Gem dispenser

Abstract

The utility model relates to a gem distributor. The technical scheme of the utility model comprises the steps of keeping a plurality of gemstones in a stack and moving the gemstones from the stack for distribution. The gemstone may be moved from the stack in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the gemstone is dispensed or dispensed to the substrate. The actuator may cause both movement of the gemstone from the stack and dispensing of the gemstone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the application of gemstones or other decorative articles, such as gemstones with adhesives, to a substrate. Background Technology

[0002] Dispensers for beads or gemstones are known in the art, for example as shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication 20170000225, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020316985, U.S. Patent Application Publication 20170107046, German Utility Model DE202012103157U1, U.S. Patent Application Publication 20080011773 and U.S. Patent 3,854,625. Utility Model Content

[0003] One or more embodiments provide a gem dispenser and / or a method for dispensing gems from a stack of gems, such as a columnar arrangement of multiple small decorative articles positioned one on top of another. For example, holding such articles in a stack provides relatively compact storage compared to an arrangement that holds gems on a two-dimensional support such as an elongated strip or disc. For example, ten or more relatively small gems, such as generally hemispherical or disc-shaped decorative articles having a diameter of 5 mm to 15 mm and a height of 2 mm to 10 mm, can be stored in a stack configuration having a columnar or tubular shape. One or more gems can be detached from the stack and dispensed, for example, ejected from the body of the gem dispenser tool. In some cases, this configuration allows for a relatively small gem dispenser tool that can hold more gems for dispensing compared to tools that hold gems in a two-dimensional form such as a strip, band, or disc. This allows the user to dispense more gems faster and / or without needing to reload the dispenser tool.

[0004] In some embodiments, the gem dispenser includes a body having a gem storage area configured to hold a stack of gems, the stack including a first gem at the bottom of the stack. The body may be shaped and / or otherwise configured to be grasped and manipulated by a user to dispense gems from the body; for example, the body may have a dispensing opening at the dispensing area from which one or more gems may be dispensed. A shuttle may be configured to move gems from the stack at the storage area to the dispensing area, for example, moving the first gem from the bottom of the stack at the storage area to the dispensing area. A pusher may be configured to move the first gem at the dispensing area through the dispensing opening to dispense the first gem from the body. For example, the pusher may force the first gem to move through the dispensing opening, such that the first gem is dispensed from the dispensing opening. In some cases, gems may be dispensed by force, for example, to force the dispensed gem to adhere to a substrate to which the gem will be dispensed, such as fabric, skin, hair, etc. In some cases, the gem may have an adhesive, for example, causing the dispensed gem to adhere to the surface on which the gem is dispensed.

[0005] In some cases, the dispensing area may be within the body. For example, the first gemstone may be moved from a stack of gemstones to another area within the body, separate from the stack, and the first gemstone moves from that other area through a dispensing opening. In some embodiments, the shuttle may be rotatable relative to the body to move the first gemstone from a gemstone storage area to the dispensing area. For example, the shuttle may engage with the first gemstone and rotate or otherwise move the first gemstone from the stack to the dispensing area. In some cases, the shuttle may include a disc with a disc opening to receive the first gemstone in the stack, and the shuttle may be configured to rotate relative to the body (and the stack) about an axis offset from the disc opening. Thus, the first gemstone may move from the stack to the dispensing area along an arcuate path.

[0006] In some cases, movement of the pusher relative to the body can cause the shuttle to rotate or otherwise move relative to the body to move a gemstone from a stack to a dispensing area. For example, the pusher can be attached to a pusher body that is movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position, and movement of the pusher body from the first position to the second position can cause the shuttle to move a first gemstone from the stack to the dispensing area. In some cases, movement of the pusher body from the first position to the second position can cause the pusher to move a first gemstone from the dispensing area through a dispensing opening. In some embodiments, the pusher body may include a cam follower and the shuttle may include a cam, for example, such that movement of the pusher body from the first position to the second position causes the cam follower to move along the cam and causes the shuttle to move relative to the body, for example, causing the shuttle to rotate relative to the body. In some cases, the cam may include a helical surface, for example, so that movement of the cam follower along a linear path causes the cam (and the shuttle) to move along a rotational path.

[0007] In some cases, the gem dispenser includes a platform attached to the body and positioned such that a movement of the pusher to remove a first gem from the dispensing area and dispensing opening causes the first gem to move toward the platform. The platform may provide a surface to support a substrate, such as fabric or hair, on which the gem is dispensed. In some embodiments, the platform is movable toward the body such that it can move toward the dispensing opening; for example, the platform may provide a reaction force on the substrate, allowing the pusher to apply force to the gem to engage it with the substrate. In some cases, the platform is spring-biased to move away from the body, for example, such that the platform moves away from the dispensing opening when the user releases the applied force. In some cases, the platform may be removable from the body, for example, so that gems can be dispensed without using the platform.

[0008] In some embodiments, the gem dispenser may include, for example, an actuation button located at the top of the body and movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position. The actuation button may be operatively coupled to a push rod and a shuttle, such that movement of the actuation button from the first position to the second position causes the shuttle to move a first gem from a storage area to a dispensing area, and causes the push rod to move the first gem in the dispensing area through a dispensing opening to dispense the first gem from the body. Thus, a user can induce gem dispensing by simply moving the actuation button on the body. In some cases, the dispensing opening may be located at the bottom of the body, and the actuation button may be coupled to the push rod to move the push rod downward relative to the body. The downward movement of the push rod may cause the shuttle to rotate relative to the body to move the first gem from the storage area to the dispensing area.

[0009] In some cases, the actuation button can be removed from the body, for example, to expose the gem storage area for placing a stack of gems there. Thus, once a stack of gems is dispensed from the dispenser, a new, replacement stack of gems can be provided to the gem storage area. In some cases, the gem storage area cover can be configured to cover the gem storage area and / or to offset the stack of gems downwards relative to the body, for example, such that a first gem at the bottom of the stack moves to an area where the shuttle can engage and move the first gem to the dispensing area.

[0010] In some embodiments, the gem dispenser may include a body including a gem storage area configured to hold a stack of gems and a dispensing opening at a dispensing area at the bottom of the body, the stack of gems including a first gem at the bottom of the stack. A shuttle may be configured to rotate relative to the body about a vertical axis to move the first gem from the storage area to the dispensing area, and a pusher body may be movable relative to the body in a vertical direction. The pusher body may include a pusher configured to move the first gem at the dispensing area through the dispensing opening to dispense the first gem from the body. An actuation button may be mounted on the top of the body and movable relative to the body in a vertical direction. The actuation body may be coupled to the pusher body such that downward movement of the actuation button relative to the body causes downward movement of the pusher body relative to the body, for example, causing the downward movement of the pusher body relative to the body to cause rotation of the shuttle to move the first gem from the storage area to the dispensing area and to cause the pusher to move the first gem through the dispensing opening.

[0011] In some cases, methods for dispensing gems may include holding a stack of gems within a body, wherein the stack includes a first gem at the bottom of the stack. The body may be a portion of a gem dispenser that can be held by a user and operated to dispense gems from the stack. The first gem may be moved along an arcuate path (or a linear path or other suitable path) to separate the first gem from the stack and position it at a dispensing area. For example, the first gem may be moved by a rotating shuttle or other structure to separate it from the stack. The first gem at the dispensing area may be pushed through a dispensing opening in the body to dispense the first gem from the body; for example, a pusher may contact the first gem and force it out through the opening in the body.

[0012] Various exemplary embodiments of the device are further described below. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Various aspects of the present invention will be described with reference to various embodiments and accompanying drawings, including:

[0014] Figure 1 A top perspective view of the gem dispenser in an illustrative embodiment is shown;

[0015] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the lower part of the gem dispenser;

[0016] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the upper part of the gem dispenser, in which the cap has been removed;

[0017] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The upper perspective view of the gem dispenser, in which the cap and gem storage area cover have been removed;

[0018] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of a gem dispenser, illustrating the movement of gems within the dispenser;

[0019] Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the gem dispenser is shown, in which the dispenser body is transparent;

[0020] Figure 7 A lower perspective view of the gem dispenser is shown, in which the body and platform have been removed;

[0021] Figure 8 A top perspective view of the gem dispenser body is shown, in which the actuator has been removed;

[0022] Figure 9 It shows along Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of line 9-9 in the diagram;

[0023] Figure 10 It shows Figure 1 An exploded three-dimensional view of the upper part of the gem dispenser;

[0024] Figure 11 It shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the lower part of the gem dispenser;

[0025] Figure 12 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a portion of the main body of the gem dispenser; and

[0026] Figure 13 A platform leg retainer in an illustrative embodiment is shown, and Figure 1 Other components of the gem dispenser. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The features of the invention are described below with reference to illustrative embodiments; however, it should be understood that the features of the invention should not be interpreted narrowly in light of the specific embodiments described. Therefore, aspects of the invention are not limited to the embodiments described herein. It should also be understood that the various features of the invention can be used individually and / or in any suitable combination with each other, and therefore, the various embodiments should not be construed as requiring any particular combination of one or more features. Rather, one or more features of the described embodiments can be combined with any other suitable features of other embodiments. For example, one embodiment includes a platform that can be moved and / or removed from the gem dispenser body, and another embodiment includes a shuttle that rotates to move gems from a stack to a dispensing area. These features can be used together as in the embodiments described below, or used independently of each other.

[0028] In some respects, gem dispensers can be used to dispense or otherwise distribute gems according to the user's needs. For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of a gemstone dispenser 100 is shown, which can be used to dispense gemstones onto a surface or other object such as fabric, skin, hair, etc. The gemstone can be an ornamental item, such as rhinestone or other similar element, or any other item to be dispensed. The gemstone may include, for example, an adhesive portion on a bottom surface, allowing the dispensed gemstone to adhere to the surface. In some cases, the adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, for example, allowing the gemstone to adhere to the surface by pressing it against the surface. In some embodiments, the gemstone dispenser may apply force to the gemstone to press it against the surface, but in some embodiments, the gemstone dispenser may simply dispense the gemstone without applying force to it. In some cases, the adhesive on the gemstone may require some type of activation, such as heat, pressure, water or other fluids, or other components required to make the adhesive tacky or otherwise adhere the gemstone to the surface. The adhesive may be activated before or after dispensing the gemstone, for example by applying heat to a previously dispensed gemstone.

[0029] In some embodiments, the gem dispenser 100 includes a body 1, which can be grasped and manipulated by a user wishing to dispense a gem. An actuator 2, such as a button, trigger, or other movable component, can be attached to the body 1 and can move relative to the body 1 to dispense a gem from the body 1. For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 2In this embodiment, actuator 2 includes a cap 20 that a user can grasp and / or press to cause the dispensing of a gemstone. In some cases, actuator 2 may be located on the upper side of body 1, for example, so that a user can press actuator 2 downward to move actuator 2 downward relative to body 1 and cause the gemstone to be dispensed. However, actuator 2 may be constructed in other ways, such as including a trigger, a handle, or other movable elements that can be moved by the user to cause the dispensing of a gemstone. For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The actuator 2 can be moved via a handle and trigger mechanism, such that the actuator 2 moves relative to the body 1 in response to a user squeezing the handle and trigger together. In some embodiments, the actuator 2 can be motor-operated; for example, the actuator 2 can move in response to a user pressing a button that causes a drive motor to operate the actuator 2 and move the actuator 2 relative to the body 1. In some embodiments, the actuator 2 may include two or more components that can be operated individually by the user; for example, one component moves a gem from a stack, and another component causes the gem to be dispensed from the body.

[0030] Gemstones can be dispensed from the body 1 at any suitable location or at one or more locations. In some embodiments, gemstones can be dispensed from, for example, a dispensing opening 11 on the bottom side of the body 1. The dispensing opening 11 can be formed in the base 12 of the body 1, for example, the base 12 can be positioned on the surface of the gemstone to be dispensed and support the body 1, such that the actuator 2 can be pressed downward to dispense the gemstone from the opening 11. Gemstones can be dispensed one at a time from the dispensing opening 11, for example, one gemstone is dispensed for each downward or other movement of the actuator 2 relative to the body 1, but in some embodiments, two or more gemstones can be dispensed with each actuation.

[0031] In some cases, the gem dispenser 100 may include a platform 5 on which a base for receiving gems may be disposed. For example, a piece of fabric may be positioned between the dispensing area 51 of the platform 5 and the dispensing opening 11, allowing the gem to be dispensed onto the fabric. The platform 5 may provide a reaction force to the dispensing force applied to the gem, for example, the gem may be pushed out toward the dispensing opening 11 in a downward direction toward the platform 5, and the platform 5 may provide support for the base on the dispensing area 51, allowing a suitable applied force to be applied between the gem and the base, for example, to adhere the gem to the base. In some cases, the user may support the platform 5, for example, by providing a force that tends to cause the platform 5 and the actuator 2 to move toward each other or tends to cause the platform 5 to move toward the body 1. In some cases, the platform 5 may be disposed on a support surface such as a tabletop, and the user may press down on the actuator 2 (e.g., to dispense gems) and / or the body 1 to cause the base 12 to move toward the platform 5 (e.g., to clamp or squeeze the base between the platform 5 and the base 12 before and / or during gem dispensing). In some cases, platform 5 can be movable relative to body 1. For example, leg 52 can be received into an opening in base 12, allowing platform 5 to move toward and away from base 12. In some embodiments, a spring bias can be provided to cause platform 5 to move away from base 12, and this spring bias can be overcome by a user, for example, by pressing body 1 and / or actuator 2 toward platform 5 to move platform 5 toward base 12. In some cases, platform 5 can be removed from body 1, for example, by pulling leg 52 from the receiving opening in base 12. This can be useful, for example, if a user wishes to dispense a gemstone onto a surface that cannot be positioned between platform 5 and base 12 (e.g., a wall or body component too large to fit into the gap between platform 5 and base 12). Platform 5 can then be re-engaged to body 1 for dispensing gemstones onto a base positioned between body 1 and platform 5.

[0032] In some implementations, the gem dispenser 100 may be a single-use item; for example, the dispenser 100 may include one or more gems that can be dispensed, and the dispenser 100 may become unavailable when the gem supply is depleted. In some cases, the gem dispenser 100 may be configured to allow replenishment of gem supplies before or after the gem supply is depleted. For example, Figure 3 A top view of the dispenser 100 is shown, in which the cap 20 is removed to expose the gem storage area. The cap 20 can be removably engaged with another part of the actuator 2, such as the actuator guide 21, which guides movement of the actuator 2 relative to the body 1 and defines an opening to the gem storage area. Although not essential, a gem storage area cover 42 can cover the gem storage area, and as... Figure 4The area shown may be removable to expose the gem storage area 13. With the gem storage area 13 exposed, a stack 4 of gems, including one or more gems 41, can be provided into the gem storage area 13. Gems 41 can be provided into the gem storage area 13, for example, one gem at a time, or loaded in groups of two or more. In some cases, an adhesive between adjacent gems in the stack 4 can hold the stack 4 of gems 41 together, for example, to allow for easier bulk loading of gems into the gem storage area 13. In some cases, the stack 4 of gems can be provided in a tube or other holder that holds the gems in a stacked manner, for example, without the need for an adhesive between the gems to hold them in the stacked arrangement. The tube or other holder (e.g., which may have a straw-like configuration) can cooperate with the gem storage area 13, and the stack 4 of gems can be added in bulk or otherwise provided into the gem storage area 13. This can allow for easier loading of gems into the dispenser 100. In some cases, a tube or other retainer may be placed in the gem storage area 13 along with the gem. For example, a stack of gems and a tube may be placed in the gem storage area 13, and the tube or other retainer may be removed when the stack of gems is exhausted and before the next stack of gems is placed in the gem storage area 13. If one or more gems are provided in the gem storage area 13, a cover 42 (if provided) may be positioned to cover the gem storage area 13, and a cap 20 may be replaced for use by the dispenser 100. Alternatively, the cap 20 or other components of the actuator 2 may be used to cover the gem storage area 13 without the cover 42. Note that... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cap 20 engages with the actuator guide 21 via a threaded connection, but other arrangements such as interference fit, bayonet connection, snap-fit, etc., are also possible. In some cases, the cap 20 is not required; for example, only the gem storage area cover 42 can be provided, and the user can press the actuator guide 21 or other parts of the actuator 2 to dispense gems.

[0033] In some implementations, the stack of gems can be held within the body, and the first gem can be located at the bottom of the stack. For example, when gems are loaded into the gem storage area 13, the first gem placed in the storage area 13 can be located at the bottom of the stack of gems 4 in the dispenser 100, and other gems can be added to the storage area 13 and positioned above the first gem. To dispense the first gem, the first gem can be moved relative to the stack of gems, for example, along an arc or other path, to separate the first gem from the stack of gems and position the first gem in the dispensing area. The movement of the first gem from the stack of gems to the dispensing area can be in a plane perpendicular to or otherwise transverse to the direction in which the gem is dispensed from the body. For example, with the first gem in the dispensing area, the first gem can be pushed through a dispensing opening in the body to dispense the first gem from the body. The direction in which the first gem is pushed through the dispensing opening can be perpendicular to or otherwise transverse to the plane or direction in which the first gem moves from the stack of gems to the dispensing area. As an example, a first gemstone can be moved from a stack of gemstones to a dispensing area in a horizontal plane (e.g., along an arc or linear path in the horizontal plane), and the gemstone can be moved vertically from the dispensing area and dispensed from the body through a dispensing opening. This arrangement can provide a compact dispenser, for example, a dispenser with a relatively small size in the horizontal direction, while storing a large number of gemstones in the stack (e.g., in the vertical direction). This contrasts with dispensers that store gemstones in a planar arrangement, such as on strips or discs, and require a relatively large area for gemstone storage.

[0034] Figure 5 It shows Figures 1 to 4 A partial schematic diagram of a gem dispenser 100 is shown, illustrating how the dispenser 100 can be configured to hold a stack of gems and move the gems from the stack in a plane perpendicular to or otherwise transverse to the direction in which the gems are dispensed from the dispenser 100. Figure 5 In this diagram, the main body 1 is shown in transparent form, and for clarity, other parts of the dispenser 100 have been removed. (The following will discuss the process in more detail...) Figure 5 (Components removed from the process.) For example, those that can be... Figure 5As seen in the diagram, the stack of gemstones 4 is held in a generally vertical configuration extending from the bottom of the body 1 toward the top of the body 1. The downward movement of the actuator 2 (e.g., cap 20 and actuator guide 21) relative to the body 1 causes the shuttle 6 to move the first gemstone 41 in the horizontal plane from the stack 4 to a dispensing area generally located below the push rod 31 of the push rod body 3. As discussed in more detail below, the movement of the first gemstone 41 can be along an arcuate path in the horizontal plane from the bottom of the stack 4 to the dispensing area below the push rod 31. With the first gemstone 41 in the dispensing area, the push rod 31 can move downward to push the first gemstone 41 downward (e.g., in the vertical direction) so that the first gemstone 41 moves through the dispensing opening 11 (e.g., in a direction toward the platform 5 or otherwise toward the base for receiving the first gemstone 41). Although an embodiment is shown where the movement of a single actuator component causes the movement of the gemstone from the stack to the dispensing area and pushes the gemstone from the body, this is not necessary. Actuator 2 may include a first component, such as a lever or handle attached to shuttle 6, which a user can manipulate to move gemstones from a stack to a dispensing area. A second component of actuator 2, such as a handle on a plunger or push rod, may be manipulated to dispense gemstones from a dispensing opening.

[0035] Figure 6 and Figure 7 include Figure 5 Additional components not shown in the diagram help to illustrate how the first gem 41 at the bottom of the stack 4 moves from the stack 4 to the distribution area in some embodiments. Figure 6 It shows something similar to Figure 5 The view shows the dispenser 100 of the dispenser, but the lower portion 62 of the shuttle 6 used to move the first gem 41 from the bottom of the stack 4 to the dispensing area is shown. (As can be seen in...) Figure 7As seen in the diagram, the lower portion 62 of the shuttle includes a shuttle opening 64 that initially aligns with the stack 4 and receives a first gem 41 at the bottom of the stack 4. The stack 4 of gems can be biased downward by a gem biasing element 43, such as a spring, which is attached to a gem storage area cover 42 and presses downward onto the stack 4 when the cover 42 is in place above the opening of the storage area 13. With the shuttle opening 64 aligned with the stack 4 and the bottom gem 41 received in the shuttle opening 64, the stack 4 of gems, including the bottom gem 41, is restricted in its downward movement by a portion of the base 12. That is, a portion of the base 12 contacts the first gem 41 in the shuttle opening 64 and prevents the stack 4 from moving further downward. The bottom wall of the lower portion 62 defining the shuttle opening 64 has a thickness approximately equal to the height of the gem 41. Therefore, when the lower portion 62 rotates to position the first gem 41 in the distribution area, the lower portion 62 only moves the first gem 41 while the other gems in the stack 4 remain in place.

[0036] Figures 1 to 7 The gem dispensing operation of the gem dispenser 100 can be performed as follows. To dispense a gem, the actuator 2 (e.g., cap 20 and actuator guide 21) can be moved downwards relative to the body 1, for example, by the user pressing the actuator 2 downwards relative to the body 1. This causes the actuator guide 21 to press downwards against the post 33 of the push rod body 3, which in turn moves the push rod body 3 downwards relative to the body 1. (As can be...) Figure 8 As seen in the diagram, the movement of the push rod body 3 is guided by the interaction between the post 3 and the corresponding opening of the guide plate 14 of the body 1. When the push rod body 3 moves downward, the cam follower 32 of the push rod body 3 engages with the corresponding cam 63 on the lower portion 62 of the shuttle 6. The push rod body 3 cannot rotate relative to the body 1 about the vertical axis due to the engagement of the post 33 with the guide plate 14 of the body 1, but the shuttle 6 is mounted in the body 1 to rotate about the vertical axis. When the push rod body 3 moves downward, the cam follower 32 rides down on the cam 63 and causes the shuttle 6 to rotate about the vertical axis. Because the shuttle opening 64 is offset from the axis of rotation of the shuttle 6, the shuttle opening 64 and the first gem 41 at the bottom of the stack move away from the stack 4 and toward the dispensing area along an arc path as the shuttle 6 rotates. When the push rod body 3 approaches the lower limit of its movement relative to the body 1, the shuttle opening 64 and the first gem 41 reach the dispensing area. At this time, cam 63 has a vertical portion 66 ( Figure 7The vertical portion 66 allows the push rod body 3 and the cam follower 32 to move vertically without causing further rotation of the shuttle 6. During the final stage of this movement of the push rod body 3, the push rod 31 contacts the first gem 41 at the dispensing area and pushes the first gem downward and out of the dispensing opening 11.

[0037] When the force on actuator 2 is released, push rod body 31 moves upward relative to body 1 under the bias of elastic element 7, such as a spring, which causes push rod body 31 to move upward and generally resists downward movement of push rod body 3 relative to body 1. As push rod body 3 moves upward, cam follower 32 engages with cam 65 on the upper portion 61 of shuttle 6, causing shuttle 6 to rotate, so that shuttle opening 64 returns to the gem stack 4 to receive the next gem at the bottom of stack 4. (As can be...) Figure 9 As seen in the diagram, the upper portion of the shuttle 6 is fitted within the opening of the push rod body 3, thus the push rod body 3 can help guide the rotational movement of the shuttle 6 relative to the push rod body 3 and the body 1. The push rod 31 extends from the push rod body 3 through the cam opening of the shuttle 6 defined by the cam 65 of the upper portion 61 and the cam 63 of the lower portion 62, and extends downward within the space defined by the shuttle 6. In some cases, the push rod 31 may be supported by a portion of the cam follower 32.

[0038] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It shows Figures 1 to 9 An exploded view of the components of the gem dispenser 100, illustrating how some components fit together and can be assembled. Although the push rod body 3 is... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The dispenser 100 is shown above the body 1, but assembly may require the upper portion 61 of the shuttle 6 to be inserted into a suitable cavity in the lower part of the body 1, after which the push rod body 3 can be inserted into a suitable cavity in the lower part of the body 1. The lower portion 62 of the shuttle 6 can then be inserted into the lower part of the body 1, for example, such that the cam follower 32 and the push rod 31 are properly engaged between the cams 65 and 63. For example, Figure 12A perspective view of the lower part of the body 1 is shown, in which the upper portion 61 of the shuttle 6 and the push rod body 3 are mounted. The inner surfaces of the upper portion 61 and the lower portion 62 of the shuttle 6 can contact the guide surface 16 of the body 1, for example, a partially cylindrical surface, and be guided by the guide surface 16 of the body 1. That is, the upper portion 61 and the lower portion 62 of the shuttle 6 can be inserted into the body 1 and slide on the guide surface 16. The push rod 31 can ride within a channel 17, which can help guide the movement of the push rod 31, for example, so that the push rod 31 precisely contacts the gemstone at the dispensing area for dispensing. The lower portion 62 of the shuttle 6 can also engage with the base 12 to help guide the rotational movement of the shuttle 6. For example, the lower portion 62 may include a recess 67 (see Figure 7 and Figure 11 The recess 67 receives the pin 18 of the base 12 (see...) Figure 10 For example, the lower part 62 rotates about the axis passing through the pin 18. Figure 10 It is also shown that the inner surface of the bottom wall of the base 12 may be grooved or otherwise textured or arranged, for example, to reduce friction between the gem 41 and / or the lower portion 62 in the shuttle opening 64 and the base 12.

[0039] although Figure 12 The upper portion 61 and push rod body 3 installed in the body 1 are shown, but the lower portion 62 is not shown. However, the upper portion 61 of the shuttle 6, the push rod base 3, and the lower portion 62 of the shuttle 6 can be assembled as a single unit, and the assembled unit is inserted into a cavity at the lower side of the body 1. For example, when the assembled unit is inserted into the body 1, the assembled shuttle 6 and push rod body 3 slide on the guide surface 16, and the push rod 31 is received in the channel 17. Therefore, assembly does not require separate installation of the upper portion 61, push rod body 3, and lower portion 62 of the shuttle 6. With the push rod body 3 and shuttle 6 in place, the base 12 can be secured to the body 1, for example, using suitable fasteners, to hold the push rod body 31 and shuttle 6 in place. Figure 12 The body 1 can be seen to have fasteners for securing the base 12 to a suitable opening in the body 1.

[0040] As described above, the platform 5 can be removed from the body 1, for example, by pulling the leg 52 from the receiving opening of the base 12. This allows for the use of the gem dispenser 100 to dispense gems without the platform 5. The platform 5 can be held in place on the base 12 in any suitable manner, such as by friction engagement. In some embodiments, the leg retainer 53 can engage with the base 12 and is configured to removably engage with the leg 52 of the platform 5. For example, as can be... Figure 13As seen in the diagram, the leg retainer 53 may include a retaining protrusion 56 (e.g., an extended bayonet connection) that allows the leg retainer 53 to be inserted into a leg receiving opening in the base 12 and to snap the leg retainer 53 into engagement with the base 12. The retaining protrusion 56 engages with the base 12, thus allowing the leg retainer 53 to move vertically relative to the base 12 within a range of motion, and the spring 54 can bias the leg retainer 53 downward relative to the base 12. A pin 55 may be configured to engage a corresponding opening on the upper end of the leg 52, for example, so that the leg 52 can be removably engaged with the leg retainer 53 via a frictional fit. The leg retainer 53 may allow the leg 52 and platform 5 to move upward relative to the base 12, for example, against the bias of the spring 54. The spring 54 may cause the platform 5 to move downward relative to the base 12, for example, to define a desired gap between the release area 51 of the platform 5 and the base 12.

[0041] Although various aspects of the invention have been shown and described with reference to illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A gemstone dispenser, characterized in that, The gem dispenser includes: The body includes a gem storage area configured to hold a stack of gems, the stack of gems including a first gem at the bottom of the stack, and the body has a dispensing opening in a dispensing area; A shuttle, configured to move the first gemstone from the storage area to the dispensing area; and A push rod configured to move the first gemstone at the dispensing area through the dispensing opening to dispense the first gemstone from the body.

2. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The allocation area is located within the body.

3. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shuttle can rotate relative to the body to move the first gem from the gem storage area to the distribution area.

4. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that, The movement of the push rod relative to the body causes the shuttle to rotate relative to the body.

5. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push rod is attached to the push rod body, which is movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position, and the movement of the push rod body from the first position to the second position causes the push rod to move the first gemstone from the dispensing area through the dispensing opening.

6. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that, The movement of the push rod body from the first position to the second position causes the shuttle to move the first gem from the storage area to the distribution area.

7. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that, The movement of the push rod body from the first position to the second position causes the shuttle to rotate relative to the body.

8. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that, The push rod body includes a cam follower and the shuttle includes a cam, wherein movement of the push rod body from the first position to the second position causes the cam follower to move along the cam and causes the shuttle to move relative to the body.

9. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cam includes a helical surface.

10. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gem dispenser also includes a platform attached to the body and positioned such that a movement of the push rod to remove the first gem from the dispensing area out of the dispensing opening causes the first gem to move toward the platform.

11. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 10, characterized in that, The platform is capable of moving toward the body, thereby enabling the platform to move toward the distribution opening.

12. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 11, characterized in that, The platform is spring-biased to move away from the body.

13. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gem dispenser includes an actuation button located at the top of the body and movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position. The actuation button is operatively coupled to the push rod and the shuttle, such that movement of the actuation button from the first position to the second position causes the shuttle to move the first gem from the storage area to the dispensing area, and causes the push rod to move the first gem in the dispensing area through the dispensing opening to dispense the first gem from the body.

14. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 13, characterized in that, The dispensing opening is located at the bottom of the body, wherein the actuation button is connected to the push rod to move the push rod downward relative to the body, and wherein the downward movement of the push rod causes the shuttle to rotate relative to the body to move the first gem from the storage area to the dispensing area.

15. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 13, characterized in that, The actuation button can be removed from the body to expose the gem storage area for placing stacks of gems in the gem storage area.

16. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 15, characterized in that, The gem dispenser also includes a gem storage area cover configured to offset the stack of gems downward relative to the body.

17. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shuttle includes a disc with an opening to receive the first gemstone, and the shuttle is configured to rotate relative to the body about an axis offset from the opening of the disc.

18. A gemstone dispenser, characterized in that, The gem dispenser includes: The body includes a gem storage area configured to hold a stack of gems, the stack of gems including a first gem at the bottom of the stack, and the body having a dispensing opening at a dispensing area at the bottom of the body; A shuttle member configured to rotate about a vertical axis relative to the body to move the first gemstone from the storage area to the distribution area; A push rod body, the push rod body being movable relative to the body in a vertical direction, the push rod body including a push rod configured to move the first gemstone at the dispensing area through the dispensing opening to dispense the first gemstone from the body; and An actuation button is mounted on the top of the body and is movable relative to the body along the vertical direction. The actuation button is connected to the push rod body, such that downward movement of the actuation button relative to the body causes downward movement of the push rod body relative to the body. The push rod body is connected to the shuttle member, such that the downward movement of the push rod body relative to the body causes the shuttle member to rotate to move the first gem from the storage area to the distribution area, and causes the push rod to move the first gem through the distribution opening.

19. The gemstone dispenser according to claim 18, characterized in that, The push rod body includes a cam follower and the shuttle includes a cam, wherein the cam follower engages with the cam such that downward movement of the push rod body causes the shuttle to rotate relative to the body.

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