Granted Patent B2

US 12,226,709 · App. 17/945,443 · Granted Feb 18, 2025

Inventors: Brett Almstead (Ridgefield, CT); Rachel Belter (Montclair, VA); Gavin Jin (Guangdong, CN); Wingo Siu (Guangdong, CN); Steve Wysocki (Stratford, CT); Matt Burtonwood (West Yorkshire, GB)

Assignee: Melissa & Doug, LLC

A63H33/30

Abstract

Claims (25)

1. A simulated ice cream dispenser for dispensing a simulated ice cream product, the dispenser comprising:

a receptacle for receiving a simulated ice cream product to be dispensed;

at least one rotating arm member rotatably configured with respect to the receptacle and including at least one flap extending from the at least one rotating arm member; and

a handle member including at least one engaging member engaging the at least one rotating arm member for rotating the at least one rotating arm member when the handle transitions between first and second positions, wherein in the first position, the at least one rotating arm member is positioned such that the at least one flap extending from the at least one rotating arm member is positioned within the receptacle for supporting a simulated ice cream product within the receptacle and when the handle member transitions to the second position, the at least one rotating arm member rotates such that the at least one flap extending from the at least one rotating arm member is moved allowing the simulated ice cream product to pass through the receptacle.

2. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one rotating arm member and the handle member are rotatably mounted to the receptacle.

3. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 2 , wherein the handle rotates about a first axis of rotation between the first and second positions.

4. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 3 , wherein an axis of rotation of the at least one rotating member is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation of the handle.

5. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a lid provided above the receptacle and movable between open and closed positions.

6. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 1 , wherein when the handle member transitions to the second position, the at least one rotating arm member rotates such that the at least one flap extending from the at least one rotating arm member rotates downward allowing the simulated ice cream product to pass through the receptacle.

7. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one rotating arm member comprises two rotating arm members having hooks extending therefrom and further comprising an elastic member extending between the hooks for urging the rotating arm members in directions maintaining the handle in the first position.

8. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a frame upon which the dispenser is mounted.

9. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 8 , wherein the frame includes an open area below the dispenser and further comprising a movable tray extending into the open area for holding a container into which the ice cream product can be dispensed.

10. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 9 , wherein the tray is movable between a lowered position extending into the open area and a raised position.

11. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 9 , wherein the at least one rotating arm member and the handle member are rotatably mounted to the receptacle and the receptacle is secured to the frame.

12. A simulated ice cream dispenser for dispensing a simulated ice cream product, the dispenser comprising:

a receptacle for receiving a simulated ice cream product to be dispensed;

at least one movable member movably configured with respect to the receptacle; and

a handle member including at least one engaging member engaging the at least one movable member for moving and positioning the at least one movable member when the handle transitions between first and second positions, wherein in the first position, at least a portion of the at least one movable member is positioned within the receptacle for supporting a simulated ice cream product within the receptacle and when the handle member transitions to the second position, the at least one movable member moves allowing the simulated ice cream product to pass through the receptacle.

13. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 12 , wherein the at least one movable member comprises at least one flap extending therefrom and wherein in the first position, the at least one flap is horizontally positioned within the receptacle.

14. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 13 , wherein during transition from the first position to the second position the at least one flap transitions from the horizontal position to the vertical position allowing the simulated ice cream product to pass through the receptacle.

15. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 12 , further comprising a lid provided above the receptacle and movable between open and closed positions.

16. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 12 , further comprising a frame upon which the dispenser is mounted.

17. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 16 , wherein the at least one rotating arm member and the handle member are rotatably mounted to the receptacle and the receptacle is secured to the frame.

18. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 16 , wherein the frame includes an open area below the dispenser and further comprising a tray extending into the open area for holding a container into which the ice cream product can be dispensed.

19. The simulated ice cream dispenser as recited in claim 18 , wherein the tray is movable between a lowered position extending into the open area and a raised position.

Assignments (5)

Continuity (1)

References Cited (17)