The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 14, 2017
Filed:
Oct. 03, 2012
Merchsource, Llc, Foothill Ranch, CA (US);
Barry Messner, Anaheim Hills, CA (US);
MerchSource, LLC, Irvine, CA (US);
Abstract
A dispenser is provided that includes a base and a container. The container is positioned above the base for holding articles to dispensed, such as candy. The base includes a channel in communication with the container to dispense the articles. The channel has, near a first end, an internal opening for receiving the articles held in the container and an external opening near the opposing end for dispensing the articles. An advancement mechanism, such as an auger, for example, is located within the channel for moving the articles from the internal opening of the channel to the external opening of the channel. At least one gear, driven by a motor, is connected to the advancement mechanism for moving the advancement mechanism in response to the activation of the motor. A stir stick is attached to at least one side of the at least one gear and extends upward from the base and into the container at a position adjacent the internal opening of the channel. As the gear moves upon activation of the motor, the stir stick also moves to stir the articles in the container as they enter the internal opening. In one example, the motor may be motion activated and run for only a certain predetermined period of time to dispense the articles.