurface of the projection or bead presenting an extension of the cam face of each body to provide an enlarged cam face for providing a greater cup rim engaging cam surface than presented by the body itself, (i) the distance the projection extends from the wall of the cam body, (ii) the thickness between the top of the bead or projection and extension of the cam face from the wall of the cam body, and (iii) the thickness of the said wall of the body being such that on formation of the body by injection moulding there is uniform cooling of the parts so that there is no distortion of the part when removed from the mould, the spiral angle of the helix being in the range of about 8 degrees to about 14 degrees and in which the cam face of each cam body and extension thereof provided by the projection is chamfered with respect to any diameter of the cam body at an angle of substantially 22 degrees to substantially 28 degrees.
2 The dispenser of Claim 1, wherein the angle of chamfer of the cam face is 25 degrees.
3. The dispenser of Claim 2, wherein the spiral angle of the helix is 11 degrees.
4. The dispenser of Claim 1, wherein the spiral angle of the helix is 11 degrees.
5. The dispenser of Claim 1, wherein (i) the distance the projection or bead extends from the cam body is about 1 mm., (ii) the thickness between the top of the bead or projection and extension of the cam face from the wall of the body is about 2 1/2 mm., and (iii) the thickness of the side wall of the cam body is about 3 mm.
6. The dispenser of Claim 2, wherein (i) the distance the projection or bead extends from the cam body is about 1 mm., (ii) the thickness between the top of the bead or projection and extension of the cam face from the wall of the body is about 2 1/2 mm., and (iii) the thickness of the side wall of the cam body is about 3 mm.
7. The dispenser of Claim 3, wherein (i) the distance the projection or bead extends from the cam body is about 1 mm., (ii) the thickness between the top of the bead or projection and extension of the cam face from the wall of the body is about 2 1/2 mm., and (iii) the thickness of the side wall of the cam body is about 3mm.
8. The dispenser of Claim 4, wherein (i) the distance the projection or bead extends from the cam body is about 1 mm., (ii) the thickness between the top of the bead or projection and extension of the cam face from the wall of the body is about 2 1/2 mm., and (iii) the thickness of the side wall of the cam body is about 3 mm.
9. The dispenser of Claim 1, wherein each cam body also has an upwardly facing cam surface for engaging the next cup in the stack and holding up the stack as the lowermost cup is dispensed.
10. The dispenser of Claim 9, wherein the upwardly facing cam surface is chamfered with respect to any diameter in the range of between about 19 degrees to about 26 degrees.
11. The dispenser of Claim 2, wherein each cam body also has an upwardly facing cam surface for engaging the next cup in the stack and holding up the stack as the lowermost cup is dispensed.
12. The dispenser of Claim 11, wherein the upwardly facing cam surface is chamfered with respect to any diameter in the range of between about 19 degrees to about 26 degrees.
13. The dispenser of Claim 3, wherein each cam body also has an upwardly facing cam surface for engaging the next cup in the stack and holding up the stack as the lowermost cup is dispensed.
14. The dispenser of Claim 13, wherein the upwardly facing cam surface is chamfered with respect to any diameter in the range of between about 19 degrees to about 26 degrees.
15. The dispenser of Claim 4, wherein each cam body also has an upwardly facing cam surface for engaging the next cup in the stack and holding up the stack as the lowermost cup is dispensed.
16. The dispenser of Claim 15, wherein the upwardly facing cam surface is chamfered with respect to any diameter in the range of between about 19 degrees to about 26 degrees.
17. The dispenser of Claim 5, wherein each cam body also has an upwardly facing cam surface for engaging the next cup in the stack and holding up the stack as the lowermost cup is dispensed.
18. The dispenser of Claim 17, wherein the upwardly facing cam surface is chamfered with respect to any diameter in the range of between about 19 degrees to about 26 degrees.
19. The dispenser of Claim 6, wherein each cam body also has an upwardly facing cam surface for engaging the next cup in the stack and holding up the stack as the lowermost cup is dispensed.
20. The dispenser of Claim 19, wherein the upwardly facing cam surface is chamfered with respect to any diameter in the range of between about 19 degrees to about 26 degrees.
21. The dispenser of Claim 7, wherein each cam body also has an upwardly facing cam surface for engaging the next cup in the stack and holding up the stack as the lowermost cup is dispensed.
22. The dispenser of Claim 21, wherein the upwardly facing cam surface is chamfered with respect to any diameter in the range of between about 19 degrees to about 26 degrees.
23. The dispenser of Claim 8, wherein each cam body also has an upwardly facing cam surface for engaging the next cup in the stack and holding up the stack as the lowermost cup is dispensed.
24. The dispenser of Claim 23, wherein the upwardly facing cam surface is chamfered with respect to any diameter in the range of between about 19 degrees to about 26 degrees.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000472682A CA1248062A (en) | 1985-01-23 | 1985-01-23 | Cup dispenser |
| GB08600865A GB2173777B (en) | 1985-01-23 | 1986-01-15 | Cup dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000472682A CA1248062A (en) | 1985-01-23 | 1985-01-23 | Cup dispenser |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1248062A true CA1248062A (en) | 1989-01-03 |
Family
ID=4129650
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000472682A Expired CA1248062A (en) | 1985-01-23 | 1985-01-23 | Cup dispenser |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1248062A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2173777B (en) |
Families Citing this family (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB9008417D0 (en) * | 1990-04-12 | 1990-06-13 | Fletcher Harrison Limited | Denesting of stacked articles |
| GB2394468B (en) * | 2002-10-25 | 2005-10-19 | Kwai Kun Wong | Rotatable cam element |
| GB2402386B (en) * | 2003-06-03 | 2006-07-19 | Mars Inc | Dispensing mechanism |
| GB0319216D0 (en) * | 2003-08-15 | 2003-09-17 | Freeman Robert A | Apparatus for destacking articles |
| WO2008141396A1 (en) * | 2007-05-23 | 2008-11-27 | The Hot Chips Company | Cup dispensing apparatus |
| CN104648996A (en) * | 2015-02-16 | 2015-05-27 | 嘉兴市新发现机械制造有限公司 | Spiral cup falling device |
| WO2019077564A1 (en) * | 2017-10-19 | 2019-04-25 | Evoca S.P.A. | Device for dispensing items from a stack of nested items, in particular cup lids |
| IT201800006044A1 (en) * | 2018-06-05 | 2019-12-05 | DISTRIBUTOR OF ITEMS FROM A STACK OF NESTED ITEMS, IN PARTICULAR LIDS FOR GLASSES | |
| CN108082949A (en) * | 2017-12-12 | 2018-05-29 | 广东利迅达机器人系统股份有限公司 | Round tray automatic separating apparatus |
| WO2020264473A1 (en) * | 2019-06-28 | 2020-12-30 | Lavazza Professional North America Llc | Beverage vending system |
| WO2021116662A1 (en) * | 2019-12-12 | 2021-06-17 | Lavazza Professional Uk Limited | Beverage vending machine, cup dispensing assembly therefor, and related methods |
| US20230292936A1 (en) * | 2020-08-04 | 2023-09-21 | "Kram Fc" Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia | A dispenser for contactless ejection of disposable cups or lids |
| PL245998B1 (en) * | 2020-08-04 | 2024-11-18 | Kram Fc Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia | Dispenser for touchless ejecting of disposable cups |
| CN113306993A (en) * | 2021-06-18 | 2021-08-27 | 郑州市顺意科技有限公司 | Foam support and separation equipment |
-
1985
- 1985-01-23 CA CA000472682A patent/CA1248062A/en not_active Expired
-
1986
- 1986-01-15 GB GB08600865A patent/GB2173777B/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2173777B (en) | 1987-10-28 |
| GB8600865D0 (en) | 1986-02-19 |
| GB2173777A (en) | 1986-10-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |