FIELD

The present teachings relate to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a frozen or semifrozen confection from a container.

BACKGROUND

WO96/01224 and WO94/13154 describe dispensing apparatus for dispensing product, particularly ice cream or other frozen or semi-frozen confections (e.g. sorbet or frozen yoghurt) from a single portion container. The container is placed on a seat, and a dispensing operation is carried out, during which food product is extruded through an outlet of the container by reducing the internal volume of the container, e.g. by deforming the container or moving a piston inside the container.

After the dispensing operation, the container needs to be removed from the seat, before a new container can be located on the seat.

For dispensing apparatus of the kind described in WO96/01224 and WO94/13154, the container has to be removed by hand. However, this presents numerous potential disadvantages, not least in terms of hygiene. For example, after a dispensing operation, the container may have traces of the food product around the outlet. If the container is not removed carefully from the seat, the food product may come into contact with the seat or other parts of the apparatus, meaning that the apparatus needs to be cleaned manually and promptly. Moreover, if the container is not removed promptly after a dispensing operation, the presence of aging food product exposed to atmosphere may create an undesired, unhygienic environment.

The present invention aims to overcome or mitigate the problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a frozen or semi-frozen confection, the dispensing apparatus comprising: a support for supporting a container containing frozen or semi-frozen confection, wherein the dispensing apparatus is configured for dispensing frozen or semi-frozen confection from the container when supported by the support in a dispensing operation; and wherein, in a removal operation, the dispensing apparatus is configured for automatically removing the container from the support after the dispensing operation. Advantageously, the dispensing apparatus is suitable to allow a used container (i.e. a container from which frozen or semi-frozen confection has been dispensed) to be automatically removed from the support. This avoids the risk that a user will forget to remove the used container, and thereby compromise the hygiene of the apparatus.

The dispensing apparatus may comprise a plunger moveable for cooperation with the container in order to reduce an internal volume of the container for dispensing frozen or semi-frozen confection from the container in a dispensing operation. The plunger may be moveable for removing the container from the support in a removal operation.

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise an actuation system configured for moving the plunger along a dispensing axis during a dispensing operation, and for moving the plunger during a removal operation. A direction of movement in the removal operation may be distinct from the dispensing axis.

Advantageously, the actuation system can be used to provide controlled movement of the plunger, such that a removal operation can be carried out immediately after a dispensing operation. This reduces the risk of bacterial growth when the container is located on the support.

Controlling movement of the plunger also means that frozen or semi-frozen confection can be dispensed from the container in a controlled manner.

The actuation system may include a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator may be provided for moving the plunger along the dispensing axis. The second actuator may be provided for moving the plunger during the removal operation.

The provision of multiple actuators avoids reliance on a single mechanism for carrying out dispensing and removal operations. Moreover, it allows for greater flexibility of movement of the plunger.

In the removal operation, the actuation system may be configured for pivoting the plunger from a first orientation of the plunger to a second orientation of the plunger. In the first orientation, the plunger may be moveable along the dispensing axis.

Advantageously, such an arrangement provides for simple movement of the container during the removal operation, and means that it is possible to use an actuator that requires less input than an actuator required for extruding frozen or semi-frozen confection from the container. In the removal operation, the actuation system may be configured for moving the plunger along the dispensing axis to a predetermined distance away from the support prior to pivoting the plunger from the first orientation to the second orientation.

The apparatus may comprise a housing. One end of the plunger may be mounted within the housing. The dispensing apparatus may be configured such that the plunger moves in a removal direction within the housing during the removal operation. The removal direction may be away from the dispensing axis.

Advantageously, having the removal operation within the housing avoids the risk of user interaction with the plunger during the removal operation. This may also enable the dispensing apparatus to be more aesthetically pleasing.

The housing may include a front face and a rear face. The removal direction may be away from the front face and towards the rear face.

In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus will include a user interface on the front face of the housing. As such, a user will typically interact with the dispenser apparatus when the user is adjacent the front face of the housing. For example, the user may initiate a dispensing operation via one or more control input members on or proximate the front face, and/or be able to place a container on the support when the user is adjacent the front face, and/or the user may be able to collect dispensed frozen or semi-frozen confection when the user is adjacent the front face. As such, by controlling movement of the plunger in a direction away from the front face of the housing, the plunger may be moved away from a user of the apparatus when removing a container from the support.

The housing may comprise two opposing side faces extending between the front and rear faces. The front face and the rear face may be narrower than the side faces.

Advantageously, a housing so configured may help to minimise the overall width of the apparatus, allowing for a relatively narrow front profile. This is especially beneficial when the dispensing apparatus is to be used in a commercial premises such as a shop, since the dispensing apparatus may only require minimal commercial space, e.g. on a work surface.

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise a stop within the housing. The actuation system may be configured for moving the plunger in the direction of the stop, for bringing the container into contact with the stop in order to displace the container from the plunger in a displacement operation after the removal operation.

Advantageously, the use of a stop for aiding displacement of the container from the plunger allows the container to be displaced from the plunger without requiring any additional moving parts. This simplifies the construction and operation of the dispensing apparatus.

The stop may define a recess which is arranged and configured to allow the plunger to extend through or into the recess during the removal operation.

The stop may have an open channel profile in cross-section.

The stop may have a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped profile.

Advantageously, an open channel profile, e.g. a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped profile, may help to maximise the amount of contact between the stop and the container during the displacement operation, thereby minimising the risk of non-displacement of the container.

In a removal operation, the actuation system may be configured for moving the plunger away from the dispensing axis in the removal direction until the plunger extends through or into the recess. In a displacement operation, the actuation system may be configured for moving the plunger relative to the recess in a displacement direction, distinct from the removal direction, for bringing the container into contact with the stop to displace the container from the plunger.

Advantageously, configuring the actuation system to move the plunger as such during the removal operation and the displacement operation may enable the apparatus to remove a container from the support and displace the container from the plunger for disposal of the container via only two distinct movements of the plunger. This simplifies the operation of the dispensing apparatus.

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise a receptacle located within the housing. The receptacle may comprise a mouth positioned below the stop for receiving one or more used containers after a displacement operation.

Advantageously, positioning the mouth of the receptacle below the stop allows for used containers to fall into the receptacle under gravity after being displaced from the plunger, which further simplifies the construction and operation of the dispensing apparatus (e.g. without requiring any additional moving parts).

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise a fill sensor arrangement for determining a fill state of the receptacle. The fill sensor arrangement may be configured to provide an output when a predetermined fill state of the receptacle has been determined. The fill sensor arrangement may comprise a level sensor configured for detecting a height of contents within the receptacle and/or a weighing apparatus configured for detecting a weight of contents within the receptacle.

Advantageously, the fill sensor arrangement may allow a user of the dispensing apparatus to be alerted when the receptacle requires emptying. This may help to prevent the receptacle from overflowing.

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise an agitation mechanism for disturbing one or more containers within the receptacle to evenly distribute them within the receptacle.

The support may be moveable relative to the housing between a first position, in which the support is aligned with the dispensing axis, and a second position, in which the support is offset from the dispensing axis.

In the first position, the support and the housing may be configured for preventing access from outside of the housing to the container supported by the support. In the second position, the support and the housing may be configured for enabling the container to be placed on the support from outside of the housing.

Advantageously, such a configuration of the support may allow a container to be placed on the support in the second position and then allow the support and container to be moved to the first position for a dispensing operation.

In the first position of the support, a container supported by the support may not be contactable by a user of the dispensing apparatus. As such, the user may not be able to access the container during a dispensing operation. Thus, the configuration of the support and the housing may provide a safety feature, since it may prevent a user from becoming injured during a dispensing operation.

The plunger may be configured for releasably securing the container to the plunger for removing the container from the support in a removal operation.

The plunger may comprise a radially projecting member configured for engaging a wall of the container via an interference fit or positive engagement, for releasably securing the container to the plunger.

The radially projecting member may allow the plunger to be quickly and simply attached to the container, without requiring additional moving parts.

The radially-projecting member may comprise a lip or barb. A lip or barb may provide a stronger connection between the plunger and the container relative to if the radially projecting member is a discrete protrusion for example. This is due to the relatively larger surface area of contact between a lip or barb and the container.

The radially-projecting member may be annular.

The radially-projecting member may be moveable in a radial direction between a first position, where it is disengaged from the wall of the container, and a second position where it is engaged with the wall of the container, in use.

A moveable radially-projecting member may reduce the risk of the container from becoming damaged during a dispensing operation. This is because the radially projecting member may only be required to engage the container in a removal operation. Therefore, by not engaging the container during a dispensing operation, the risk of the radially- projecting member damaging the container during the dispensing operation is removed.

The support for supporting a container containing frozen or semi-frozen confection may be a first support, and the dispensing apparatus may further comprise a second support for supporting a holder for frozen or semi-frozen confection, the second support positioned below the first support such that the holder may receive frozen or semi-frozen confection discharged from the container via the plunger.

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise an actuation arrangement for controlling movement of the second support towards and away from the first support.

The actuation arrangement may be configured for moving the second support along a substantially vertically aligned linear axis in use.

The dispensing apparatus may further comprise an engagement detector for determining whether the plunger is engaged with the container. The engagement detector may be configured for providing an output when the engagement detector determines that the plunger is engaged with the container.

The dispensing apparatus may be configured to stop movement of the plunger during a dispensing operation if no output is provided by the engagement detector. Advantageously, this may help to improve the time and energy efficiency of the dispensing apparatus. In such an event, the dispensing apparatus may provide an alert to a user that no container is present in the support.

The engagement detector may comprise a switch mounted to the plunger, the switch moveable between an open state and a closed state. The switch may be configured to be in the open state when the plunger is not engaged with the container, in use, and to be in the closed state when the plunger is engaged with the container, in use.

The switch may be moved from the closed to the open state by a resilient member which is configured to be compressed when the plunger is engaged with the container, in use, and expanded when the plunger is not engaged with the container, in use.

The switch mounted to the plunger helps to provide a simple and robust engagement detector.

The dispensing apparatus may comprise an overload detection mechanism configured to provide an output when a load applied to the plunger exceeds a predetermined amount.

Advantageously, the overload detection mechanism may help to prevent the plunger from becoming damaged due to overloading.

The overload detection mechanism may comprise a switch and at least one resilient member which is configured to provide a reaction force to the load applied to the plunger. The at least one resilient member may be configured to compress when the load applied to the plunger exceeds the predetermined value such that a state of the switch changes.

The switch and the at least one resilient member helps to provide a simple and robust overload detection mechanism.

The at least one resilient member may comprises a stack of disc springs.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of dispensing a frozen or semifrozen confection from a container. The method comprises the steps of: a) placing a container of frozen or semi-frozen confection to be dispensed on a support; b) moving a plunger into cooperation with the container to dispense frozen or semi-frozen confection from the container by reducing an internal volume of the container; c) removing the container from the support via the plunger; and d) displacing the container from the plunger.

Step b) may include: moving the plunger along a dispensing axis. Step c) may include: moving the container via the plunger in a removal direction away from the dispensing axis.

Step c) may include: moving the container via the plunger along the dispensing axis to a predetermined distance away from the support. In step b), the plunger may be in a first orientation. Step c) may include: pivoting the container via the plunger in the removal direction from the first orientation to a second orientation.

Step d) may include: moving the plunger such that the plunger is caused to bring the container into contact with a stop in order to displace the container from the plunger.

Movement of the plunger may be automatically controlled via an actuation system.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a frozen or semi-frozen confection, the dispensing apparatus comprising: a first support for supporting a container containing frozen or semi-frozen confection; a plunger moveable for cooperation with the container in order to reduce an internal volume of the container in a dispensing operation; a second support for supporting a holder for frozen or semi-frozen confection, the second support positioned below the first support such that the holder may receive frozen or semi-frozen confection discharged from the container via the plunger; and an actuation arrangement for controlling movement of the second support towards and away from the first support.

Advantageously, the actuation arrangement may move the holder away from the container during a dispensing operation to prevent a build-up of frozen or semi-frozen confection dispensed into the holder from contacting the dispensing apparatus. Moreover, as the volume of dispensed frozen or semi-frozen confection in the holder increases during the dispensing operation, moving the holder away from the first support may provide the dispensed confection with an aesthetically pleasing shape.

Further, the actuation arrangement may be configured to move the holder towards and then away from the container after movement of the plunger in a dispensing direction has ceased, in order to help break off any frozen or semi-frozen confection in the holder from frozen or semi-frozen confection that is still attached to or contained within the container.

The actuation arrangement may be configured for moving the second support along a substantially vertically aligned linear axis in use.

Advantageously, such a configuration of the actuation arrangement may allow the dispensed frozen or semi-frozen confection, which may travel vertically downwards under gravity, to be received in the holder irrespective of the position of the second support along the substantially vertically aligned axis. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of dispensing a frozen or semifrozen confection from a container. The method comprises the steps of: placing a container of frozen or semi-frozen confection to be dispensed on a first support; placing a holder for holding a frozen or semi-frozen confection on a second support, the second support located below and spaced from the first support in a first position; moving the second support towards the first support to a second position via an actuation arrangement; reducing an internal volume of the container in order to discharge frozen or semifrozen confection from the container in a dispensing operation when the holder is in the second position, the holder thereby receiving discharged frozen or semi-frozen confection from the container; and moving the second support away from the second position and away from the first support via the actuation arrangement during the dispensing operation, whilst frozen or semi-frozen confection is being discharged from the container.

Advantageously, moving the second support away from the first support during the dispensing operation may prevent frozen or semi-frozen confection dispensed into the holder from contacting the dispensing apparatus during a dispensing operation. Moreover, as the volume of dispensed frozen or semi-frozen confection in the holder increases during the dispensing operation, moving the holder away from the first support may provide the dispensed confection with an aesthetically pleasing shape.

The method may further comprise the steps of: ceasing discharging frozen or semi-frozen confection from the container; and subsequently moving the second support towards and then away from the first support via the actuation arrangement.

The actuation arrangement may be configured to move the second support along a substantially vertically aligned axis in use.

Advantageously, moving the second support towards and then away from the first support may break off any frozen or semi-frozen confection in the holder from frozen or semifrozen confection that is still attached to or contained within the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are now disclosed by way of example only with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side section view of a dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment during a step of a dispensing operation;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of a container according to the embodiment;

Figure 3 is a magnified view of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1, showing the container and a first support according to the embodiment;

Figure 4 is an isometric view of a number of isolated components of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 during a step of a dispensing operation;

Figure 5 is a magnified view of the dispensing apparatus illustrated in Figure 1, showing an overload detection mechanism according to the embodiment;

Figure 6 is a magnified view of the isolated components illustrated in Figure 6, showing a plunger according to the embodiment;

Figure 7 is a front section view of the dispensing apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 during a step of a dispensing operation;

Figure 8 is a front section view of the dispensing apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 during a step of a dispensing operation;

Figure 9 is a side section view of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 during a step of a dispensing operation;

Figure 10 is an isometric view of the isolated components illustrated in Figure 4 during a step of a dispensing operation;

Figure 11 is a side section view of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 during a step of a dispensing operation;

Figure 12 is a side section view of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 during a step of a dispensing operation;

Figure 13 is a side section view of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 during a step of a dispensing operation;

Figure 14 is an isometric view of the isolated components illustrated in Figure 4 during a step of a dispensing operation;

Figure 15 is an isometric view of the isolated components illustrated in Figure 4 during a step of a dispensing operation;

Figure 16 is an isometric view of the isolated components illustrated in Figure 4 during a step of a dispensing operation; and Figure 17 is an isometric view of the isolated components illustrated in Figure 4 during a step of a dispensing operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Figures 1 to 17 illustrate a dispensing apparatus 100 for dispensing a food product, such as a frozen or semi-frozen confection (e.g. ice cream, sorbet or frozen yogurt). The food product is dispensed from a container 102 supported by a support or seat 112.

As will be apparent from the following description, the general purpose of the dispensing apparatus 100 is to: i) dispense food product from the container 102 when supported by the seat 112 (a dispensing operation); and ii) after the dispensing operation, automatically remove the container 102 from the seat 112 (a removal operation).

With reference to Figure 1, the dispensing apparatus 100 includes a housing 104. A movable element in the form of a plunger 108 is mounted within the housing 104 and is provided for extruding food product from the container 102. More particularly, during a dispensing operation, the plunger 108 moves to cooperate with the container 102 supported on the seat 112, in order to reduce an internal volume of the container, thereby causing food product to extrude from an outlet in a lower end of the container 102.

The housing 104 includes a front face 104a, a rear face 104b, and two opposing side faces 104c (see Figures 7 and 8) extending between the front face 104a and the rear face 104b. The seat 112 is located adjacent the front face 104a of the housing 104.

An example of a container 102 for use with the dispensing apparatus 100 is shown in greater detail in Figure 2.

The container 102 has a body 205 formed from an upper part 208 and a lower part 210, both formed from a plastics material.

The upper part 208 has a central section 212 with an upper surface 214. The upper part 208 also has a rim 226 located annular to and radially outboard of the central section 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the rim 226 is configured for locating the container 102 on the seat 112. The rim 226 is connected to the central section 212 via a convolution portion visible at 215. The upper part 208 is configured so that, in use, the central section 212 is intended to be deformed inwardly, so that the upper surface 214 pushes through the annulus defined by the rim 226, so as to extend into the lower part 210 via flexing of the convolution portion 215. Such operation is known from WO96/01224, for example. The lower part 210 has an external profile configured to nest in the seat 112, and includes a flange 219, an annular shoulder 220 and a flat base 218 at its lowest point. The base 218 is circular in plan view and has a central outlet 224 (see Figure 3).

In exemplary embodiments, the outlet 224 is star-shaped. When the body 205 contains a frozen or semi-frozen confection, the star-shaped outlet 224 ensures that the confection has a star-shaped profile as it is extruded through the outlet 224, which makes the extruded confection more aesthetically pleasing to a consumer. However, it will be appreciated that the outlet 224 may have any suitable shape, for example of circular or any polygonal shape.

In Figure 2, the body 205 does not contain any food product to be dispensed. Typically, the body 205 is filled with food product by introducing the food product into the lower part 210 of the body 205 via opening 222. The upper part 208 is then fitted into the lower part 210, so that the convolution portion 215 of the upper part 208 is received in the opening 222 of the lower part 210. The upper and lower parts 208, 210 are held together, e.g. via in interference fit or a clip or snap-fit between adjacent surfaces of the upper and lower parts 208, 210 (such as between the rim 216 and the flange 219).

With reference to Figure 3, the seat 112 for supporting the container 102 includes a plurality of support surfaces arranged to support the container 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the support surfaces include an annular platform 141, an annular wall 142 and a base support 143.

When the container 102 is received on the seat 112, the annular platform 141 is arranged to support the annular shoulder 220 of the container 102, the annular wall 142 is arranged to abut against the flange 219 of the container 102, and the base support 143 is arranged to abut against at least a portion of the base 218 of the container 102.

The seat 112 includes a hole 144 to allow food product dispensed from the container 102 to pass through the seat 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the hole 144 is provided in the base support 143.

When the container 102 is received on the seat 112, the hole 144 is arranged to be adjacent the outlet 224 in the container 102. The size of the hole 144 is greater than the size of the outlet 224, such that food product passing through the outlet 224 will not contact the seat 112.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the seat 112 may have less or more support surfaces arranged to support the container 102. For example, the seat 112 may have only a single support surface such as the annular platform 141, the annular wall 142 or the base support 143.

With reference to Figures 1 and 4, the dispensing apparatus 100 includes an actuation system 105 for controlling movement of the plunger 108 in a dispensing operation and in a removal operation. The actuation system 105 includes a first actuation arrangement 106 and a second actuation arrangement 110. In the illustrated embodiment, movement of the plunger 108 is automatically controlled via the actuation system 105.

The plunger 108 is moved by the first actuation arrangementl06, in order to apply a load to the container 102, e.g. by pressing down on the central section 212. The first actuation arrangement 106 includes a first linear actuator 124 and a first shaft 120 which extends along a first longitudinal axis 122 (represented as a dashed line in the Figures).

The first actuation arrangement 106 is pivotally mounted to a first wall 116 of the housing 104 via a first mounting arrangement 118. As such, the first actuation arrangement 106 is capable of pivoting relative to the housing 104 about the first mounting arrangement 118. The first longitudinal axis 122 passes through a centre of the first shaft 120 as well as passing through the first mounting arrangement 118.

The first linear actuator 124 is operable to reciprocate the first shaft 120 along the first longitudinal axis 122, i.e. in a direction towards or away from the first mounting arrangement 118.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first linear actuator 124 includes an electric motor 125 and a coupling (not shown) which is arranged to convert rotary motion of the electric motor 125 into linear motion of the first shaft 120. The coupling includes a screw which is rotated by the electric motor 125 and a nut which is secured to the first shaft 120. The screw is received within the nut. The first shaft 120 is prevented from rotating with respect to the housing 104, such that rotary motion of the screw results in the nut, and therefore the first shaft 120, moving linearly along the first longitudinal axis 122 towards or away from the first mounting arrangement 118.

The plunger 108 is secured to a distal end of the first shaft 120, i.e. the plunger is secured to a free end of the first shaft 120 which is furthest from the first mounting arrangement 118. As such, the first actuation arrangement 106 is operable to move the plunger 108 reciprocally along the longitudinal axis 122, i.e. in a direction towards or away from the first mounting arrangement 118. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the screw may be secured to first shaft 120, and the nut may be rotated by the electric motor 125. Alternatively, the first linear actuator 124 may be a pneumatic or hydraulic type actuator.

The second actuation arrangementllO is operable to pivot the first longitudinal axis 122 of the first actuation arrangement 106 about the first mounting arrangement 118 relative to the housing 104; i.e. the second actuation arrangement is operable to pivot the plunger 108 about the first mounting arrangement 118 relative to the housing 104.

A first end 110a of the second actuation arrangement 110 is pivotally mounted to a second wall 126 of the housing 104 via a second mounting arrangement 134. As such, the second actuation arrangement 110 is capable of pivoting relative to the housing 104 about the second mounting arrangement 134.

A second end 110b of the second actuation arrangementllO is pivotally attached to the first actuation arrangement 106 at a point along the first longitudinal axis 122 which is spaced from the first mounting arrangement 118.

The second actuation arrangement 110 includes a second linear actuator 128 and a second shaft 130 which extends along a second longitudinal axis 132 (represented as a dot-dash line in the figures). The second longitudinal axis 132 passes through a centre of the second shaft 130 as well as passing through the second mounting arrangement 134.

The second linear actuator 128 is operable to reciprocate the second shaft 130 along the second longitudinal axis 132, i.e. in a direction towards or away from the second mounting arrangement 134.

In the illustrated embodiment, a distal end of the second shaft 130, i.e. an end of the second shaft 130 which is furthest from the second mounting arrangement 134 corresponding to the second end 110b of the second actuation arrangementllO, is pivotally attached to the first actuation arrangement 106. In particular, the distal end of the second shaft 130 is pivotally attached to a sleeve 136 of the first actuation arrangement 106 which is arranged to receive the first shaft 120. The first linear actuator 124 is operable to move the first shaft 120 relative to the sleeve 136.

A proximal end of the second linear actuator 128, i.e. an end of the second linear actuator 128 which is furthest from the distal end of the second shaft 130 corresponding to the first end 110a of the second actuation arrangementllO, is pivotally attached to the second wall 126 of the housing 104 via the second mounting arrangement 134. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the second shaft 130 may be pivotally mounted to the housing 104 and the second linear actuator 128 may be pivotally attached to the first actuation arrangement 106.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second linear actuator 128 includes an electric motor 138 and a coupling (not shown) which is arranged to convert rotary motion of the electric motor 138 into linear motion of the second shaft 130. The coupling includes a screw which is rotated by the electric motor 138 and a nut which is secured to the second shaft 130. The screw is received within the nut. The second shaft 130 is prevented from rotating with respect to the housing 104, such that rotary motion of the screw results in the nut, and therefore the second shaft 130, moving linearly along the second longitudinal axis 132 towards or away from the second mounting arrangement 134.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the screw may be secured to the second shaft 130, and the nut may be rotated by the electric motor 138. Alternatively, the second linear actuator 128 may be a pneumatic or hydraulic type actuator.

The second actuation arrangement 110 is operable to pivot the first longitudinal axis 122 of the first actuation arrangement 106 via movement of the second shaft 130 along the second longitudinal axis 132 towards or away from the second mounting arrangement 134, said movement effected by the second linear actuator 128.

In Figures 1 and 4, the plunger 108 is in a first orientation, in which the first longitudinal axis 122 is substantially vertically aligned. When the plunger 108 is in the first orientation, the first longitudinal axis 122 is coincident with a dispensing axis 123. During a dispensing operation, the first actuation arrangement 106 is configured for moving the plunger 108 along the dispensing axis 123 into contact with the container 102 in order to deform the container, and thereby reduce an internal volume of the container 102.

In a removal operation, the second linear actuator 128 moves the second shaft 130 along the second longitudinal axis 132 towards the second mounting arrangement 134. As the second shaft 130 moves towards the second mounting arrangement 134, the plunger 108 is moved along a removal axis 129 (represented by a dot-dot-dash line in Figure 4) in a removal direction 109 (represented by an arrow in Figure 4), which is generally towards the second mounting arrangement 134, due to the pivotal connection between the first actuation arrangement 106 and the second actuation arrangement 110. This results in the plunger 108 pivoting to a second orientation, in which the first longitudinal axis 122 is obliquely aligned relative to a vertical and a horizontal orientation. As such, the second actuation arrangement 110 is configured for pivoting the plunger 108 from the first orientation of the plunger 108 to the second orientation of the plunger 108. In the first orientation of the plunger 108, the plunger 108 is moveable along the dispensing axis 123.

During a removal operation, the second actuation arrangement 110 is configured for moving the plunger 108 along the removal axis 129 in the removal direction 109, which is away from the dispensing axis 123, to aid in removing the container 102 from the seat 112, as will be discussed in more detail below.

It should be noted that, as the plunger 108 moves along the removal axis 129 in the removal direction 109, the plunger 108 moves away from the front face 104a of the housing 104 and towards the rear face 104b of the housing 104.

In exemplary embodiments, the dispensing apparatus 100 includes a user interface on the front face 104a of the housing 104. As such, a user will typically interact with the dispenser apparatus 100 when the user is adjacent the front face 104a. For example, the user may initiate a dispensing operation via one or more control input members on or proximate the front face 104a. As such, by controlling movement of the plunger 108 in a direction away from the front face 104a of the housing 104, the plunger 108 may be moved away from a user of the apparatus 100 when removing a container 102 from the seating 112.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger 108 is not moveable in transverse directions from one of the side faces 104c of the housing 104 towards the other of the side faces 104c of the housing. As such, the front face 104a and the rear face 104b of the housing 104 can be narrower (i.e. have a smaller width) relative to the side faces 104c of the housing 104. This is clear when comparing Figures 1 and 7. Advantageously, this provides the housing 104 with a relatively narrow front profile, which can be desirable for locating the apparatus 100 on a work surface in a retail environment.

The seat 112 is movable with respect to the housing 104 along the direction 146 (represented as a dashed line with arrows in Figures 1 and 3). The dispensing apparatus 100 includes a sliding arrangement 148 (see Figure 4) that allows the seat 112 to reciprocally move along the direction 146 from an open position to a closed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding arrangement 148 is in the form of a drawer which can be manually slid along the direction 146 relative to the housing 104. The seat 112 is located with said drawer.

In the open position (not shown), the seat 112 is offset from the dispensing axis 123. In particular, the seat 112 extends away from the front face 104a of the housing 104 such that the aperture 140 in the seat 112 is accessible from outside of the housing 104 to enable the container 102 to be inserted into the seat 112 by a user outside of the housing 104, who is adjacent the front face 104a of the housing 104.

It will be appreciated that the seat 112 and the housing 104 are configured to enable the container 102 to be placed on the seat 112 from outside of the housing 104 when the seat 112 is in the open position.

In the closed position, the aperture 140 is located inside the housing 104 such that the aperture 140 is axially aligned with the dispensing axis 123, as shown in Figures 1 and 4. As such, when the seat 112 is in the closed position, the container 102 supported on the seat 112 may be engaged by the plunger 108 when the plunger is in the first orientation.

In the closed position, the seat 112 and the housing 104 are configured for preventing access from outside of the housing 104 to the container 102 supported by the seat 112.

In the illustrated embodiment, with the seat 112 in the closed position, the combination of the housing 104 and the seat 112 provides a casing, within which the container 102 supported by the seat 112 is enclosed. Access to the container 102 from outside of the housing 104 is prevented by said casing.

With reference to Figures 1 and 4, the dispensing apparatus 100 includes a stop 114, which is mounted within the housing 104 to the first wall 116 of the housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 114 has an open channel profile in cross-section.

As best shown in Figure 4, the stop 114 has a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped profile, and includes an abutment plate 152 defining a recess 150. The abutment plate 152 is substantially planar and is orientated at an oblique angle relative to a vertical and a horizontal orientation.

As will be discussed more in the following, the recess 150 is arranged and configured to allow the plunger 108 to extend through or into the recess 150 during a removal operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 150 is defined by a substantially C-shaped or U- shaped edge of the abutment plate 152. The recess 150 has a maximum width 186 (represented as a dashed line with two arrows in Figure 4) in a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 122. The recess 150 has a curved region 188 with a radius of curvature R.

The stop 114 is arranged to receive the plunger 108 when the plunger 108 is in the second orientation; i.e. the plunger 108 extends through or into the recess 150 when the plunger 108 is in the second orientation. In a removal operation, the dispensing apparatus 100 is configured for moving the plunger 108 via the actuation system 105 in the removal direction 109 away from the dispensing axis 123 until the plunger 108 extends through or into the recess 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the second actuation arrangement 110 is configured for moving the plunger 108 away from the dispensing axis 123 in the removal direction 109 until the plunger 108 extends through or into the recess 150.

The abutment plate 152 is orientated such that it is substantially normal to the first longitudinal axis 122 when the plunger 108 is in the second orientation. The recess 150 is sized and arranged such that the plunger 108 can be received within the recess 150 when the plunger 108 is in the second orientation; i.e. the plunger 108 can extend through or into the recess 150 when the plunger 108 is in the second orientation. As will be discussed more below, in a displacement operation, the dispensing apparatus 100 is configured for moving the plunger 108 via the actuation system 105 such that the plunger 108 is caused to bring the container 102 into contact with the stop 114 in order to displace the container 102 from the plunger 108.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 114 aids in detaching the container 102 from the plunger 108 during a displacement operation when the plunger 108 is in the second orientation and the plunger 108 is moved via the first actuation arrangement 106 relative to the recess 150 in a displacement direction towards the first mounting arrangement 118. It will be appreciated that the displacement direction is distinct from the removal direction. As the plunger 108 moves relative to the recess 150 in the displacement direction, the rim 226 of the container 102 contacts the abutment plate 152 and is thus displaced from the plunger 108. As such, the first actuation arrangement 106 is configured for moving the plunger 108 relative to the recess 150 in the displacement direction.

Advantageously, the provision of two actuator arrangements 106, 110 avoids reliance on a single mechanism for carrying out dispensing, removal and displacement operations. Moreover, it allows for greater flexibility of movement of the plunger 108, enabling the container 102 to be moved via the plunger 108 to a greater variety of locations for disposal.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the stop may have any suitable open channel profile in cross-section. Alternatively, the stop may not have an open channel profile in cross-section and may instead have any suitable shape.

With reference to Figures 1 and 4, the dispensing apparatus 100 includes a receptacle 168 for receiving one or more containers 102 after their removal from the seat 112 via the plunger 108. The receptacle 168 is located below the stop 114; i.e. at least a portion of the receptacle 168 is located below the stop 114.

The receptacle 168 is located within the housing 104 of the dispensing apparatus 100. The housing 104 is configured to allow access to the receptacle 168 for emptying of the receptacle 168.

The receptacle 168 includes a body 172 for containing one or more containers 102. The body 172 includes a base 176 located at a lower extent of the receptacle 168. The body 172 defines a mouth 170 located at an upper extent of the receptacle 168. The mouth 170 is positioned below the stop 114 and is arranged to receive one or more containers 102 therethrough as they travel from the stop 114 and pass into the body 172 (as discussed more below).

The dispensing apparatus 100 includes a fill sensor arrangement, which is configured to determine a fill state of the receptacle 168. The fill sensor arrangement is configured to provide an output when a predetermined fill state of the receptacle 168 has been reached.

The fill state is an indication of the capacity of the receptacle 168 which is filled with containers 102, and/or the capacity of the receptacle 168 which is empty. The fill sensor arrangement communicates the fill state to a controller 166.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fill sensor arrangement includes a level sensor 174, which is configured to detect when the collective height of the one or more containers 102 contained within the receptacle 168 relative to the base 176 exceeds a predetermined height. The level sensor 174 includes one or more horizontally aligned infrared beams, which extend between opposing walls of the body 172. The one or more beams are spaced from the base 176 by the predetermined height. When the collective height of the one or more containers 102 contained within the receptacle 168 exceeds the predetermined height, at least one of the containers 102 interrupts the path of at least one of the beams, which is detected by the level sensor 174. The level sensor 174 communicates this information to the controller 166, which may provide an audible or visual alert indicating that the receptacle 168 needs to be emptied.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the fill sensor may additionally or alternatively include a weighing apparatus, such as a load cell, which is configured to detect the weight of the contents of the receptacle 168 (e.g. one or more containers 102 contained within the receptacle 168). The weighing apparatus may communicate with the controller 166 when the weight of the contents of the receptacle exceeds a predetermined weight. The controller 166 may then provide an audible or visual alert indicating that the receptacle 168 needs to be emptied.

The dispensing apparatus 100 includes an agitation mechanism 178 for disturbing the one or more containers 102 contained within the receptacle 168, in order to evenly distribute them within the receptacle 168.

In the illustrated embodiment, the agitation mechanism 178 is in the form of a vibrator plate located below the base 176 of the receptacle 168. When the agitation mechanism 178 is activated, the plate vibrates causing the receptacle 168 and the containers 102 contained within the receptacle 168 to vibrate also. When the agitation mechanism 178 is deactivated, the plate stops vibrating.

The agitation mechanism 178 may be activated and deactivated by the controller 166 and/or via the manual pressing of a button or switch.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the agitation mechanism 178 may additionally or alternatively include a linear actuator extending between and secured to the body 172 of the receptacle 168 and the housing 104. The linear actuator may be configured to shake the receptacle 168 by extending and retracting at a given frequency.

With reference to Figure 5, the first actuation arrangement 106 includes an overload detection mechanism 180. The overload detection mechanism 180 is configured to provide an output when a load applied to the plunger 108 is greater than or equal to a predetermined load. The overload detection mechanism 180 is in communication with the controller 166, such that the controller 166 receives information relating to whether a load applied to the plunger 108 is greater than the predetermined load.

In the illustrated embodiment, the overload detection mechanism 180 includes a switch 182 and a stack of disc springs 184.

The disc springs 184 are interposed between the first linear actuator 124 and the first mounting arrangement 118, and are configured to provide a reaction force to a load applied to the plunger 108 along the first longitudinal axis 122 in a direction towards the first mounting arrangement 118.

The first actuation arrangement 106 includes a boss 190 secured to the first linear actuator 124. The boss 190 extends from the first linear actuator 124 towards the first mounting arrangement 118 along the first longitudinal axis 122. The boss 190 is received within a recess 194, which has a corresponding profile to the boss 190 and which is axially aligned with the first longitudinal axis 122. The recess 194 is defined by a member 192 which is secured to the first mounting arrangement 118. The boss 190 and the recess 194 are sized such that the boss 190 can translate relative to the member 192 along the first longitudinal axis 122.

In the illustrated embodiment, both the boss 190 and the recess 194 have circular profiles, i.e. they are both cylindrical. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the boss 190 and the recess 194 may have any suitably shaped profiles which correspond to one another.

The disc springs 184 are annular and are received on the boss 190, such that the disc springs 184 are interposed between the member 192 and an annular surface 198 surrounding the boss 190.

The switch 182 is secured to the first mounting arrangement 118 and is spaced from an engagement surface 196 of the boss 190 by a distance D when no load is applied to the plunger 108. The engagement surface 196 is substantially flat.

The disc springs 184 are configured to compress when a load is applied to the plunger 108 along the first longitudinal axis 122 in a direction towards the first mounting arrangement 118. This results in the distance between the engagement surface 196 and the switch 182 reducing such that said distance is less than the distance D.

When the load applied to the plunger 108 along the first longitudinal axis 122 in a direction towards the first mounting arrangement 118 exceeds a predetermined value, the disc springs 184 compress to such a degree that the engagement surface 196 engages the switch 182.

Once the engagement surface 196 engages the switch 182, the switch changes state from a first state to a second state. In the first state, no overloading of the first actuation arrangement 106 is detected, and this information is communicated to the controller 166. In the second state, overloading of the first actuation arrangement 106 is detected, and this information is communicated to the controller 166.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the stack of disc springs may be replaced with one or more alternative resilient members; for example, a helical spring.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the overload detection mechanism 180 may include a detection apparatus for detecting the power used by the electrical motor 125 as a measure of the resistance to movement of the plunger 108. The detection apparatus may include an ammeter and a voltmeter arranged to detect the current and the voltage respectively of the electric motor 125. The detection apparatus may be in communication with the controller 166. The detection apparatus may send a signal to the controller 166 when the power consumed by the electric motor 125 exceeds a predetermined value. The first actuation arrangement 106 is configured such that a maximum and/or average speed of movement of the plunger 108 along the first longitudinal axis 122 can be varied. The first actuation arrangement 106 is further configured such that a load applied by the plunger 108 to the container 102 can be varied during a dispensing operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 166 determines the maximum and/or average speed of movement of the plunger 108 and the application load of the plunger 108, and communicates this information to the first actuation arrangement 106.

Advantageously, configuring the first actuation arrangement 106 such that the maximum speed of movement and the application load of the plunger 108 is variable, allows a dispensing operation to be more efficiently implemented. This is because some steps of the dispensing operation may require slow movement and/or a small application load of the plunger 108, whilst other steps of the dispensing operation may not require slow movement and/or a small application load of the plunger 108. Moreover, some steps of the removal operation may not require slow movement. Hence, the dispensing and removal operations may be more efficiently implemented if the maximum and/or average speed and/or application load of the plunger 108 in some steps can be increased relative to the other steps.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the first actuation arrangement 106 may be configured such that only the maximum and/or average speed of movement of the plunger 108 along the first longitudinal axis 122 can be varied, or only a load applied by the plunger 108 to the container 102 can be varied.

With reference to Figure 6, the plunger 108 includes a pressing surface 158, a generally cylindrical surface 156 and an engaging arrangement in the form of a radially projecting member 154.

The pressing surface 158 is substantially flat and substantially normal to the first longitudinal axis 122. The pressing surface 158 is configured to press against the central section 212 of the container 102 when the plunger 108 is in the first orientation and the first actuation arrangement 106 moves the plunger 108 along the dispensing axis 123 towards the seat 112.

The engaging arrangement is configured to engage the container 102 in order to releasably secure the container 102 to the plunger 108, such that the container 102 can be removed from the seat 112 during a removal operation. The radially projecting member 154 extends from the cylindrical surface 156 in a radial direction relative to the first longitudinal axis 122. The radially projecting member 154 is annular, and extends around an entire circumference of the cylindrical surface 156.

In the illustrated embodiment, the radially projecting member 154 is in the form of an annular lip or barb, including a first annular surface 160 and a second annular surface 162. The first annular surface 160 is substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical surface 156. The second annular surface 162 lies at an oblique angle relative to the cylindrical surface 156, and joins the first annular surface 160 to the cylindrical surface 156 in tapering fashion.

The radially projecting member 154 is configured to engage a wall of the container 102 via an interference fit or positive engagement, such that the container 102 is attached to the plunger 108. The container 102 is sized accordingly to achieve this.

In the illustrated embodiment, the radially projecting member 154 is configured for engaging a peripheral wall of the container 102. In particular, the radially projecting member 154 is configured for engaging the central section 212 of the container 102 after it has been deformed inwardly against the lower part 210 of the container 102 in a dispensing operation such that it forms a peripheral wall of the container 102.

In the illustrated embodiment, the radially projecting member 154 is formed from a resilient material, such as rubber, and is fixed relative to the remainder of the plunger 108.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the radially projecting member 154 may be movable in a radial direction relative to the cylindrical surface 156 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the radially projecting member 154 is disengaged from the peripheral wall of the container 102; i.e. the radially projecting member 154 does not contact or does not make sufficient contact with the peripheral wall of the container 102 to attach the container 102 to the plunger 108. In the second position, the radially projecting member 154 is engaged with the peripheral wall of the container 102. To achieve this, the radially projecting member 154 may be formed from a resilient material, such as rubber, which can be expanded and contracted hydraulically or pneumatically to move the radially projecting member 154 between the first and the second positions.

With reference to Figure 6, the dispensing apparatus 100 includes an engagement detector 163 for determining when the plunger 108 is engaged with the container 102. The engagement detector 163 is configured for providing an output when the engagement detector 163 determines that the plunger 108 is engaged with the container 102.

In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement detector 163 includes a switch 164 mounted to the plunger 108, which can be in an open state or in a closed state. The switch 164 is configured to be in the open state when the plunger 108 is not engaged with the container 102, and to be in the closed state when the plunger 108 is engaged with the container 102.

The switch 164 is in communication with the controller 166, such that the controller 166 receives information relating to whether the switch 164 is in an open state or in a closed state. As such, the controller 166 is able to receive information regarding whether or not the container 102 is attached to the plunger 108, and/or whether or not the container 102 is present in or on the seat 112.

In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 164 is moved from the closed state to the open state by a resilient member which is configured to be compressed when the plunger 108 is engaged with the container 102 and expanded when the plunger 108 is not engaged with the container 102. The resilient member corresponds to the radially projecting member 154. The switch 164 is covered by the radially projecting member and is thus located internally within the plunger 108. The switch 164 is shown in phantom in Figure 6.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the resilient member may be located separately to the radially projecting member 154. In such embodiments, the resilient member may be positioned on the cylindrical surface 156 at a position spaced from the radially projecting member 154; for example, said position may be between the radially projecting member 154 and the pressing surface 158.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the switch 164 may be located externally on the pressing surface 158. Alternatively, the resilient member may be located externally on the pressing surface 158 and the switch 164 may be located underneath the pressing surface 158.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the engagement detector 163 may additionally or alternatively include one or more alternative means for determining when the plunger 108 is engaged with the container 102. For example, such means could include an optical sensor and/or a strain gauge.

With reference to Figures 1, 7 and 8, the dispensing apparatus 100 includes a third actuation arrangement 304 and a second support 300 for supporting a food product holder 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder 302 is a cup that is suitable for holding a frozen or semi-frozen confection.

The holder 302 includes a body 316 defining a mouth 314 located at an upper extent of the body 316. The mouth 314 is arranged to receive a food product such as a frozen or semi-frozen confection.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the holder 302 may be a cone; for example, an ice cream cone.

The second support 300 is located below the seat 112 such that the second support 300 is intersected by the dispensing axis 123. When the plunger 108 is in the first orientation, the first longitudinal axis 122 is aligned with the dispensing axis 123. Therefore, the first longitudinal axis 122 passes through the seat 112 and the second support 300. When the first actuation arrangement 106 moves the plunger 108 along the dispensing axis 123 towards the seat 112 to apply a load to the container 102 supported in the seat 112, food product discharged from the outlet 224 in the container 102 is received and held within in the holder 302.

The third actuation arrangement 304 is operable to move the second support 300 towards or away from the seat 112. The third actuation arrangement 304 includes a third linear actuator 306, a third shaft 308 and a member 310.

The third linear actuator 306 is mounted to the housing 104, and is operable to move the third shaft 308 along a third longitudinal axis 312 (represented as a dashed line in Figure 7). The third longitudinal axis 312 is parallel to and spaced from the dispensing axis 123.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third linear actuator 306 includes an electric motor (not shown) and a coupling (not shown) which is arranged to convert rotary motion of the electric motor into linear motion of the third shaft 308. The coupling includes a screw which is rotated by the electric motor and a nut which is secured to the third shaft 308. The screw is received within the nut. The third shaft 308 is prevented from rotating with respect to the housing 104, such that rotary motion of the screw results in the nut, and therefore the third shaft 308, moving linearly along the third longitudinal axis 312 towards or away from the third linear actuator 306.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the third linear actuator 306 may be a hydraulic or pneumatic type actuator.

A first end 310a of the member 310 is secured to a distal end of the third shaft 308; i.e. the first end 310a is secured to an end of the third shaft 308 which is furthest from the third linear actuator 306. A second end 310b of the member 310 is secured to the second support 300.

In the illustrated embodiment, the member 310 is substantially L-shaped, and includes a first member portion 310c which is substantially perpendicular to a second member portion 310d. The first member portion 310c is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 122. The second member portion 310d is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis 122.

The second support 300 is secured to the first member portion 310c. The first member portion 310c and the second member portion 310d are arranged such that the second support 300 is located below the seat 112.

The third actuation arrangement 304 is operable to move the second support 300 along the dispensing axis 123. Since in the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing axis 123 is substantially vertically aligned, the third actuation arrangement 304 is operable to move the second support 300 along a substantially vertically aligned axis.

The third actuation arrangement 304 is operable to move the second support 300 between a first support position and a second support position. As shown in Figure 7, in the first support position, the second support 300 is located a first distance from the seat 112. As shown in Figure 8, in the second support position, the second support 300 is located a second distance from the seat 112, where the first distance is greater than the second distance.

In the following, a method of dispensing a food product 318, such as a frozen or semifrozen confection, from the container 102 will be described.

With reference to Figures 1 and 7, the container 102, which contains the food product 318 to be dispensed, is placed in or on the seat 112. This is achieved by moving the seat 112 to the open position via the sliding arrangement 148, and then inserting the container 102 in or on the seat 112. Subsequently, the seat 112 is moved to the closed position shown in Figure 1 via the sliding arrangement 148.

The second support 300 is moved to the first support position shown in Figure 1 and 7, via the third actuation arrangement 304. In the first support position, the second support 300 is sufficiently spaced from the seat 112 to allow the product holder 302 to be placed on or in the second support 300. Subsequently, the holder 302 is placed on or in the second support 300. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the second support 300, and therefore the holder 302, is moved towards the seat 112 to the second support position via the third actuation arrangement 304. In the second support position, illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the second support 300 is spaced from the seat 112 such that the mouth 314 of the holder 302 is proximate to the second support 300. The outlet 224 of the container 102 is located directly above a central region of the mouth 314 of the holder 302.

The plunger 108 is moved to the first orientation via the second actuation arrangement 110. As such, the first longitudinal axis 122 is aligned with the dispensing axis 123, which passes through a central region of the upper surface 214 of the container 102, a central region of the seat 112, a central region of the holder 302 and a central region of the second support 300.

With reference to Figures 10 and 11, in a dispensing operation, the plunger 108 is moved along the dispensing axis 123 towards the seat 112 via the first actuation arrangement 106 to apply a load to the container 102. As the plunger 108 travels towards the seat 112, the plunger 108 pushes against the upper surface 214 of the central section 212, causing it to move inwardly, thereby reducing the internal volume of the body 205 of the container 102 and thus increasing the pressure of the food product 318 contained within the body 205. This action causes the food product 318 contained within the body 205 to discharge from the outlet 224 of the container 102 via extrusion.

As the plunger 108 pushes the upper surface 214 of the central section 212 towards the base 218 of the container 102, the radially projecting member 154 of the plunger 108 engages the central section 212 of the container 102 as it is deformed inwardly against the lower part 210 of the container 102. The radially projecting member 154 engages the container 102 via an interference fit or positive engagement, such that the container 102 is attached to the plunger 108.

As the plunger 108 engages the container 102, the engagement detector 163 provides an output, which is communicated to the controller 166. As such, the controller 166 determines that the container 102 is present in the seat 112, and allows the plunger 108 to continue moving towards the seat 112 to discharge food product 318 from the container 102.

If the container 102 is not present in the seat 112, the engagement detector 163 will not provide an output to the controller 166. If the engagement detector 163 has not provided an output once the plunger 108 has moved a predetermined distance along the dispensing axis 123 away from the first mounting arrangement 118, the controller 166 will determine that the container 102 is not present in the seat 112, and stop the plunger 108 from moving further towards the seat 112 via the first actuation arrangement 106. Subsequently, the first actuation arrangement 106 may move the plunger 108 away from the seat 112. The controller 166 may provide an audible or visible alert to indicate to a user that the container 102 is not present in the seat 112.

The food product 318 discharged from the container 102 is received through the mouth 314 of the holder 302 into the body 316 of the holder. The discharged food product 318 travels from the container 102 to the holder 302 under the forces of gravity and the dispensing pressure.

Immediately prior to, at the same time as, or immediately after the food product 318 begins dispensing from the container 102 due to the load applied to the container 102 by the plunger 108, the second support 300, and therefore the holder 302, is moved away from the seat 112 via the third actuation arrangement 304 along the dispensing axis 123. As such, the second support 300, and therefore the holder 302, is moved away from the seat 112 whilst the food product 318 is being discharged from the container 102.

Subsequently, the discharging of the food product 318 from the container 102 is ceased. This may be due to the container 102 having discharged all of the food product 318 it had initially contained. Additionally or alternatively, this may be due to the plunger 108 having ceased applying a load to the container 102 due to deactivation of the first actuation arrangement 106.

With reference to Figure 12, once discharging of the food product 318 from the container 102 has ceased, the third actuation arrangement 304 moves the second support 300 towards the seat 112 along the dispensing axis 123 and then away from the seat 112 along the dispensing axis.

It has been found that the action of moving the second support 300 towards and then away from the seat 112 after discharging of the food product 318 from the container 102 has ceased, aids in breaking off the food product 318 held in the holder 302 from food product 318 that may be attached to the container 102, for example the outlet 224, or still contained within the container 102. This action is especially effective when the food product 318 is a frozen or semi-frozen confection.

With reference to Figure 13, the third actuation arrangement 304 then moves the second support 300, and therefore the holder 302, away from the seat 112 along the dispensing axis 123 to the first support position. This allows a user who is adjacent the front face 104a of the housing 104 to easily remove the holder 302 containing the dispensed food product 318 from the dispensing apparatus 100 without the dispensed food product 318 contacting the dispensing apparatus 100.

With reference to Figure 14, in a removal operation, the plunger 108 is moved via the first actuation arrangement 106 along the dispensing axis 123 in a direction towards the first mounting arrangement 118 to a predetermined distance away from the seat 112. Since the container 102 is attached to the plunger 108 due to the engagement between the radially projecting member 154 and the peripheral wall of the container 102, movement of the plunger 108 away from the seat 112 causes the container 102 to be removed from the seat 112.

Once the plunger 108 is spaced from the seat 112 by the predetermined distance, the first actuation arrangement 106 deactivates and the plunger 108 ceases to move along the dispensing axis 123. In Figure 14, the plunger 108 is spaced from the seat 112 by the predetermined distance.

The predetermined distance is chosen such that the base 218 of the container 102 is spaced from the seat 112.

With reference to Figures 15 and 16, the plunger 108 is moved along the removal axis 129 in the removal direction 109 away from the dispensing axis 123 to the second orientation via the second actuation arrangement 110. To achieve this, the second actuation arrangement 110 pivots the plunger 108 about the first mounting arrangement 118 relative to the housing 104, as previously described.

In the second orientation of the plunger 108 shown in Figure 16, the plunger 108 is received within the recess 150 of the stop 114 (i.e. the plunger 108 extends through or into the recess 150), and the abutment plate 152 is interposed between a portion of the container 102 and the first mounting arrangement 118.

The plunger 108 is sized such that the maximum width of the plunger 108 in a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 122 is less than the maximum width 186 of the recess 150. Further, the maximum radius of the plunger 108 is less than the radius of curvature R of the curved region 188 of the recess 150. As such, the plunger 108 cannot contact the abutment plate 152 when the plunger 108 is in the second orientation.

The abutment plate 152 is interposed between the rim 226 of the container 102 and the first mounting arrangement 118. To achieve this, the width/diameter of the rim 226 is greater than the maximum width 186 of the recess 150. Further, the maximum radius of the rim 226 is greater than the radius of curvature R of the curved region 188. With reference to Figure 17, in a displacement operation, with the plunger 108 in the second orientation, the first actuation arrangement 106 moves the plunger 108, and therefore the container 102, along the first longitudinal axis 122 relative to the stop 114 in the displacement direction towards the first mounting arrangement 118. It will be appreciated that the displacement direction is distinct from the removal direction 109. As the plunger 108 moves towards the first mounting arrangement 118, the rim 226 of the container 102 abuts against the abutment plate 152. The force applied to the plunger 108 by the first actuation arrangement 106 is greater than the frictional forces that result in the container 102 being attached to the plunger 108. As such, the container 102 is displaced from the plunger 108.

The displaced container 102 travels under the forces of gravity and the reaction force between the abutment plate 152 and the container 102 through the mouth 170 and into the body 172 of the receptacle 168.

Subsequently, the second actuation arrangement 110 may move the plunger 108 back to the first orientation, such that food product may be dispensed from a new container.

In the foregoing method, at the start of the removal operation, the container 102 is moved along the dispensing axis 123 away from the seat 112 via the plunger 108 until the plunger 108 is spaced from the seat 112 by the predetermined distance, as shown in Figure 14. This is necessary in the illustrated embodiment to ensure that the container 102 does not contact the seating when the plunger 108 is moved in the removal direction 109.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the seat 112 may be configured such that the container 102 can be removed from the seat 112 via the plunger 108, by moving the plunger 108 in the removal direction 109 away from the dispensing axis 123 without needing to first move the container 102 away from the seat 112 along the dispensing axis 123. For example, the seat 112 may have an open channel profile in cross-section in a similar fashion to the stop 114.

In the foregoing description, the plunger 108 includes an engaging arrangement in the form of a radially projecting member 154.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the engaging arrangement may include an actuated gripper mechanism. In a removal operation, the actuated gripper mechanism may be configured for gripping the container 102 in the seat 112 in order to attach the container 102 to the plunger 108. Once the plunger 108 has been moved to the second orientation, the actuated gripper mechanism may be configured for releasing the grip on the container 102, allowing the container 102 to be displaced from the plunger 108. As such, the dispensing apparatus 100 may not require the stop. The actuated gripper mechanism may be mounted to the plunger 108 or the first shaft 120. The actuated gripper mechanism may be configured for gripping an external portion of the container 102 (e.g. the rim 216) or an internal portion of the container 102 (e.g. the central section 212 of the container 102 after it has been deformed inwardly against the lower part 210 of the container 102 in a dispensing operation). The actuated gripper mechanism may include two or more moveable gripper arms configured for contacting the container 102.

In the foregoing description, the second actuation arrangement 110 includes the second linear actuator 128 and the second shaft 130.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the second actuation arrangement 110 may additionally or alternatively include a rotary actuator located at the first mounting arrangement 118, which is configured to pivot the plunger 108 about the first mounting arrangement 118 relative to the housing 104.

In the foregoing description, the dispensing apparatus 100 includes the stop 114 to aid in displacing the container 102 from the plunger 108 in a displacement operation.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the dispensing apparatus 100 may include an alternative means for displacing the container 102 from the plunger 108. For example, the plunger 108 may include an actuated ram, configured to extend from the pressing surface 158 against the container 102 when actuated in order to displace the container 102 from the plunger 108. The actuated ram may be hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically or electrically actuated.

In a further example, the plunger 108 may include an aperture in fluid communication with a valve and a supply of pressurised gas. The dispensing apparatus 100 may be configured to displace the container 102 from the plunger 108 by directing a jet of pressurised gas from the aperture in the plunger 108 towards the container 102.