Cutlery dispenser
First Claim
1. A cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils, the dispenser comprising:
- a housing comprising an interior space configured to receive a plurality of cutlery utensils loaded therein;
a cover enclosing a portion of the interior space and configured to translate along a linear path relative to the housing between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space;
a wedge protrusion configured to engage a leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position; and
a pair of sweeper arms configured to engage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position;
wherein the wedge protrusion is configured to tilt the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils such that the leading one of the cutlery utensils disengages the sweeper arms when the cover is in the closed position.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing, a cover, a wedge protrusion, and a pair of sweeper arms. The housing may include an interior space and be configured to receive a number of cutlery utensils loaded therein. The cover may enclose a portion of the interior space and be configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space. The wedge protrusion may be configured to engage a leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position. The sweeper arms may be configured to engage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position.
41 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils, the dispenser comprising:
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a housing comprising an interior space configured to receive a plurality of cutlery utensils loaded therein; a cover enclosing a portion of the interior space and configured to translate along a linear path relative to the housing between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space; a wedge protrusion configured to engage a leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position; and a pair of sweeper arms configured to engage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position; wherein the wedge protrusion is configured to tilt the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils such that the leading one of the cutlery utensils disengages the sweeper arms when the cover is in the closed position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils, the dispenser comprising:
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a housing comprising an interior space configured to receive a plurality of cutlery utensils loaded therein; a cover enclosing a portion of the interior space and configured to move relative to the housing between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space; and a trough attached to the cover and configured to move therewith when the cover is moved between the closed position and the open position, wherein the trough comprises; a base configured to receive handles of the loaded cutlery utensils therein; and a stop wall positioned at or near an end of the trough opposite the cover and fixed relative to the base, wherein the stop wall is configured to engage a trailing one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the dispenser is at a maximum fill level. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils, the dispenser comprising:
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a housing comprising an interior space configured to receive a plurality of cutlery utensils loaded therein, wherein the housing has a first height extending from a top end to a bottom end of the housing; a cover enclosing a portion of the interior space and configured to translate along a linear path relative to the housing between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space, wherein the cover has a second height extending from a top end to a bottom end of the cover, wherein the second height is less than the first height, and wherein the cover comprises a slot extending from the top end toward the bottom end of the cover and configured to receive a skewer to facilitate loading of the cutlery utensils into the interior space; and a dispensing opening defined by the housing and the cover and configured to allow the loaded cutlery utensils to be dispensed therethrough, wherein the slot is in communication with the dispensing opening. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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Specification