Article dispensing – With dispensing-type outlet – Resilient
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-10
2001-12-04
Bollinger, David H. (Department: 3651)
Article dispensing
With dispensing-type outlet
Resilient
C221S310000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325243
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a dispenser for disposable plastic cups. More specifically, the present invention relates to a disposable dispenser for disposable plastic cups that may be easily mounted by hanging.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the fountain drink industry, manufacturers often produce limited runs of novelty and special event cups. The manufacture of special event cups is often timed to arrive in stores in concert with a local event such as sporting events, political rallies, music festivals or other events that attract large numbers of people to the area in which it is sold. These cups are often larger than average fountain cups, and as such are unable to fit into traditional cup vending devices. Further, pitchers, which are larger than cups and possess handles are often used as special event items. Due to the inability of large and oddly shaped cups and pitchers to fit into traditional cup dispensers, the cups are often simply stacked on the floor, on counter tops, or are placed in other situations that are perceived to be unsanitary. Also, the inability to place the cups in places where cups are traditionally found leads to customer confusion and the inability of the customer to find the special event cups.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a device for dispensing cups of unusual size and shape is provided. The device includes a sleeve, a dispensing member coupled to the sleeve, and a portal defined in the sleeve.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a device for dispensing cups of unusual size and shape is provided. The device includes a flexible sleeve and a dispensing member fixedly attached to the sleeve. The sleeve is sized to serve as a reservoir for cups to be dispensed by the dispensing member. The sleeve further has a void defined therein that allows the device to be mounted.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a device for housing and dispensing cups of unusual size and shape is provided. The device includes a plastic sleeve that is a plastic tube and has a flat portion where the walls of the sleeve are fixed together. The device also includes a void defined in the flat portion of the plastic sleeve and a plastic dispensing member that fixedly seals an end of the plastic sleeve. The device further includes a void defined in the dispensing member wherein teeth protrude into the void from the dispensing member. The device also includes a portal defined by the end of the plastic sleeve opposite the end sealed to the dispensing member.
Additional features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1131255 (1915-03-01), Luellen
patent: 3288329 (1966-11-01), Ketchem
patent: 3315842 (1967-04-01), McGurk
patent: 3365100 (1968-01-01), Piazze
patent: 4319696 (1982-03-01), Stevens
Bollinger David H.
Indiano E. Victor
LandOfFree
Device for dispensing cups does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for dispensing cups, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for dispensing cups will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2578080