Connector assembly for use with food product dispensing equipment

Abstract

In some embodiments, a food dispensing unit is provided with a connector and a removable probe. The connector extends through a wall of the food product dispenser thereby isolating vital components (e.g., electronics, circuit board, power supply, or the like) of the food product dispenser from the food product package. Additionally, the probe that is inserted into the food product package is removably coupled to the connector for easy cleaning.

Description

CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH FOOD PRODUCT DISPENSING EQUIPMENTCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 579,598, filed August 30, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a connector assembly for use with a food product dispensing unit or food product dispenser.BACKGROUND

[0003] Food packages, such as flexible bags or pouches, have become increasingly useful in the food packaging industry. However, it is often difficult to attach these packages to a food product dispenser. For example, when the food packages are attached to a food dispenser, the food product package could rupture creating a mess and potentially exposing electronics of the food product dispenser to the food product.

[0004] Therefore, a need exists for a connector assembly used between the food product package and a food product dispenser that allows for easier cleaning and attachment between the food product dispenser and the food product package.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a food product dispenser having a connector assembly that can be used between a food product dispenser assembly such as a pump of the liquid food product dispenser and a food product package, such as but not limited to a bag or pouch of the liquid food product. The connector assembly of the present disclosure aids in initial assembly and later cleaning of the components of the connector assembly and the food product dispenser.

[0006] The food product dispenser includes a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a connector that is securely mounted to a wall of the product dispenser. The connector is configured to attach to a removable probe that is designed to be inserted into the package for the food product. The probe can be removed from the connector for easy cleaning or replacement.

[0007] In a first aspect, a food product dispenser includes a housing configured to hold a flowable food product container; an inner wall attached to an inner surface of the housing; a pump contained within the housing configured to pump a flowable food product from the flowable food product container; a connector comprising an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the connector extending through the inner wall of the housing, and the outlet portion coupled to the pump; and a probe removably coupled to the inlet portion of the connector, the probe comprising an inlet end configured to be inserted into the flowable food product container.

[0008] In some cases, the connector is straight or an elbow. The connector can extend through an opening of a wall of the food product dispenser. The inlet portion of the connector can be on a first side of the wall of the food product dispenser and the outlet portion can be on a second side of the wall. The opening of the wall comprises a gasket. The gasket can be between a flange of the connector and a base of the probe.

[0009] In various instances, the outlet portion comprises one or more barbs and is configured to attach to a tub.

[0010] In some embodiments, the connector further comprises a locking protrusion and the probe comprises an arm, wherein the arm is configured to engage with the locking protrusion to removably lock the probe to the connector. The arm includes an engagement tab attached to the arm, the engagement tab comprising a first sloped surface, The locking protrusion includes a second sloped surface and a locking shoulder. The first sloped surface can slide along the second sloped surface as the probe engages with the connector and is moved toward the outlet portion of the connector, and, when the first sloped surface clears the second sloped surface and the locking shoulder, the probe is in a locked position on the connector.

[0011] In various cases, the connector further includes a locking protrusion and the probe comprises a locking groove and a locking opening. The locking groove is configured to receivethe locking protrusion and, when the locking protrusion is received within the locking groove, rotation of the probe causes the locking opening to engage with the locking protrusion to removably lock the probe to the connector. An edge of the locking opening has a first surface, and the first surface slides along the locking protrusion as the probe is rotated is inserted onto the connector and moved toward the outlet portion of the connector.

[0012] In some instances, the connector further comprises a rib and the probe comprises a rib groove. When the probe engages with the connector and is moved toward the outlet portion of the connector, the rib is received within the rib groove aligning the probe in a selected orientation with respect to the connector.

[0013] In various embodiments, the food product dispenser further includes an O-ring between an outer surface of the inlet portion of the connector and an inner surface of the probe. The O-ring engages with an O-ring groove on the outer surface of the inlet portion of the connector.

[0014] In another aspect, a method of attaching a probe to a connector of a connector assembly includes providing a connector having an inlet portion and an outlet portion; providing a probe that is configured to be removably coupled to the inlet portion of the connector, the probe comprising an inlet end configured to be inserted into a flowable food product container; and engaging the probe with the connector.

[0015] In some cases, engaging the probe with the connector comprises engaging a locking protrusion of the connector with an arm to removably lock the probe to the connector. In some instances, engaging the locking protrusion of the connector with the arm to removably lock the probe to the connector comprises sliding a first sloped surface of an engagement tab of the arm along a second sloped surface of the locking protrusion; and, when the first sloped surface clears the second sloped surface, the probe is in a locked position on the connector.

[0016] In various embodiments, engaging the probe with the connector comprises receiving a locking protrusion of the connector in a locking groove of the probe; and rotating the probe to cause a locking opening of the probe to engage with the locking protrusion to removably lock the probe to the connector. In various instances, rotating the probe to cause a locking opening of the probe to engage with the locking protrusion to removably lock the probeto the connector comprises sliding the locking protrusion along a first surface of an edge of the locking opening and, when the locking protrusion clears the first surface, the probe is in a locked position on the connector.

[0017] In yet another aspect, a connector assembly for a food product dispenser includes a connector comprising an inlet portion and an outlet portion; and a probe removably coupled to the inlet portion of the connector, the probe comprising an inlet end configured to be inserted into a flowable food product container.

[0018] Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of particular embodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar components. In some instances, a sub-label is associated with a reference numeral to denote one of multiple similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification to an existing sub-label, it is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components.

[0020] Fig. l is a front perspective view of a food product dispenser;

[0021] Fig. 2 is a rear-top perspective exploded view of the food product dispenser of Fig. 1;

[0022] Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of a connector assembly mounted to an inner surface of the food product dispenser;

[0023] Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of an inner surface of the food product dispenser with the connector assembly and gasket removed;

[0024] Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of a connector assembly mounted to an outer surface of the food product dispenser;

[0025] Fig. 6 is a section view of the connector assembly mounted to the food product dispenser;

[0026] Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of a connector assembly;

[0027] Fig. 8 is a front perspective view of a connector assembly;

[0028] Fig. 7 is a top view of a connector assembly, in accordance with a first embodiment;

[0029] Fig. 9 is a rear perspective exploded view of a connector assembly;

[0030] Fig. 10 is a side view of a connector assembly;

[0031] Fig. 11 is a top view of a connector assembly without a gasket;

[0032] Fig. 12 is a section view of the connector assembly;

[0033] Fig. 13 is a front perspective view of a connector;

[0034] Fig. 14 is a top view of a connector without a gasket;

[0035] Fig. 15 is a side view of a connector without a gasket;

[0036] Fig. 16 is a side view of a connector with a first rib;

[0037] Fig. 17 is a front perspective view of a gasket;

[0038] Fig. 18 is a rear perspective view of an inner surface of the food product dispenser with the connector assembly removed;

[0039] Fig. 19 is a front perspective view of an outer surface of the food product dispenser with the connector assembly removed;

[0040] Fig. 20 is a rear perspective view of the probe;

[0041] Fig. 21 is a front perspective view of the probe;

[0042] Fig. 22 is a top view of the probe;

[0043] Fig. 23 is a side view of the probe;

[0044] Fig. 24 is a front perspective view of a connector assembly mounted to an outer surface of the food product dispenser;

[0045] Fig. 25 is a rear perspective view of a connector assembly;

[0046] Fig. 26 is a top view of a connector assembly;

[0047] Fig. 27 is a side cross section view of a connector assembly;

[0048] Fig. 28 is a top view of a connector;

[0049] Fig. 29 is a rear perspective view of a probe; and

[0050] Fig. 30 is a top view of a probe.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Before any embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” “attached,’ and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0052] As used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, directional terms are used for convenience of reference for discussion of particular figures or examples. For example, references to downward (or other) directions or top (or other) positions may be used to discuss aspects of a particular example or figure, but do not necessarily require similar orientation or geometry in all installations or configurations. Additionally, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “about” and “approximately,” as used herein with respect to a reference value or ratio, refer to variations from the reference value or ratio of ± 20% or less (e.g., ± 15, ± 10%, ± 5%, etc.), inclusive of the endpoints of the range.

[0053] In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise, and use of the terms “and” and “or” means “and / or” unless otherwise indicated. Moreover, the terms left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counterclockwise are used for purposes of explanation only and are not limited to any fixed direction or orientation. Rather, they are used merely to indicate relative locations and / or directions between various parts of an object and / or components. Additionally, terms such asfirst, second, third, are merely used to distinguish elements or components from each other and are not intended to imply an order, sequence or amount unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0054] The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

[0055] Some of the discussion below describes a food dispenser assembly comprising a connector and a removable probe. The context and particulars of this discussion are presented as examples only. For example, embodiments of the disclosed invention can be configured in various ways, including with other shapes and arrangements of elements that are expressly described or illustrated. Similarly, embodiments of the invention can be used with arrangements of food dispensers, or other assemblies other than those expressly illustrated or described herein.

[0056] Food packages, such as flexible bags, pouches, self-sealing bags, self-sealing pouches, or the like, are commonly used in the food packaging industry. Attaching these food packages to a food dispenser is often difficult and messy. Additionally, if the food package ruptures, vital components (e.g., electronics, circuit board, power supply, or the like) of the food product dispenser can be exposed to a food product and break.

[0057] Embodiments of the present disclosure can address these and other issues. For example, in some embodiments, a food dispensing unit is provided with a connector and a removable probe. The connector extends through a wall of the food product dispenser thereby isolating vital components (e.g., electronics, circuit board, power supply, or the like) of the foodproduct dispenser from the food product package. Additionally, the probe that is inserted into the food product package is removably coupled to the connector for easy cleaning.

[0058] Fig. 1 illustrates a food product dispenser 100. Fig. 2 represents the food product dispenser of FIG. 1 with a housing 118 removed. The food product dispenser 100 can be any type of food product dispenser that includes a food product dispenser assembly such as an internal pumping mechanism or dispensing mechanism to draw a food product from one of multiple different types of food product packages, such as but not limited to a collapsible bag or pouch and dispense the food product onto a food item or into a container. The food product dispenser is not intended to be limited to only the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0059] The food products can include a wide variety of products, such as flowable food products, granular food products, or the like. The flowable food products can include, without limitation, condiments (i.e., ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, tartar sauce, etc.) syrups, dressings, cheeses, fudge, caramel, sauces, wing sauces, yogurt, or other similar food products that can flow and thus be pumped or dispensed. Flowable food products can include a wide variety of viscosities, non-Newtonian properties, can include small particulates and can be dispensed in a wide range of temperatures from cold to hot. Flowable food products can also be heated food products such as liquid cheese, hot ice cream toppings, or the like or chilled food products such as milk, frozen yogurt, or the like. Granular food products can include, without limitation, sugar, pepper, salt, spices, seeds, flour, grain, candy, or other similar food products that are granular and thus be dispensed. Granular food products can include a wide variety of particular sizes (e.g., small, medium, large, or the like).

[0060] The food product dispenser 100 can include a dispenser head 116 for dispensing the food product into a container and a food product dispenser assembly such as a pumping or dispensing mechanism 120 configured to dispense the food product from a food product package 122 (e.g., a bag, a pouch, a bottle, or the like) to the dispenser head 116. In various cases, a housing 118 of the food product dispenser 100 can be used to contain one or more of the dispenser head 116, the dispensing mechanism 120, the food product package 122, or other components of the food product dispenser 100.

[0061] The food product dispenser 100 further includes a wall 102 (shown in Figs. 2-6) which can be an inner wall of the food product dispenser 100 and a connector assembly 104 extending through an opening 106 of the wall 102. The connector assembly 104 includes a connector 200, a sealing gasket 300, and a probe 400 removably attached to the connector 200. The connector 200 and the probe 400 fit together to provide a communication path (e.g., a fluid communication path, a flow path, a flow channel, an air channel, or other communication or transmission path) for a flowable or granular food product to flow or be transmitted from the food product container 122 to a desired location, such as to another part of the food product dispenser (e g., hose, pump, etc.) or onto a food item or into a container.

[0062] The food product dispenser 100 can further include an inner surface 108 of the wall 102, an outer surface 110 of the wall 102, one or more standoffs 112 each configured to receive a screw, bolt, or other fastening mechanism, and a shelf 114 extending into the opening 106 configured to seat at least a portion of the gasket 300. Although outer surface 110 is described as an outer surface of the wall 102, the wall 102 might be contained within the food product dispenser 100 and the outer surface 110 might still be an interior wall of the food product dispenser 100.

[0063] Turning first to the connector 200 of the connector assembly 104, Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the connector 200 mounted to an inner surface 108 of the wall 102 of the food product dispenser 100. The connector 200 in Fig. 3 is an elbow. However, the connector 200 can be straight (as shown in Figs. 2 and 10), cylindrical, or any other shape capable of providing a communication path.

[0064] The connector 200 (shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 6-16) includes a generally planar attachment flange 202. The attachment flange 202 comprises one or more lobes or corners 204. However, it should be noted that the attachment flange 202 is not limited to the shape shown. The attachment flange 202 could be square shaped, rectangle shaped (as shown in Fig. 10), triangle shaped, circle shaped, or any other shape capable of attaching the connector 200 to an inner surface 108 of the wall 102.

[0065] The attachment flange 202 includes mounting holes 206 formed in each of the lobes 204. However, the attachment flange 202 is not limited to three mounting holes 206 orthree lobes 204 and could have more or less mounting holes 206 or lobes 204. In some cases, the mounting holes 206 can be placed at a location other than on the lobes 204. In some cases, the attachment flange 202 may have no lobes at all.

[0066] The mounting holes 206 are each configured to receive a screw 208 or other fastening mechanism. The screws 208 can be received within internally threaded standoffs 112 attached to and extending away from the inner surface 108 of the food product dispenser 100. In the embodiment illustrated, the standoffs 112 provide a dedicated point of attachment for securing the connector 200 to the inner surface 108 of the wall 102. However, it is contemplated that other configurations for attaching the connector 200 to the inner surface 108 of the food product dispenser 100 are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure. In a non-limiting example, there might be no standoffs and an inner surface 203 of the attachment flange 202 could directly contact the inner surface 108 of the wall 102.

[0067] The connector 200 further includes an outlet portion 212 and an inlet portion 214 that can extend perpendicular to each other. Alternatively, the outlet portion 212 and the inlet portion 214 could be straight (as shown in Fig. 10), parallel to each other, angled from each other, or offset from each other. In the exemplary embodiment, the entire connector 200 can be a molded plastic or polymer component in which the outlet portion 212, inlet portion 214, and the attachment flange 202 are molded together. However, other materials and methods of manufacturing are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] Both of the outlet portion 212 and inlet portions 214 include an internal passageway 216 that combine to create an uninterrupted communication path that extends from an inlet end 218 to an outlet end 220 of the connector 200. In this manner, the food product being dispensed can travel from the inlet end 218 to the outlet end 220 during operation of the pumping or dispensing mechanism 120 of the food product dispenser 100. The pumping or dispensing mechanism 120 can include a pump or other dispensing mechanism driven by an electric motor or other component and can be controlled by a control unit to dispense a desired volume of the food product from the food package 122 to a container or food.

[0069] The outlet portion 212 includes a series of barbs 222 near the outlet end 220. The barbs 222 are designed to engage with a dispensing tube or hose 223 (shown in FIG. 2). In a non-limiting example, the dispensing tube or hose 223 can be fitted over the barbs 222 such that the internal passageway 216 is in fluid communication with an internal passageway of the dispensing tube or hose 223. In some cases, the outlet portion 212 might be smooth and not have the one or more barbs 222. Even if the outlet portion 212 is smooth, the outlet portion 212 can still be configured to connect to the dispensing tube or hose 223. The dispensing tube or hose 223 can then be attached to the pumping or dispensing mechanism 120 and the pumping or dispensing mechanism 120 can be controlled by a control unit to dispense a desired volume of the food product from the food package 122 through the probe 400 and connector 200 through the dispensing tube or hose 223 through the dispenser head 116 to a container or food.

[0070] In some cases, the connector 200 further includes a mounting flange 224 (shown in Figs. 11-16) that is located on the inside of the food product dispenser 100. The mounting flange 224 can be circular, rectangular, triangular, or the like. The mounting flange 224 has an outer surface (e.g., diameter, area, or the like) that is larger than the diameter of the inlet portion 214 of the connector 200. In some cases, the mounting flange 224 has an outer surface (e.g., diameter, area, or the like) that is about the same size or larger than an opening 106 formed in the wall 102 of the product dispenser 100. In some cases, the mounting flange 224 has an outer surface (e.g., diameter, area, or the like) that is about the same size or larger than a diameter of the sealing gasket 300. The mounting flange 224 limits the movement of the connector 200 by engaging with sealing gasket 300 during initial positioning of the connector 200 before the mounting screws 208 are secured to the standoffs 112.

[0071] Turning to the sealing gasket 300, as shown in Figs. 6, 9, 13, and 15-19, the sealing gasket 300 is positioned within the opening 106 formed in the wall 102 and provides a seal between the mounting flange 224 and the wall 102 of the food product dispenser 100 or between the base 402 of the probe 400 and the wall 102. The sealing gasket 300 can be formed of a material (e.g., silicon, rubber, or the like) that is capable of creating the required seal in the opening 106.

[0072] The sealing gasket 300 has a first surface 302 on a first side 304 of the sealing gasket 300 that is configured to be about flush with the inner surface 108 of the food product dispenser 100 (as shown in Fig. 18) and a second surface 306 on a second side 308 of the sealinggasket 300 that is configured to be about flush with the outer surface 110 of the food product dispenser 100 (as shown in Fig. 19). The sealing gasket 300 further includes the first side 304 having a larger diameter than the second side 308. A third surface 310 of the second side 308 is configured to engage with the first surface 115 of the shelf 114 of the opening 106 and seal the opening 106. The sealing gasket 300 is designed to prevent the food product from passing from a first side or chamber of the food product dispenser 100 to a second side or chamber of the product dispenser 100. In other words, the sealing gasket 300 is designed to prevent the food product from passing through the opening 106 from an outer surface 110 to an inner surface 108 of the food product dispenser 100.

[0073] Turning back to the connector 200 (shown in Figs. 13-16), the inlet portion 214 includes a tapered guiding surface 226 extending from the inlet end 218. The tapered guiding surface 226 aides in locating and guiding the inlet portion 214 into the probe 400 during connection between the connector 200 and the probe 400. At a first end 228 of the tapered guiding surface 226 is a recessed receiving grove 230 or O-ring groove that is sized to receive an O-ring 232 or gasket or other material capable of forming a seal. The O-ring 232 creates a seal between the inlet portion 214 and an open interior of the removable probe 400 as shown in Fig. 12. The seal is configured to prevent a food product from flowing between the connector 200 and the probe 400 when the probe 400 is connected to the connector 200.

[0074] The connector 200 further includes one or more ribs 234. The one or more ribs 234 act as a guide to guide and align the removable probe 400 into a correct orientation on the connector 200. In some cases, the one or more ribs 234 can be located in on an upper portion or bottom portion of the connector 200. In other cases, there may be only one rib 234. Alternatively, in yet other cases, two or more ribs 234 could be located at different locations on connector 200. In some cases, an upper rib 234a can extend along substantially an entire length up to O-ring 232 or over half of the inlet portion 214 as shown in Fig. 16. Alternatively, in other cases, the upper rib 234b can extend over less than half of the inlet portion 214 as shown in Fig. 15. The one or more ribs 234, in particular upper rib 234a of Fig. 16, can act as a guiding rib to guide the probe 400 onto the connector 200 in a selected orientation. The connector 200 further includes one ormore locking protrusions 236 (described in more detail below) configured to interact with the probe 400 and lock the probe 400 into place on the connector 200.

[0075] Turning to the removable probe 400 shown in Figs. 2, 5-12, and 20-23, the removable probe 400 includes a base 402 that includes an outer flange 404. The combination of base 402 and outer flange 404 can be configured to entrap or contain the sealing gasket 300 between the mounting flange 224 of the connector 200 and outer flange 404 of the probe 400 to secure the sealing gasket 300 in the opening 106 in the wall 102 of the food product dispenser 100.

[0076] As discussed above and shown in Figs. 13-16, the connector 200 includes one or more locking protrusions 236. In this embodiment, there is a pair of locking protrusions 236 that each include a sloping contact surface 238 and a locking shoulder 240. In some cases, an edge of the locking protrusion 236 extends about 90 degrees from a surface of the inlet portion 214. The locking protrusions 236 can be located about 180° apart from each other or on opposite sides of the inlet portion 214 and provide locking points of attachment for the removable probe 400.

[0077] The removable probe 400 includes a pair of flexible locking arms 406 that each have an engagement tab 408 that is configured to pass over the locking protrusions 236 and seat past the locking shoulder 240. This engagement between the engagement tab 408 and the locking protrusions 26 limits separation between the connector 200 and the removable probe 400 when the flexible locking arms 406 are engaged with the locking protrusions 236. In order to engage the engagement tabs 408 of the probe 400 with the locking shoulder 240 of the connector 200, a sloped surface 410 of the engagement tab 408 slides along the sloping contact surface 238 of the locking protrusions 236 along a longitudinal axis A-A of the probe 400 in first direction until the engagement tabs 408 reach the locking shoulder 240. Since each of the locking arms 406 is flexible, the locking arms 406 can be configured to deflect to permit this movement. Once the engagement tabs 408 move past the locking shoulder 240, the engagement tabs 408 snap into the position shown in Fig. 11. This snapping movement creates both tactile and audible confirmation to the user of the proper engagement between the connector 200 and the removable probe 400 in order to further facilitate the engagement between the connector 200 and the probe 400. In some cases, after clearing the locking shoulder 240, the sloped surface 410 of the engagement tab 408rests against a sloped protrusion 244 located behind the one or more locking protrusions 236. The locking protrusions 236 and locking arms 406 can have other configurations other than shown.

[0078] In some cases, as shown in Figs. 21 and 23, the probe 400 can further include one or more rib grooves 412 capable of receiving the one or more ribs 234 of the connector 200. As the probe 400 engages with the connector 200, the one or more ribs 234 can be received within the one or more rib grooves 412 to orient the probe 400 in a particular or selected direction, position, or orientation. In particular, in some cases, when rib 234a is provided and as the probe 400 engages with the connector 200, the probe 400 can be rotated such that the rib groove 412 engages with rib 234a. This ensures that the probe 400 is oriented in a selected or correct orientation relative to the connector 200.

[0079] When the user desires to separate the probe 400 from the connector 200, the user pushes in on an engagement portion 414 of the flexible locking arms 406, which move the engagement tabs 408 radially outward past the locking protrusions 236. In this position, the removable probe 400 can be moved away (e.g., in a second direction opposite the first direction) from the connector 200 along the longitudinal axis A-A of the probe 400. Because the entire probe 400 can be removed, the probe 400 can be entirely separated from the connector 200 of the product dispenser 100 for cleaning or attachment to a food product package 122.

[0080] When the probe 400 engages with the inlet portion 214, the O-ring 232 engages an inner surface 416 of the probe 400 to limit the movement of fluid, liquid, grains, particles, or other food product material between an inner surface 416 of the probe 400 and an outer surface of the connector 200 during dispensing of the food product.

[0081] The removable probe 400 further includes an inlet end 418 that is designed to be inserted into the food product package 122 of the material being dispensed. In some cases, the inlet end 418 of the probe 400 can be inserted into an opening 123 of the food product package 122. In various cases, the opening 123 can engage with the inlet end 418 of the probe 400 to form a seal (e.g., partial seal, full seal, etc.). The inlet end 418 has an access opening 420 configured to allow a food product to enter into the probe 400 and pass through the connector 200 to dispense a food product from the food product package 122 and the product dispenser100. In some cases, the inlet end 418 might align with an inlet end 218 of the connector 200.Alternatively, in other embodiments, the inlet end 418 might extend past the inlet end 218 of the connector 200.

[0082] In various cases, the entire probe 400 can be a molded plastic or polymer component in which the locking arms 406, rib grooves 412, etc. are molded together. However, other methods can be used to manufacture the removable probe 400.

[0083] Turning to Figs. 24-30 which represent another example of the food product dispenser 500. The food product dispenser 500 can be similar to food product dispenser 100 comprises a wall 502 and a connector assembly 504. The connector assembly 504 comprises a connector 600, a gasket 700, and a probe 800. The connector assembly 504 is similar to the connector assembly 104. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that many of the features described with respect to Figs. 1-23 can also be applied to the features of Figs. 24-30 and vice versa and each of the features described with regard to figs 1-30 are not intended to be limited to one particular example or aspect.

[0084] The primary difference between the food product dispenser 500 and the food product dispenser 100 is the locking mechanism between the connector 600 and the removable probe 800.

[0085] As shown in Figs. 24-30, the connector 600 includes a locking protrusion 602 on an outer surface 604 of the connector 600. In this case, there is only one locking protrusion 602. The locking protrusion 602 is square shaped, but could be any other shape (e.g., triangular, circular, rectangular, or the like) capable of providing a locking protrusion.

[0086] The removable probe 800 includes a locking groove 802 and a locking opening 804. The locking groove 802 can be configured to pass over the locking protrusion 602 and the locking opening 804 is configured engage with the locking protrusion 602 to lock the probe 800 to the connector 200. The locking groove 802 and a locking opening 804 can have other configurations other than shown.

[0087] This engagement between the locking opening 804 and the locking protrusion 602 limits separation between the connector 600 and the removable probe 800. In order to engage the locking opening 804 of the probe 800 with the locking protrusion 602 of the connector 600, thelocking protrusion 602 of the connector 600 is received within the locking groove 802. The probe 800 can then be rotated to cause the locking opening 804 to move toward the locking protrusion 602 of the connector 600. As the probe 800 is rotated, the locking protrusion 602 slides along a surface 806 of an edge 808 of the locking opening 804 until the locking protrusion 602 clears a locking shoulder 810 of the edge 808 of the locking opening 804. In some cases, the surface 806 is flexible or deformable in order to allow the locking protrusion 602 to pass the surface 806. Once the locking protrusion 602 moves past the locking shoulder 810, the locking protrusion 602 is locked into the position shown in Figs. 26 and 27. This movement creates both tactile and audible confirmation to the user of the proper engagement between the connector 600 and the probe 800.

[0088] When the user desires to separate the probe 800 from the connector 600, the user can rotate the probe 800 in a direction opposite the direction to lock the probe 800 to the connector 600. In some cases, the locking shoulder 810 can also be sloped to aid in unlocking the locking protrusion 602 from the locking opening 804. Once the locking protrusion 602 clears the locking shoulder 810 and enters the locking groove 802, the removable probe 80 can be moved away from the connector 600 along the longitudinal axis B-B of the probe 800. Because the entire probe 800 can be removed, the probe 800 can be separated from the connector 600 of the product dispenser 500 for cleaning or attachment to a food product package 122.

[0089] The installation process to install the connector assembly 104 into the food product dispenser 100 of the present disclosure will now be described. This process is similar to the installation process for the connector assembly 504 into food product dispenser 500. Differences between the two processes will be explicitly stated. Initially, the sealing gasket 300 is inserted into the opening 106 in the wall 102 of the flowable food product dispenser 100. The physical configuration of the sealing gasket 300 holds the gasket 300 in place within the opening 106.

[0090] The connector 200 is then installed on the food product dispenser 100 such as shown in Figs. 2, 3, 5, and 6. The connector 200 can be installed using the three mounting screws 208 that attach the attachment flange 202 to the spaced standoffs 112. Once attached, the connector 200 can be stationary and can be designed to form part of the product dispenser 100.Alternatively, the connector 200 can be removable. An attachment hose or tube 223 is then installed along the barbs 222 formed at the outlet end 220 of the outlet portion 212. The hose or tube 223 can then be connected to some type of pumping assembly or other dispensing assembly that is operable to draw (e.g., through a source of negative pressure or other method to draw the food product) the food product from the food product package 122 through the probe 400 and the connector 200.

[0091] Once the connector 200 is installed, the removable probe 400 of the first embodiment can be moved into position by moving the probe 400 along the length of the inlet portion 214 until the engagement tabs 408 are secured past the locking shoulder 240 as shown in Fig. 6. As described previously, this movement creates both an audible and tactile confirmation that the removable probe 400 has been properly installed onto connector 200. In this position, the sealing gasket 300 is held in place between the mounting flange 202 of the connector 200 and the outer flange 404 of the probe 400.

[0092] Alternatively, in the second embodiment, once the connector 600 is installed, the removable probe 800 of can be moved into position by aligning the locking groove 802 with the locking protrusion 602. The removable probe 800 is then rotated to cause the locking opening 804 to move toward the locking protrusion 602 until the locking protrusion 602 is locked within locking opening 804. As described previously, this movement creates both an audible and tactile confirmation that the removable probe 800 has been properly installed onto connector 600. In this position, the sealing gasket 700 is held in place between the connector 600 and the probe 800.

[0093] With the probe 400 installed or before the probe 400 is installed, the inlet end 418 of the probe 400 can be inserted into the food product package 122. In this position, the food product can enter the inlet end 418 of the probe 400 upon operation of the pumping assembly or other dispensing assembly. The pumping assembly or other dispensing assembly can be configured to withdraw the food product until all of the food product has been withdrawn from the product package or until the bag is to be removed for other reasons.

[0094] If the user needs to clean the probe 400 or 800 or needs to replace the probe 400 or 800, the user can release the probe 400 or 800 from the connector 200 or 600. As can beunderstood, the use of the removable probe 400 or 800 allows for easy cleaning and assembly of the connector assembly 104 or 504.

[0095] Thus, embodiments of the inventions provide improved connector assemblies for food dispensers. In some embodiments, the connector assembly according to the present disclosure can substantially reduce the risk of a food product coming in contact with vital components (e.g., electronics, wiring, circuit board, or the like) of the food product dispenser. Additionally, the connector assemblies described provide for easier cleaning of the food product dispenser.

[0096] In some implementations, devices or systems disclosed herein can be utilized or installed using methods embodying aspects of the invention. Correspondingly, description herein of particular features or capabilities of a device or system is generally intended to inherently include disclosure of a method of using such features for intended purposes and of implementing such capabilities. Similarly, express discussion of any method of using a particular device or system, unless otherwise indicated or limited, is intended to inherently include disclosure, as embodiments of the invention, of the utilized features and implemented capabilities of such device or system.

[0097] As used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “or” indicates a nonexclusive list of components or operations that can be present in any variety of combinations, rather than an exclusive list of components that can be present only as alternatives to each other. For example, a list of “A, B, or C” indicates options of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C. Correspondingly, the term “or” as used herein is intended to indicate exclusive alternatives only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” For example, a list of “only one of A, B, or C” indicates options of: A, but not B and C; B, but not A and C; and C, but not A and B. In contrast, a list preceded by “one or more” (and variations thereon) and including “or” to separate listed elements indicates options of one or more of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases “one or more of A, B, or C” and “at least one of A, B, or C” indicate options of: one or more A; one or more B; one or more C; one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C. Similarly, a list preceded by“a plurality of’ (and variations thereon) and including “or” to separate listed elements indicates options of one or more of each of multiple of the listed elements. For example, the phrases “a plurality of A, B, or C” and “two or more of A, B, or C” indicate options of: one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C.

[0098] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A food product dispenser comprising: a housing configured to contain or couple to a food product container; an inner wall attached to an inner surface of the housing; a food product dispenser assembly contained within the housing configured to dispense a food product from the food product container; a connector comprising an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the connector extending through the inner wall of the housing, and the outlet portion coupled to the food product dispenser assembly; and a probe removably coupled to the inlet portion of the connector, the probe comprising an inlet end configured to be inserted into the food product container.

2. The food product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the connector is straight or an elbow.

3. The food product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the connector extends through an opening of a wall of the food product dispenser.

4. The food product dispenser of claim 3, wherein the inlet portion of the connector is on a first side of the wall of the food product dispenser and the outlet portion is on a second side of the wall.

5. The food product dispenser of claim 3, wherein the opening of the wall comprises a gasket.

6. The food product dispenser of claim 5, wherein the gasket is between a flange of the connector and a base of the probe.

7. The food product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the outlet portion comprises one or more barbs and is configured to attach to a tube.

8. The food product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises a locking protrusion and the probe comprises an arm, wherein the arm is configured to engage with the locking protrusion to removably lock the probe to the connector.

9. The food product dispenser of claim 8, wherein the arm comprises: an engagement tab attached to the arm, the engagement tab comprising a first sloped surface; wherein the locking protrusion comprises: a second sloped surface and a locking shoulder; and wherein the first sloped surface slides along the second sloped surface as the probe engages with the connector and is moved toward the outlet portion of the connector, and wherein, when the first sloped surface clears the second sloped surface and the locking shoulder, the probe is in a locked position on the connector.

10. The food product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises a locking protrusion and the probe comprises a locking groove and a locking opening, wherein the locking groove is configured to receive the locking protrusion and, when the locking protrusion is received within the locking groove, rotation of the probe causes the locking opening to engage with the locking protrusion to removably lock the probe to the connector.

11. The food product dispenser of claim 10, wherein an edge of the locking opening has a first surface, wherein the first surface slides along the locking protrusion as the probe is rotated is inserted onto the connector and moved toward the outlet portion of the connector.

12. The food product dispenser of claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises a rib and the probe comprises a rib groove, and wherein, when the probe engages with the connector and is moved toward the outlet portion of the connector, the rib is received within the rib groove aligning the probe in a selected orientation with respect to the connector.

13. The food product dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an O-ring between an outer surface of the inlet portion of the connector and an inner surface of the probe.

14. The food product dispenser of claim 13, wherein the O-ring engages with an O-ring groove on the outer surface of the inlet portion of the connector.

15. A method of attaching a probe to a connector of a food product dispenser, the method comprising: providing a connector coupled to a housing of the food product dispenser having an inlet portion and an outlet portion; providing a probe that is configured to be removably coupled to the inlet portion of the connector, the probe comprising an inlet end configured to be inserted into a food product container; and engaging the probe with the connector.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein engaging the probe with the connector comprises: engaging a locking protrusion of the connector with an arm to removably lock the probe to the connector.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein engaging the locking protrusion of the connector with the arm to removably lock the probe to the connector comprises: sliding a first sloped surface of an engagement tab of the arm along a second sloped surface of the locking protrusion; andwherein, when the first sloped surface clears the second sloped surface, the probe is in a locked position on the connector.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein engaging the probe with the connector comprises: receiving a locking protrusion of the connector in a locking groove of the probe; and rotating the probe to cause a locking opening of the probe to engage with the locking protrusion to removably lock the probe to the connector.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein rotating the probe to cause a locking opening of the probe to engage with the locking protrusion to removably lock the probe to the connector comprises: sliding the locking protrusion along a first surface of an edge of the locking opening; and wherein, when the locking protrusion clears the first surface, the probe is in a locked position on the connector.

20. A connector assembly for a food product dispenser comprising: a connector comprising an inlet portion and an outlet portion coupled to a housing of the food product dispenser; and a probe removably coupled to the inlet portion of the connector, the probe comprising an inlet end configured to be inserted into a flowable food product container.

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