Dispensing Apparatus and Method for Semi-Solid Product

Abstract

Dispensing apparatus is primarily intended for dispensing product from product containers by extrusion. In controlling discharge of product a flexible tube is connected to the container outlet and the tube is engageable with drive means for deforming the tube and controlling product discharged along the tube to an outlet nozzle. Usually there will be valves towards the entry and exit of the flexible tube and the drive means engages the tube between the spaced positions.

1 . A method of dispensing semi solid product by extrusion, the method including the steps of pressurising a multi-portion container of product to be dispensed to cause product to be discharged by extrusion through an outlet of the container, wherein an outlet valve is operable to control a flow of product from the container, so that, when open, the valve permits discharge of product through a nozzle and, when closed, the valve prevents discharge of product from the container. 
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , the method including the steps of providing a multi-portion container of ice cream, the container having an outlet, mounting the container in a dispensing apparatus, pressurising the container to express product from the container by extrusion via the outlet, and dispensing a portion of said ice cream, wherein the method includes the further step of controlling the time the outlet valve is operated thereby controlling the amount of product dispensed. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the user makes a preselection of the amount of product to be dispensed and the outlet valve is controlled accordingly. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein a preselected amount of product is dispensed from the container dependent upon an amount of payment made to the apparatus. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 4  wherein the payment is made to the apparatus by one or more of coin or note insertion, credit card or like payment means. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 3  wherein a preselected amount of product is dispensed from the container dependent upon an amount of payment made to the apparatus. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the payment is made to the apparatus by one or more of coin or note insertion, credit card or like payment means. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the valve controls the flow from the container on an off/on basis. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8  wherein the time the valve is operated is controlled, thereby controlling the amount of product dispensed. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the amount of product dispensed is controlled by preselection. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the container is mounted in a dispensing apparatus and the user selects the amount of product to be dispensed by the use of controls or buttons on the apparatus. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the container is mounted in a dispensing apparatus and the user selects the amount of product to be dispensed by an amount of payment made to the apparatus. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 11  wherein the payment is made to the apparatus by one or more of coin or note insertion, credit card or like payment means. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein one payment enables several portions of different sizes to be dispensed. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the product is expressed from the container into a flexible or deformable tube, and the outlet valve is operable to control the flow of product from the outlet of the container through the tube to an outlet nozzle. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the container and the flexible tube are contained within a refrigerated environment, the nozzle projecting outwards from said environment. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the tube is integral or connected to the nozzle. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the tube is releasably, sealingly connected to the container outlet. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the semi-solid product is ice cream. 
     
     
         20 . Apparatus for dispensing semi solid product, the apparatus including a container of product to be dispensed, means to cause product to be discharged by extrusion through an outlet of the container, and an outlet valve operable to control the flow of product from the container, so that, when open, the valve permits discharge of product and, when closed, the valve prevents discharge of product, the apparatus including means to control the time the valve is operated thereby controlling the amount of product dispensed, and further including preselection means, by means of which a user is able to select the amount of product to be dispensed. 
     
     
         21 . Apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the preselection means comprises means for receiving a payment made to the apparatus. 
     
     
         22 . Apparatus according to  claim 21  wherein the means for receiving a payment made to the apparatus includes one or more of coin or note insertion, credit card or the like. 
     
     
         23 . Apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the preselection means comprises controls or buttons on the apparatus.