CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/065,233, filed August 13, 2020. The entirety of the above referenced application is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention is directed to a dispenser system for a consumable product such as confections. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a confection dispenser system for dispensing different candies such as may be configured as individual pieces.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Confection products are known that have individual pieces with different fruit flavors. Such confection products are often sold in boxes and may have a dispenser for dispensing the individual confection pieces. For example, NERDS® brand candy is a coated small pellet type confection that comes in different flavors. However, such candies are generally sold and dispensed from a bag or a box having only a single flavor. The use of a reclosable box allows for the storage of the candies to be consumed at multiple different times. Moreover, such containers are portable and may easily fit into a pocket, and may be held in the hand of a consumer.

[0004] Although such dispensing systems have generally been successful, these systems are limited as they have a single compartment and are able to only store one type or flavor or a premixed blend of the confection without mixing all flavors together. If a consumer wants different types of candies, such as different flavors, it is necessary to purchase multiple different packages of each of the desired flavors and then to combine them manually by pouring different amounts from different packages into a mixture. If multiple flavors are all combined in one premixed package, or if a particular mixture of less than all of the flavors is desired or a particular ratio of flavors is desired, it is again necessary for a consumer to pour out all of the types of flavors from different packages and to individually select the desired flavors.

[0005] It can therefore be appreciated that a new system is needed that provides for storing and dispensing multiple types of consumable products in a single, portable container, such as a handheld container. Moreover, such a system should provide for selectively dispensing one or a combination of two types of the products at the same time. The dispenser should be easily configured to provide for dispensing only the desired types or flavors with a simple and easy activation. The present invention addresses these as well as other problems associated with dispensing small, different, edible products.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] An aspect of the present invention is directed to a portable confection dispenser system for dispensing different small articles. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a confection dispenser system for dispensing coated candy pieces. The confection dispenser system includes a housing having a plurality of dividers forming a plurality of separate compartments. A lid rotatably mounts to the housing, the lid engaging an upper portion of each of the dividing elements to form a plurality of enclosed separate chambers. A door is formed in the lid, and alignment elements are spaced apart for retaining the lid at a multiple predetermined positions relative to the housing. In other aspects, the invention is directed to a method for dispensing candy with a dispenser.

[0007] In an aspect of the invention, the confection dispenser system may be configured as a handheld dispenser that may fit in a consumer's pocket. The housing and lid may have a substantially round periphery so that they are configured to rotate relative to one another. A door may be formed in the lid to provide access to the compartments formed in the dispenser. Dividers extend from a central hub radially outward to divide the interior of the dispenser into multiple compartments. In one aspect, the dividers form one separate compartment, alternatively two separate compartments, alternatively three separate compartments, alternatively four separate compartments, alternatively five separate compartments, or alternatively six or more separate compartments. The compartments are enclosed and separated from one another so that different types of articles, such as different candies and/or confections, alternatively, different flavored candies and/or confections, may be separately stored in a dedicated compartment. It can therefore be appreciated that in some aspects, by rotating the lid with the door relative to the housing, the door may be aligned with different compartments to dispense different flavored candies. The door may also span two adjacent compartments so that a mixture of two different candies may be dispensed simultaneously through the door.

[0008] In another aspect, the dispenser also may include retainers formed in the lid that engage the tops of the dividers that separate the compartments. In this manner, the downward extending protrusions engagement with the top portions of the dividers resists movement and acts as stops to align the door with the center of each compartment. It is also envisioned in other aspects that other protrusions would be located so that the door may be stopped at a position centered on each divider so that the door spans two adjacent compartments for dispensing two different flavored candies at the same time. The dispenser may be made of lightweight molded elements, and the lid and/or housing may be substantially clear to allow consumers to view the articles in each compartment. The door may be mounted integrally formed with the lid and with a living hinge. The door may form a channel that receives a complementary tab from the lid to snap shut and to maintain the door in a closed position. The lid and the housing may also include complementary channels and ridges to maintain the components relative to one another while allowing for relative rotation.

[0009] These features of novelty and various other advantages that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings that form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a confection dispenser system according to the principles of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 is a top plan view of the confection dispenser system shown in Figure 1 with the door aligned with a single compartment;

[0012] Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the confection dispenser system shown in Figure 1 ;

[0013] Figure 4 is an elevational view of the confection dispenser system shown in Figure 1 ;

[0014] Figure 5 is a top plan view of the confection dispenser system shown in Figure 1 and the door aligned with a compartment dividing wall and straddling two compartments;

[0015] Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 2; (through the door)

[0016] Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5; (through the wall and door)

[0017] Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 5; (taken transverse to the wall and through the alignment protrusion extending downward from the underside of the lid)

[0018] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the confection dispenser system shown in Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 10 is a top plan view of the confection dispenser system shown in Figure 2 with the door open showing a first type of candy;

[0020] Figure 1 1 is top plan view of the confection dispenser system in Figure 5 with the door open showing two types of candy; [0021] Figure 12 is a detail sectional view of the door and engagement of the lid with the container for the confection dispenser system shown in Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 13 is a top plan view of the bottom housing for the confection dispenser system shown in Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 14 is a bottom plan view of the lid of the confection dispenser system shown in Figure 1 ; and

[0024] Figure 15 is a view of a further aspect of the lid of the confection dispenser system, having ornamentation thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents described herein and as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure or the appended claims.

[0026] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] The term “about” is used in connection with a numerical value throughout the specification and the claims denote an interval of accuracy, familiar and acceptable to a person skilled in the art. In general, such an interval of accuracy is +/-10%.

[0028] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0029] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figures 1 -5, there is shown a confection dispenser system, generally designated 100. The confection dispenser system 100 is particularly configured as a sturdy, robust hand held dispenser that may fit into a consumer's pocket. The confection dispenser system 100 may be made of lightweight plastic elements. The confection dispenser system 100 may dispense small articles of different types, each of which may be dispensed without mixing with other types. The confection dispenser system 100 may be configured to simultaneously dispense a mixture of two different types of the articles at the same time. Although many types of small articles may be dispensed, it is foreseen that the confection dispenser system 100 is particularly suited for dispensing pieces of candy, such as coated pieces with a center inside an outer candy shell.

[0030] The confection dispenser system 100 includes a housing 102 having a lid 130 mounted thereon. The lid 130 and the housing 102 rotate relative to one another. The housing 102 and lid 130 form a disk shaped dispenser 100 with a substantially round outer periphery and generally rounded edges. The articles are dispensed through a door 140 forming an opening 160 in the lid 130. The lid 130 and/or the housing 102 may be made of see-through material so that consumers can view the articles stored in the dispenser 100 and distinguish different types of articles. The confection dispenser system 100 has diameter of about 3 to 4 inches. In one embodiment, the diameter of the system may be about 3.2 to about 3.8 inches. In a further embodiment, the system may have a diameter of about 3.3 to about 3.6 inches. The height of the system is approximately 1 inch. In one embodiment, the height of the system may be about 0.85 to about 0.99 inches. These sizes allow for a dispenser that may be easily held in a user’s hand and fit in a pocket.

[0031] Many types of plastic may be contemplated for use in the disclosed confection dispenser system 100. Use of a plastic material provides for a more sturdy and robust container as opposed to materials such as cardboard. In some embodiments, the housing may be formed from a plastic material that is moldable into a variety of shapes. Suitable plastics include, but are not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene or styrofoam (PS), polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass, and nylon. The plastic material used for the lid 130 and the housing 102 may be the same or different. In one embodiment, the plastic material of one or more of the housing 102, lid 130, or both is transparent or translucent. This allows for a system where a user can see the flavors and color of the product before dispensing and also see how much product is left in the dispenser.

[0032] In some embodiments, the housing and/or lid may include ornamentation, including, but not limited to words, dots, stripes, lines, or chevrons, which may be raised and/or in relief. In other embodiments, ornamentation may generally resemble figures, including, but not limited to, robots, aliens, monsters, cartoon characters, creatures, geometric forms (such as lines, triangles, or spheres), bodily shapes, objects noticeable only as shape or form, persons, things, animals, or foods.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 , 4, and 6-9, the exterior of the housing 102 includes sides 104 that curve downwardly and inwardly to merge with a bottom 106. The rounded portion of the sides 104 provides improved comfort fit against a hand of a user when being held. The bottom 106 includes a bottom center recess 108 that may aid in stacking the dispensers 100, as explained hereinafter.

[0034] As shown in Figures 6-9 and 13, the interior of the housing 102 includes dividers 1 12 forming compartments 1 10. The dividers 1 12 extend radially outward from a center support 1 16. Each of the housing compartments 110 is formed by two adjacent dividers 1 12 and the interior of the sides 104. Therefore, each of the compartments 1 10 is generally wedge-shaped. In the embodiment shown, the housing 102 forms five separate compartments 1 10. However, it can be appreciated that the dispenser 100 may have fewer or more compartments by having fewer or more dividers. In one embodiment, each housing compartment is equal in size. In another embodiment, housing compartments may be unequal in size. The dividers 1 12 are generally thin so as not to take up very much space in the housing compartment. In one embodiment, the dividers are about 0.04 inches in thinness or less.

[0035] In one embodiment, five dividers 1 12 are utilized, creating five wedge- shaped compartments where the angle between the dividers is about 72 degrees (see, e.g., Fig. 9). When such a confection dispenser system contains candies of different flavors, an arrangement allows for ten different combinations (5 flavors + 5 mixed flavors).

[0036] Referring now to Figures 5-1 1 , the lid 130 is a generally curved disk-like element. The lid 130 has a top surface 132 that curves at its edge to a side 134 portion. The side portion 134 may include a gripping band 136. The gripping band 136 may include ribs or other textures to allow easier gripping by a consumer. The lid has a diameter that defines the diameter of the system, sizes of which are described above. The lid comprises about 30% to about 50% of the height of the overall system. In one embodiment, the lid has a height of about 0.3 inches to about 0.5 inches.

[0037] The lid 130 has a top surface 132 that includes a raised planar center portion 138. The raised center portion 138 has a depth and shape that is complementary to the recess 108 formed in the bottom 106 of the housing 102. The complementary raised portion 138 and bottom recess 108 provide for alignment and stacking of the dispensers 100 that prevents lateral movement and achieves improved stability when stacked. The raised center portion 138 and the recess 108 are similar in diameter, although the recess 108 is slightly larger to accommodate stacking. In one embodiment, the raised center portion 138 is about 1.8 to about 2.1 inches, and the recess 108 is about 2.0 inches to about 2.3 inches.

[0038] The tops 1 14 of the dividers 1 12 of the housing 102 have a profile complementary to an underside of the lid 130. Therefore, the lid 130, dividers 1 12, and bottom of the housing form fully separated and enclosed compartments that provide for extended storage of articles with a limited shelf life, such as confectionery products. [0039] The door 140 is formed at an edge of the top surface 132 of the lid 130, as shown in Figures 1 , 2, 4-7, and 9-12. The door 140 mounts to the lid 130 with a hinge 142. It can be appreciated that the hinge 142 may be configured as a living hinge. The door 140 snaps into place at a closed position. As shown most clearly in Figure 12, a door tab 144 extends from an underside of the door 140 and forms a channel 146 that is open in a radially outward direction. A complementary inward extending lip 148 that is formed in the lid 130 extends radially inward. The lip 148 inserts into the channel 146 when the door 140 is closed so that engagement of the tab 144 and lip 148 retains the door 140 at the closed position. In one embodiment, the word “open” or other indication to the user may appear on the door 140, which is added by embossing, laser etching, or other means.

[0040] The lid 130 rotates relative to the housing 102 about pivot axis 1 18 generally aligned with the center support 1 16 of the housing 102 where the dividers 1 12 intersect, as shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9. The inner portion of the lid's side 134 slides against the outer portion of an upper edge of the side portion 104 of the housing 102. The complementary circular surfaces of the round housing 102 and lid 130 provide for easy relative rotation between the lid 130 and the housing 102. As shown in Figures 6 and 8, a ridge 120 projects radially inwardly into an outer channel 154 formed around a periphery of the lid 130. The ridge 120 and complementary outer channel 154 allow relative rotation as well as aligning and retaining the lid 130 against the housing 102.

[0041] As shown in Figures 10 and 11 , it can be appreciated that each of the compartments 1 10 may include a separate type of candy 1000, such as NERDS® candies or other types of candies. Although a different type of candy piece 1000 or 1002 may be stored in a corresponding compartment 1 10, it is foreseen that different colors and/or flavors of candy would be stored in each of the different compartments 1 10 in some applications. [0042] As shown in Figure 14, the lid 130 includes an alignment system that includes two pairs of protrusions 150 and two pairs of protrusions 152 extending downward from an underside of the lid 130. The protrusions 150 and 152 of each pair are spaced apart a sufficient distance to receive a divider 1 12 between the protrusions 150 or 152. The top edge 1 14 of each divider 1 12 is retained by the protrusions 150 or 152 extending a slight distance downward on each side when positioned between the protrusions 150 or 152 of each pair and provide sufficient resistance to retain the lid 130 stationary relative to the housing 102, but the resistance is small enough to allow a consumer to twist the lid 130 relative to the housing 102 so the top of a divider 1 12 is pushed past the protrusions 150 or 152. First sets of protrusions 150 are configured to engage a top edge 1 14 of a divider 1 12 with the door 140 completely aligned with a single compartment. Therefore, as the dividers 1 12 are evenly spaced apart, the dispenser can be moved with a divider 1 10 being retained by the protrusions 150 so the door 140 is aligned to be centered with one of the compartments 1 10 for dispensing only the candy 1000 contained in that compartment, such as shown in Figure 10.

[0043] Moreover, the second sets of protrusions 152 are aligned to retain a top edge 1 14 of a divider 1 10 so that the door 140 is aligned with another divider 1 10 and parts of two adjacent compartments 1 10, as shown in Figure 1 1 . In this manner, mixtures of candy 1000 and 1002 from any two adjacent compartments 1 10 may be dispensed. It can be appreciated that the protrusions extend downward only a slight distance and allow the top edges 114 of the dividers 1 12 to be pushed past the protrusions 150 or 152 by a user. However, the protrusions 150 and 152 have sufficient engagement with the dividers 1 10 to prevent free rotation of the lid 130 relative to the housing 102. In the embodiment shown, there are two pairs of the protrusions 150 that are spaced apart to engage two of the tops 1 14 of the dividers 1 12 at the same time and two pairs of the protrusions 152 that are spaced apart to engage two of the tops 1 14 of the dividers 1 12 at the same time.

[0044] Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment of the confection dispenser system where the lid contains ornamentation. [0045] To use the confection dispenser system 100, the housing 102 is typically held with one hand by a consumer while the lid 130 is held with the gripping band 136 being grasped. If the consumer wishes to dispense a single type/flavor of candy, the lid 130 and housing 102 are rotated relative to each other so that the door 140 is aligned with the compartment 1 10 having the desired candy 1000 as shown in Figure 10. The consumer would feel the top 1 14 of a divider 1 12 push past a first protrusion of the pair of protrusions 150 to be held between the two protrusions of one of the pairs of protrusions 150.

[0046] Alternatively, if the consumer wishes to dispense two types/flavors of candy from adjacent compartments 1 10, the lid 130 and housing 102 are rotated relative to each other so that the door 140 is aligned with the divider 1 12 separating the adjacent compartments 110 having the desired candies 1000 and 1002 as shown in Figure 1 1. The consumer would feel the top 114 of a divider 1 12 push past a first protrusion of a pair of the protrusions 152 to be held between the two protrusions of one of the pairs of protrusions 152. This is an advantageous way to easily mix two types/flavors of candy.

[0047] When the door 140 is aligned with the desired articles, such as a type of candy or types of candies, the door 140 is lifted open, and the dispenser 100 is tipped to pour the desired type of candy or types of candies through the opening. When sufficient candy has been dispensed, the door 140 is pushed back onto the lid 130 so that the lip 148 extends into the channel 146 and is retained by the tab 144.

[0048] When a compartment 1 10 is low on candy or is empty, the compartment may be refilled through the door 140 or by completely removing the lid 130. Thus the disclosed confection dispenser system 100 has the advantageous quality of being reusable. [0049] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.