A bun dispensing device for a hot dog dispensing machine operative for dispensing buns from a bun containing element which includes a plurality of individual bun containers and a common film to which the bun containers are releasably attached one after the other, the device has a unit for pulling the bun containing element, a unit for separating the bun containers with buns accommodated therein from the film of the bun containing element and located upstream of the pulling a unit, and a unit for guiding the bun containing element and located upstream of the separating unit, the separating unit being formed so that each of the bun containers with the bun accommodated therein is individually separated from the film under the action of the separating unit.
|
10. A bun dispensing device, comprising:
a guide for guiding a film having attached bun containers so as to seal an opening in each of the bun containers, the guide having an a guide edge;
a bracket located adjacent the guide edge and having a bracket surface in a substantially planar relationship to a portion of the guide adjacent to the guide edge, wherein the bracket and the guide edge form a slot opening; and
a film pulling mechanism for pulling the film through the slot opening, the film being pulled in a first direction by the film pulling mechanism prior to entering the slot opening, the film pulling mechanism being located downstream of the guide edge;
wherein the film passes through the slot opening and about the guide edge, such that the film approximately reverses direction from the first direction, the guide edge being located at a point at which film is separated from the bun container and wherein the bracket separates each of the attached bun containers from the film so that the opening of each of the containers is unsealed and the bun container is spaced apart and disconnected from other bun containers; and
wherein the film pulling mechanism and the guide are arranged such that each bun container is below the film at the point at which film is separated from the bun container.
12. A bun dispensing device, comprising:
a guide for guiding a film having attached bun containers, the guide having an a guide edge, the containers each having an opening sealed by the film;
a bracket located adjacent the guide edge, wherein the bracket and the guide edge form a slot opening, the bracket having a surface in a substantially planar relationship to a portion of the guide adjacent to the guide edge;
a film pulling mechanism for pulling the film through the slot opening, the film pulling mechanism being located downstream of the guiding edge; and
a bun guide for guiding the film and the attached bun containers;
wherein the film and the attached bun containers are pulled slidably pass past the bun guide in a first direction by the film pulling mechanism;
wherein the film passes through the slot opening, such that the film approximately reverses direction from the first direction, ; and
wherein the bracket separates each of the attached bun containers from the film such that the bun containers are unsealed and are spaced apart and disconnected from other bun containers, the guide edge being located at a point at which film is separated from the bun container; and
wherein the film pulling mechanism and the bun guide are arranged such that each bun container is below the film at the point at which film is separated from the bun container.
0. 29. A method for dispensing buns, comprising:
pulling a film, the film including a first film portion having no attached bun containers and a second film portion having attached bun containers, each of the containers having an opening sealed by the film, the second film portion being contiguous with the first film portion, wherein the first film portion is pulled in a first direction and the second film portion is pulled in a second direction;
passing the first film portion past a guide edge of a film guide;
the guide edge generally reversing direction of pull of the film, such that the first direction is generally opposite the second direction, wherein each of the attached bun containers in the second film portion is pulled toward the guide edge, the guide edge being located adjacent a bracket the bracket having a bracket surface in a substantially planar relationship to a portion of the film guide adjacent to the guide edge; and
separating each of the bun containers from the second film portion by pulling the film past the guide edge and the adjacent bracket such that the bun container is unsealed and is spaced apart and disconnected from other bun containers, the guide edge being located at a point at which the film and the bun container are separated;
wherein the film is pulled past the guide edge such that each bun container is below the film at the point at which film is separated from the bun container.
24. A method for dispensing buns, comprising:
pulling a film, the film including a first film portion having no attached bun containers and a second film portion having attached bun containers, each of the containers having an opening sealed by the film, the second film portion being contiguous with the first film portion, wherein the first film portion is pulled in a first direction and the second film portion is pulled in a second direction;
passing the first film portion past a guide edge of a film guide;
the guide edge generally reversing direction of pull of the film, such that the first direction is generally opposite the second direction, wherein each of the attached bun containers in the second film portion is pulled toward the guide edge, the guide edge being located adjacent a bracket, the bracket having a bracket surface in a substantially planar relationship to a portion of the film guide adjacent to the guide edge; and
separating each of the bun containers from the second film portion by pulling the film past the guide edge and the adjacent bracket such that the bun container is unsealed and is spaced apart and disconnected from other bun containers, the guide edge being located at a point at which the film and the bun container are separated; and
halting the film for a predetermined period of time after each bun container is separated from the second film portion;
wherein the film is pulled past the guide edge such that each bun container is below the film at the point at which film is separated from the bun container.
23. A bun dispenser, comprising:
a housing containing a film guide having a first side, a second side, and an edge, the film guide having a roller opening;
a first roller disposed in the housing adjacent the roller opening on the first side of the film guide;
a second roller abutting the first roller, the second roller being disposed in the housing adjacent the roller opening on the second side of the film guide;
a motor for rotatably driving the first roller;
a bracket located adjacent the edge of the film guide, such that a slot is formed between the edge of the film guide and the bracket, the bracket having a bracket surface in a substantially planar relationship to a portion of the film guide adjacent to the edge of the film guide;
a bun guide located on the second side of the film guide; and
a film with attached bun containers, the film and attached bun containers having an opening sealed by the film, the film and attached bun containers slidably passing the bun guide, ;
wherein the film and bun containers travel approximately parallel to the film guide adjacent the slot;
wherein the film passes through the slot and between the first roller and the second roller;
wherein the rotating of the first roller pulls the film through the slot; and
wherein the film passing through the slot separates each of the attached bun containers from the film such that each bun container is unsealed and is spaced apart and disconnected from other bun containers, the edge of the file guide being located at a point at which the film separates from the bun containers; and
wherein the first and second rollers and the guide are arranged such that each bun container is below the film at the point at which film is separated from the bun container.
1. A bun dispensing device for a hot dog dispensing machine operative for dispensing buns from a bun containing element which includes a plurality of individual bun containers and a common film to which the bun containers are releasably attached one after the other , the device comprising
pulling means for pulling the bun containing element, the bun containing element including a plurality of bun containers each having a bun accommodated therein and a common film to which the bun containers are releasably attached, such that the common film seals an opening of each bun container when the bun container is attached to the film;
separating means for separating the bun containers with buns accommodated therein from the film of the bun containing element and located upstream of said pulling means, said separating means being formed so that each of the bun containers with the bun accommodated therein is individually separated from the film under the action of said separating means; and
guiding means for guiding the bun containing element and located upstream of said separating means, said separating means being formed so that each of the bun containers with the bun accommodated therein is individually separated from the film under the action of said separating means ;
wherein said separating means includes a first element having an edge over which the film passes and a second element spaced apart from the first element so as to form a gap through which the film of the bun containing element passes, the second element having a surface in a substantially planar relationship to a portion of the first element adjacent to the edge, the first element and the second element being arranged so that during pulling of the bun containing element by said pulling means only the film passes through said gap and a respective one of the bun containers is separated from the film such that the opening of the bun container sealed by the film is unsealed and such that the bun container is spaced apart and disconnected from other bun containers, the edge of the separating means being located at a point at which film is separated from the bun container; and
wherein the pulling means and the guiding means are arranged such that the film changes direction, and each bun container is below the film, at the point at which film is separated from the bun container.
0. 2. A bun dispensing device as defined in
3. A bun dispensing device as defined in claim 2 1, wherein one of said elements is formed as a guiding element which guides the film from said separating means to said pulling means.
4. A bun dispensing device as defined in
5. A bun dispensing device as defined in
6. A bun dispensing device as defined in
7. A bun dispensing device as defined in
8. A bun dispensing device as defined in
9. A bun dispensing device as defined in
0. 11. A bun dispensing device, comprising:
a guide for guiding a film having attached bun containers, the guide having an edge;
a film pulling mechanism for pulling the film past the guide; and
a bun guide for guiding the attached bun containers;
wherein the film and the attached bun containers slidably pass the bun guide in a first direction;
wherein the film passes the guide edge, such that the film approximately reverses direction from the first direction, and wherein the guide separates each of the attached bun containers from the film.
13. The device of
14. The device of
a first roller;
a second roller frictionally contacting the first roller; and
a motor coupled to the first roller for rotating the first roller.
16. The device of
17. The device of
19. The device of
a platform for receiving at least one of the separated attached bun containers.
20. The device of
0. 21. The device of
25. The method of claim 24 29, wherein each of the bun containers includes a bun container edge, and wherein separating each of the bun containers from the second film portion by pulling the film past the guide edge includes:
the guide edge and the bracket, and the generally reversing direction of pull of the film, separating each of the bun containers from the second film portion at the bun container edge.
26. The method of claim 24 29, further comprising:
passing the second film portion with the attached bun containers past a bun container guide.
27. The method of claim 24 29, wherein pulling the film includes:
passing the film between two contacting rollers; and
rotationally driving one of the two contacting rollers.
28. The method of
|
The present invention relates to a bun dispensing device for a hot dog dispensing machine.
Dispensing devices are generally known in the art. They can be further improved specifically to adapt the dispensing devices for dispensing buns in a hot dog dispensing machine in which the buns are dispensed, the sausages are dispensed, the sausages are placed on the buns and dispensed from the machine as hot dogs.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a bun dispensing device which can be used for a hot dog dispensing machine.
In keeping with these objects and with others which will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of present invention resides, briefly stated, in a hot dispensing device which has means for pulling the bun containing element; means for separating the bun containers with buns accommodated therein from the film of the bun containing element and located upstream of said pulling means; and means for guiding the bun containing element and located upstream of said separating means, said separating means being formed so that each of the bun containers with the bun accommodated therein is individually separated from the film under the action of said separating means.
When the bun dispensing device is designed in accordance with the present invention, it provides a position-accurate and timely dispensing of buns for producing and dispensing of hot dogs.
The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the present invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
A bun dispensing device in accordance with the present invention issued for dispensing buns from a bun containing element which is identified as a whole with reference numeral 1. The bun containing element 1 has a plurality of bun containers 2 which are fixed on a continuous film 3, for example by glueing. Each bun container 2 has a peripheral wall 4 and a bottom 5 which define together a cavity 6 for accommodating a bun B. The bottom 5 can be provided with a projection 7 for supporting the bun B in its central region, while the sides of the bun B are supported on the peripheral wall 4.
The bun dispensing device is provided with pulling means which is identified as a whole with reference numeral 8. The pulling means 8 include a roller 9 provided for example with a rubber coating 10 for increasing adhesion, a roller 11, and a motor 12 for driving the roller 9 through a transmission. When an end of the film 3 of the bun containing element is introduced between the rollers 9 and 11 and the roller 9 is driven in rotation by the motor, the film 1 is pulled by the pulling means 8.
The bun dispensing device further has separating means for separating the bun containers 2 from the film 3. The separating means 13 include a guide 14 and a bracket 15 which are spaced from one another so as to form a small gap 16 therebetween. The guide 14 serves for guiding the film 1 over it toward the rollers 9 and 11. In the area of the rollers, the guide 14 is provided with an opening. At the same time the guide 14 serves as a part of the separating means. When the film 3 of the bun containing element 1 is introduced through the gap 16 over the guide 14 between the rollers 9 and 11, the rollers rotate and pull the film 3 to the left. In
The bun dispensing device is further provided with guiding means which is identified with reference numeral 18. The guiding means can be formed as a simple curved guide over which the bun containers 2 are guided during movement of the bun containing element 1 and pulling of the film 3 by the pulling means 8. As can be seen from the drawings, the guiding means 18 is located upstream of the separating means 13 and the pulling means 8. The guide 18 is also located so that the bun containing element 1 is guided in one direction, in particular from left to right in
In accordance with the present invention, the bun dispensing device has means for periodically stopping and moving the pulling means. It includes a switch which is identified with reference numeral 19 and connected with the motor 12. The switch operates automatically so that when the bun container 2 is separated from the film 3 and placed on the platform 17 the switch 19 stops the motor 12, and thereafter after a predetermined period of time again resumes rotation of the roller 9 and therefore pulling of the film 3 for separation of the next bun container 2 from the film 3.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.
While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in bun dispensing mechanism for hot dog dispensing machine, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
Leykin, Leonid, Kofman, Aleksandr
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
3027047, | |||
3482733, | |||
3667373, | |||
3817422, | |||
3984030, | Jun 06 1974 | Single article dispensing machine from a continuous band-shaped package of the same articles | |
4146150, | Aug 01 1977 | United National Bank | Method and apparatus for stocking a vending machine or other dispensing device |
4194646, | Sep 13 1978 | Manually operated label dispensing machine | |
4434911, | Aug 14 1980 | TOKYO ELECTRIC CO , LTD | Label feed control system |
4585144, | Jun 26 1980 | NCR Corporation | Record member dispensing system |
5045660, | May 24 1985 | Invertible, microwave oven apparatus | |
5065894, | Mar 19 1990 | Dispenser for bandages | |
5400699, | Jul 29 1992 | Automatic food dispenser | |
5752623, | Jul 22 1993 | GALACHEF LIMITED | Dispensing machine |
6383542, | Feb 23 2000 | method and apparatus for preparing and dispensing a combination of food products in a vending machine | |
6474527, | Dec 14 2000 | UI HOLDING CO | Multiple-pitch tape feeder with multiple peel positions |
DE1205888, | |||
EP581654, | |||
FR1130622, | |||
FR842909, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Dec 22 2003 | LHD Vending Systems, Inc. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Dec 21 2005 | LHD VENDING, INC | HECHINGER, JOHN | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 024970 | /0452 | |
Dec 21 2005 | LHD VENDING, INC | HELLER, III, J RODERICK | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 024970 | /0452 | |
Dec 21 2005 | LHD VENDING, INC | WURTZEL, ALAN | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 024970 | /0452 | |
Dec 21 2005 | LHD VENDING, INC | SPERO, DONALD | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 024970 | /0452 | |
Dec 21 2005 | LHD VENDING, INC | LEYKIN, LEON | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 024970 | /0452 | |
Nov 11 2007 | LEYKIN, LEON | LHD VENDING SYSTEMS, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 024970 | /0538 | |
Nov 11 2007 | SPERO, DONALD | LHD VENDING SYSTEMS, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 024970 | /0538 | |
Nov 11 2007 | WURTZEL, ALAN | LHD VENDING SYSTEMS, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 024970 | /0538 | |
Nov 11 2007 | HELLER, III, J RODERICK | LHD VENDING SYSTEMS, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 024970 | /0538 | |
Nov 11 2007 | HECHINGER, JOHN | LHD VENDING SYSTEMS, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 024970 | /0538 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Apr 24 2015 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
Sep 16 2015 | EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Apr 12 2014 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Oct 12 2014 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Apr 12 2015 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Apr 12 2017 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Apr 12 2018 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Oct 12 2018 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Apr 12 2019 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Apr 12 2021 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Apr 12 2022 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Oct 12 2022 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Apr 12 2023 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Apr 12 2025 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |