| 摘要 |
A dispenser for storing and dispensing dry foodstuffs includes a hopper and a free flow ball-type dispensing mechanism. The hopper chamber is configured for store shelf use having planar front and side panels. An exit orifice is formed in a lower portion of the hopper and most preferably at a lower front portion. The dispensing mechanism is positioned over the exit orifice and is selectively operable to regulate the dispensation of foodstuffs to the consumer. The dispensing mechanism is characterized by a covering housing and an internal gate mechanism. The covering housing includes a generally semi-spherical portion with an opening therethrough and an anchoring flange. The covering housing is secured over the hopper exit orifice such that foodstuffs move downwardly from the hopper chamber under gravity, through the exit orifice and into the interior of the semi-spherical portion of the covering housing. The gate member is selectively movable relative to the semi-spherical portion between a position where it substantially overlies and blocks an outlet opening in the semi-spherical portion to prevent movement of foodstuffs therethrough, and an open position wherein the gate member is moved at least in part therefrom, permitting the free flow of foodstuffs from the interior of the covering housing outwardly through the opening. A handle secured to the gate member projects outwardly through a slot formed through the covering housing where it may be grasped by a user, and wherein the slot extends in a plane which is generally perpendicular to the lateral width of the hopper to which the ball dispenser is mounted.
|
