| 摘要 |
A flatware dispensing unit for dispensing flatware is disclosed including a primary housing having at least one compartment for receiving flatware therein with the compartment having an elongated slot for exposing at least a portion of the flatware. In a first embodiment, a cartridge having a complimentary elongated slot substantially aligned with the elongated slot in the compartment when the cartridge is positioned within the compartment. The flatware cartridge includes a widened portion which when inserted into the compartment aligns with a widened portion of the elongated slot of the compartment. In doing so, the cartridge may be easily dropped into the compartment such that the flatware need not be individually handled by the person stocking the dispenser unit and limits the number of utensils which can be removed from the dispenser at one time. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flatware dispensing unit for dispensing flatware includes at least one flatware cartridge containing a plurality of flatware pieces temporarily receivable in the compartment. The cartridge itself includes a plurality of flatware oriented in the same manner forming a bulk oriented stack of flatware and a flexible enclosure enclosing the bulk oriented stack of flatware and maintaining an orientation of the bulk oriented stack of flatware with the bulk oriented stack of flatware in the flexible enclosure being positioned in the flatware dispenser, with the flexible enclosure being removable from the bulk oriented stack of flatware. A tearaway portion is preferably included to aid in removal of the flexible enclosure.
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