WO2013106742A1

WO2013106742A1 - Vertical load dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2013106742A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/021281
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Betesh
Original assignee: EMS Mind Reader LLC
Current assignee: EMS Mind Reader LLC
Priority date: 2012-01-12
Filing date: 2013-01-11
Publication date: 2013-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 2014-07-12
Also published as: US20130193093A1

Description

VERTICAL LOAD DISPENSER

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[0003] Single serve coffee machines have gained market share in the office, home and home- office settings, as compared to more traditional pot-brewed (e.g., drip-brewed) coffee machines. Single serve coffee machines can have a variety of configurations. For example, some single-serve coffee machines can provide drip-brewed capabilities (e.g., a smaller version of traditional "pot sized" machines), have single-serve coffee pods (e.g., like the Keurig® " -cup"), or include various other single serve packet designs (e.g., liquid packets by Flavia®).

[0004] According to the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of a vertical load dispenser for supply pods or supply cartridges are described, which can be used alone or in conjunction with other items to store accessories for single-serve beverage dispensers, e.g., accessories needing refrigeration, e.g., milk/cream. Such exemplary embodiments address at least some of the deficiencies of prior dispensers. * " " >lary Knibodiiiiciits

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[[00000066]] AAnn aappppaarraattuuss hhaavviinngg aatt lleeaasstt oonnee hhoollddiinngg aarrrraannggeemmeenntt ccoonnffiigguurreedd ttoo hhoolldd aatt lleeaasstt oonnee ccaarrttrriiddggee aarrrraannggeemmeenntt.. TThhee aappppaarraattuuss ccaann aallssoo hhaavvee aatt lleeaasstt oonnee aacccceessssiibbllee ssttrruuccttuurree aassssoocciiaatteedd wwiitthh tthhee aatt lleeaasstt oonnee hhoollddiinngg aarrrraannggeemmeenntt,, aanndd ccoonnffiigguurreedd ttoo ffaacciilliittaattee aa ddiissppeennssiinngg ooff tthhee aatt lleeaasstt oonnee ccaarrttrriiddggee aarrrraannggeemmeenntt ffrroomm tthhee aatt lleeaasstt oonnee hhoollddiinngg aarrrraannggeemmeenntt.. TThhee aappppaarraattuuss ccaann aallssoo iinncclluuddee aatt lleeaasstt oonnee wwaallll ssttrruuccttuurree pprroovviiddeedd aatt oorr nneeaarr aatt tthhee aatt lleeaasstt oonnee aacccceessssiibbllee ssttrruuccttuurree,, wwhheerreeiinn,, wwhheenn tthhee aatt lleeaasstt oonnee ccaarrttrriiddggee iiss pprroovviiddeedd iinn tthhee aatt lleeaasstt oonnee aacccceessssiibbllee ssttrruuccttuurree,, tthhee aatt lleeaasstt oonnee wwaallll ssttrruuccttuurree iiss ccoonnffiigguurreedd ttoo ccoonnttaacctt aatt lleeaasstt oonnee ssiiddee ooff tthhee aatt lleeaasstt oonnee ccaarrttrriiddggee aarrrraannggeemmeenntt aanndd pprroovviiddee pprreessssuurree tthheerreeoonn..

[[00000077]] TThhee ccaarrttrriiddggee aarrrraannggeemmeenntt((ss)) ccaann iinncclluuddee aa ttoopp ssuurrffaaccee,, aanndd tthhee hhoollddiinngg aarrrraannggeemmeenntt((ss)) ccaann hhaavvee aa ccoonnffiigguurraattiioonn tthhaatt wwhheenn tthhee ccaarrttrriiddggee aarrrraannggeemmeenntt((ss)) iiss pprroovviiddeedd iinn tthhee hhoollddiinngg aarrrraannggeemmeenntt((ss)),, tthhee ttoopp ssuurrffaaccee eexxtteennddss iinn aa ddiirreeccttiioonn tthhaatt iiss aatt lleeaasstt aapppprrooxxiimmaatteellyy ppaarraalllleell ttoo aa ddiirreeccttiioonn ooff eexxtteennssiioonn ooff aa ttoopp ppoorrttiioonn ooff tthhee hhoollddiinngg aarrrraannggeemmeenntt((ss))..

[[00000088]] TThhee aappppaarraattuuss,, iinn ssoommee ccoonnffiigguurraattiioonnss,, ccaann bbee ssiittuuaatteedd oonn aa ffllaatt ssuurrffaaccee wwhheenn tthhee ccaarrttrriiddggee aarrrraannggeemmeenntt((ss)) iiss pprroovviiddeedd iinn tthhee hhoollddiinngg aarrrraannggeemmeenntt((ss)),, aanndd tthhee ddiirreeccttiioonn ooff eexxtteennssiioonn ooff tthhee ttoopp ssuurrffaaccee ccaann bbee bbeettwweeeenn aapppprrooxxiimmaatteellyy 5500°° aanndd 8800°° wwiitthh rreessppeecctt ttoo tthhee eexxtteennssiioonn ooff tthhee ffllaatt ssuurrffaaccee..

[[00000099]] IInn ootthheerr ccoonnffiigguurraattiioonnss,, tthhee aappppaarraattuuss ccaann bbee ssiittuuaatteedd oonn aa ffllaatt ssuurrffaaccee aanndd tthhee hhoollddiinngg aappppaarraattuuss ccaann bbee aanngglleedd aatt aann aannggllee wwiitthh rreessppeecctt ttoo tthhee ffllaatt ssuurrffaaccee.. TThhee aannggllee ccaann bbee aapppprrooxxiimmaatteellyy bbeettwweeeenn 1100 ttoo 9900 ddeeggrreeeess.. [0010] In certain embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a plurality of holding

arrangements.

[0011] The holding arrangement(s) can have a depth that ranges from approximately 1 inch to approximately 6 inches that extends along a top portion of the at least one holding arrangement. In some configurations, the holding arrangement(s) can have a depth that of approximately 2 inches that extends along a top portion of the at least one holding arrangement. The holding arrangement(s) can comprise of a transparent material.

[0012] These and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims(s).

Brief Description of (he Drawings

[0013] Exemplary objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figs, showing illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, in which:

[0014] Figures 1A and IB are exemplary dispensers, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 is an illustration of another top view of the exemplary dispenser

[0016] the front view of an exemplary dispenser;

[0017] Figure 3 is a rear view of the exemplary dispenser, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4 is a side view of the exemplary dispenser;

[0019] Figure 5 is an illustration of a bottom view of the exemplary dispenser; [0020] Figure 6 is the front view of the exemplary dispenser according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 7 is the front view of an exemplary dispenser according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 8 is the exemplary dispenser of Figure 7 in multiple views;

[0023] Figure 9 is the side view of the exemplary dispenser of Figure 7;

[0024] Figure 10 is a side view of the exemplary dispenser of Figure 7 in an upright position;

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a front view of the exemplary dispenser according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 12 is a top view of an exemplary dispenser with the front side removed according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 13A is a side view of an exemplary dispenser with the columns shown in Figure 12;

[0028] Figure 13B is a side view of the exemplary dispenser of Figure 13A with the columns removed to illustrate the exemplary row of supply cartridges;

[0029] Figure 14 is a top view of exemplary shaped dividers according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 15 is a front view of the exemplary dispenser;

[0031] Figure 16 is a side view of an exemplary dispenser stand feature, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 17 is a front view of an exemplary dispenser stand feature of Figure 16;

[0033] Figure 18 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary dispenser;

[0034] Figure 19 is another rear perspective view of the exemplary dispenser;

[0035] Figure 20 is a top view of the exemplary dispenser with an exemplary supply cartridge; [0036] Figure 21 is a view of the exemplary dispenser in three pieces separated from one another to effectuate an assembly of the exemplary dispenser; and

[0037] Figure 22 is another view of the exemplary dispenser in three pieces.

[0038] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components, or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments and is not limited by the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures or the claims(s) appended herewith.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0039] According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a beverage supply pod dispenser is provided. For example, both Figure 1A and Figure I B provide an illustration of an exemplary dispenser for single-serve style supply pods or cartridges 1 10. The exemplary dispenser includes, e.g., five channels or columns 120 where supply cartridges 1 10 can be inserted for dispensing. A user can make all five columns have uniform supply cartridges 1 10 or could include multiple flavors of supply cartridges 1 10 (e.g., five different flavors, one per column). The columns 120 can be vertically loaded, such that a user can drop cartridges in a top side 125 and pull them out a bottom side 158, e.g., allowing gravity to reload the supply cartridges at an accessible structure/pull location 126. Additionally or alternatively, the front side 130 can be removable, e.g., fully removable or pivot-able via e.g., a hinge. According to other exemplary embodiments, different sizes can be utilized and differing numbers of cartridges can be held in the dispenser. For example, Figures 1 A and I B show 6 cartridges 1 10 in a column 120, and can thus hold 30 cartridges across the five illustrated columns. Other exemplary configurations are also possible. [0040] In one exemplary configuration of the exemplary dispenser, the supply cartridges 1 10 can be dispensed at the pull location 126 at an angle of approximately 50 degrees to approximately 80 degrees with respect to the flat surface the exemplary dispenser is situated on, e.g., a countertop. For example, substantially as illustrated in at least Figure 1A, the pull location 126 (e.g., at bottom side 1 8) can be configured such that the bottom surface of the exemplary supply cartridges 1 10 rotate from an angle in which the top surface of the cartridge extends in a direction at least approximately parallel the channel flow 127 of the supply columns 120 (e.g., the sides can be substantially perpendicular to a channel flow direction 127 of the supply columns 120) to an angle approximately 50 degrees to approximately 80 degrees with respect to a bottom surface (e.g., the countertop that the exemplary dispenser is configured to rest on). For example, the bottom most supply cartridge 1 12 of each column may therefore be at a different angle than those supply cartridges 1 10 still within (or at least partially within) the exemplary channels 120, such as subsequent supply cartridges 1 1 1. The subsequent supply cartridges 1 1 1 can partially rest on the top surface of the bottom most supply cartridges 1 12, as shown in Figure 1A, or the top surface of subsequent supply cartridges 1 1 1 can slide beyond the top surface of bottom most supply cartridge 1 12, and rest against the edge of the top of bottom most cartridge 1 12, not shown.

[0041] The supply cartridges 1 10 can be removed by a user in one or more ways. For example, the bottom most cartridge 1 12 can be pulled up in a vertical or near vertical direction, sliding an associated column of cartridges 1 10 up enough for the top of the bottom most cartridge 1 12 to clear the edge of subsequent cartridge 1 1 1 . In another configuration, a user can pull cartridge 1 12 forward, temporarily deforming its side walls to allow it to pass through the illustrated front gap 1 32 and beyond the retaining walls 133, e.g., as illustrated in Figure 6. In this way, the retaining walls 133 can be configured to protrude into the opening 132 enough to retain a particular cartridge design, even when a column of other cartridges 1 10 loaded in an associated channel may be pushing on the bottom most cartridge 1 12, while still leaving enough room to remove the particular cartridge 1 12 when a user applies additional force, e.g., with the user's fingers. The column of cartridges behind the bottom most cartridge may apply less forward pressure on the bottom most cartridge 1 12 when configured to rest on top of the bottom most cartridge 1 12, as is illustrated in Figure 1A. Alternatively, the column of cartridges 1 10 behind the bottom most cartridge 1 12 can apply less resistance to a vertical remove operation when those cartridges slide beyond the top of the bottom most cartridge 1 12, not shown, and more forward pressure on the bottom most cartridge 1 12. Additionally or alternatively, a combination of vertical lift and side wall deformation can be used by a user to remove the bottom most cartridge 1 10. In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the retaining walls 133 can be resiliently biased toward the walls of the bottom most supply cartridge 1 12. In one exemplary configuration, the retaining walls 133 can securely hold the supply cartridge 1 12 and can deform as the supply cartridge 1 12 is removed.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, shaped partitions 140 can be included, e.g., at least at the opening, that can correspond to an intended dispensable product (e.g., a K-cup, a Nespresso pod, etc.). The shaped partitions 140 can force a certain orientation of the product, e.g., with the wider top part of the product facing the front surface. Certain intended products have particular designs. For example, most -cups have a blank cup portion with a logo and design on the top surface. The shaped partitions 140 can then be configured to ensure that the design side, with the identifying information, is oriented toward the user when dispensed. Other shapes and orientations are also possible, and other benefits of certain orientations are also possible.

[0043] The front surface 130 can be made from a transparent and/or translucent material that can, among other things, allow a user to see when a column is running low and requires restocking of supply cartridges. Exemplary dispensers can include a stand feature 150 to facilitate the dispenser columns standing vertically, e.g., as illustrated in Figure 3. In one exemplary embodiment of the stand feature 150, for example as shown in Figures 3, 17, 19,and 20, the stand feature 150 can include at least one opening 151. In other exemplary configurations, the stand feature 150 can include multiple openings 151 , and in yet other exemplary configurations, for example as shown in Figure 24, the stand feature 150 can comprise of solid walls free of openings. The exemplary stand feature 150 in some configurations can have a height 154 of approximately 7.500 inches.

[0044] The columns 120 can be provided at an angle, and certain exemplary embodiments can provide the exemplary dispenser at an angle between 10 and 90 degrees or any other angle, e.g., 12- 15 degrees, 80-90 degrees (as measured from the direction of gravity perpendicular to a counter surface the stand sits on). In certain exemplary embodiments, the stand feature 150 can be fixed at a certain angle, while according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the stand feature 150 can be adjustable to different points and/or over a range of angles.

[0045] In another exemplary configuration of the exemplary dispenser, for example, as illustrated in Figure 7, the supply cartridges 1 10 can be dispensed at the pull location 126 in a position in which the sides of the cartridge 1 10 are generally perpendicular to the channel flow direction 127, and the top surface of the cartridge 1 10 is generally parallel the channel flow direction 127. As illustrated in Figure 7, the supply cartridges 1 10 can be substantially vertically loaded and/or dispensed via the top surface facing a forward direction. The supply cartridges 1 10 can rest on a bottom wall 129 of the dispenser. For example, as illustrated in Figure B, the supply cartridges 1 10 can be loaded such that the edge of a subsequent supply cartridge rests upon the edge of a preceding supply cartridge. According to certain exemplary configurations, the bottom wall 129 can include a recess portion 131 configured to allow the user to easily grip and remove the supply cartridges 1 10 from the dispenser. The exemplary dispenser illustrated in Figure 7can include, in some exemplary configurations, the features described with respect to the other figures discussed herein. For example, in one exemplary configuration, the exemplary columns of the exemplary dispenser can be provided at an angle as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0046] The exemplary dispenser can be a standalone accessory unit, e.g., paired with a single-serve beverage dispenser, or can be joined or attached with additional complementary accessory units, e.g., all paired with the single-serve beverage dispenser.

[0047] The exemplary dispenser and/or the stand 150 can have any number of dimensions, and the exemplary figures show one exemplary set of measurements and/or dimensions. For example, the exemplary dispenser can have a height 152 that ranges from 8 inches to 16 inches. In one exemplary configuration, the exemplary dispenser can have a height 152 of approximately 12.4 inches (as shown in Figure 8), and an angled height 153 of approximately 1 1 .14 inches (as shown in Figure 4). The exemplary dispenser can have a length 155 (as shown in Figure 4) of, e.g., approximately 7 inches to 12 inches. According to one exemplary configuration, the length 155 can be approximately 8.27 inches. The exemplary dispenser (including the exemplary column 120) can have a depth 156 ranging from, e.g., approximately 1 inch to approximately 6 inches in some exemplary configurations (as shown in Figures 9 and 10). For example, in one configuration, the depth 156 can be approximately 2 inches. In one exemplary configuration, the depth 156 can be approximately 2.1 18 inches, and in another configuration, the depth 156 can be approximately 2.12 inches. The exemplary dispenser in one exemplary configuration, for example as illustrated in Figure 1 1 , can have a width 178 that ranges from, e.g., approximately 7 inches to approximately 17 inches. According to another exemplary configuration, the width 178 can be approximately 1 1 .75 inches, and in another configuration, the width 178 can be approximately 1 1.3 inches. It is appreciated, however, that other dimensions can be used. For example, other dimensions of the depth 156, height 152, and length 155 can be used to accommodate various sized supply cartridges 1 10.

[0048] In one exemplary dispenser, for example as shown in Figure 10, the pull location 126 at the bottom side 158 of the exemplary dispenser can have a height 162 of approximately 2.32 inches. The bottom side 158 of the exemplary dispenser can have a depth 164 of, e.g., approximately 1 inch to 10 inches. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the dispenser can have a depth 164 of approximately 1.65 inches. The bottom wall 129 can be slightly angled upward at an angle 166 of, e.g., approximately 10 degrees to 30 degrees. In one exemplary configuration, the angle 166 can be approximately 14.85 degrees. The pull location 126 can also include an angle 168 (as shown in Figure 10) of approximately 1 17 degrees. According to certain exemplary configurations, for example as shown in Figure 10, the pull location 126 can have a curved portion 170, and the curved portion 170 can have a radius 172 of approximately 0.75 inches. The pull location 126 can also include a bottom portion 174, and in some exemplary configurations, the bottom portion 174 can have a height 176 of approximately 0.9 inches. The pull location 126 can have a width 180 of, e.g., approximately 1 inch to 6 inches. For example seen in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1 1 , of approximately 2.15 inches. It is appreciated that the other suitable dimensions can be used depending on the size of the cartridges.

[0049] Figure 12 illustrates the top view of the exemplary dispenser with the front side 130 removed. As shown in Figure 12, in some exemplary embodiments, the bottom side 1 58 can include stabilizer walls 182 that facilitate supporting the supply cartridges 1 10. In one exemplary configuration, the stabilizer walls 182 can be between the dividers 141 located at the pull location 126, for example as shown in Figures 12 and 16. The distance 184 between the divider wall 141 and stabilizer wall 182 can be, e.g., approximately 0.525 inches. The distance 185 between two stabilizer walls 182 can be 0.5 inches to 3 inches. For example as shown in Figure 12, can be approximately 0.9 inches. The length 190 of the stabilizer walls 182 can be approximately 0.64 inches. The exemplary dispenser can also have rounded edges between the side wall 186 and back wall 188 where the rounded edges have a radius 192 of approximately 0.3 inches. The side wall 186 can also have a shaped side portion 143. The shaped side portion 143 can have a length 194 of approximately 1.00 inches. The shaped side portion 143 can have an angled wall having an angle 196 of approximately 95.00 degrees with respect to the back wall.

[0050] Figure 14 illustrates the top view of the exemplary front side 130 and shaped partitions 140 in one exemplary embodiment. The shaped partition 140 can be spaced from the side edge of the front side 130 at a distance 200 of, e.g., approximately 1 inch to 3 inches. According to certain exemplary configurations, the distance 200 can be approximately 1.630 inches. The shaped partition 140 can have a length 202 of, e.g., approximately 1 inch to 4 inches. In one exemplary configuration, the shaped partition 140 can have a length 202 of approximately 1 .907 inches. According to a further exemplary configuration, the shaped partition 140 can include a cross portion 204, a straight portion 206, and a tapered shaped portion 208. The cross portion 204 can have a width 210 of, e.g., approximately 0.100 inches, and in some configurations, can be spaced from the front side 130 at a distance 212 of approximately 0.090 inches. The straight portion 206 can be disposed between the cross portion 204 and the tapered shaped portion 208. The straight portion 206 can have, for example, a length 214 of approximately 0.580 inches. The tapered shaped portion 208 can have a length 216 of, e.g., approximately 1.040 inches. The tapered shaped portion 208 can have an angled wall such that it has a smaller width closer to the front side 130, and gradually increases in width further from the front side 130. The angled wall can have an angle 218 of, e.g., approximately 80 degrees to 100 degrees. For example, the angle 218 can be approximately 95.50 degrees. The tapered shaped portions 208 can be spaced from each other at a distance 220 of, e.g., approximately 2.150 inches (the distance being measured from the center of one tapered shaped portion 208 to a second tapered shaped portion 208). At one end of the tapered shaped portions 208 (i.e., the ends disposed farthest from the front side 130), the tapered shaped portions 208 can be spaced from each other at a distance 222 of, e.g., approximately 1 .570 inches. At the opposite end of the tapered portions 208 (i.e., the ends disposed closest to the front side 130), the tapered shaped portions 208 can be spaced from each other at a distance 224 of, e.g., approximately 1.770 inches.

[0051] In one exemplary configuration, the tapered shaped portions 208 of the shaped partitions 140 can comprise of a plurality of walls that define hollow portions, for example, as illustrated in Figure 14. In one exemplary configuration, for example as illustrated in Figure 14, the distance 226 between the plurality of walls within the tapered shaped portion 208 can be approximately 0.190 inches. In other exemplary configurations, the tapered shaped portions 208 can be solid, for example as shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0052] In one exemplary configuration of the exemplary dispenser, the front side 130 can include a label portion 198, for example as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 15, that is configured to receive a logo, label, and/or trademark. The label portion 198 can have a generally trapezoidal shape; however, it is appreciated that other shapes, configurations, and dimensions can be used as well. In one exemplary configuration, one side of the label portion 198 can have a length 228 of approximately 4.550 inches and a second side can have a length 230 of approximately 3.73 inches. The label portion 198 can have a height 238 of, e.g., approximately 1 inch to approximately 3 inches For example, in one embodiment, and the height 238 can be approximately 1 inch. The label portion 198 can also include rounded edges, for example as shown in Figure 15, and the rounded edges can have a radius 232 of, e.g., approximately 0.300 inches.

[0053] Figure 15 illustrates the front side 130 of the exemplary dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In one exemplary configuration of the exemplary dispenser, the front side 130 can have a height 234 of approximately 10.150 inches. The front side 130 can have a width 236 of, e.g., approximately 10.890 inches.

[0054] Figures 16 and 17 illustrate an exemplary configuration of a stand feature 150 of the exemplary dispenser according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In one exemplary configuration of the exemplary stand feature 150, the stand feature 150 can include a bottom side 238, a side wall 240, an upper attachment portion 242, and a lower attachment portion 244. In one exemplary configuration, the bottom side 238, the side wall 240, and two attachment portions 242, 244 can together define a generally triangular configuration with both the side wall 240 and a lower attachment portion 244 angled with respect to the bottom side 238, and the upper attachment portion 242 angled with respect to the side wall 240.

[0055] Figure 16 illustrates a side view of the exemplary stand feature 150. The exemplary stand feature 150 can have various suitable shapes, configurations, and dimensions for supporting the exemplary dispenser. For example, the exemplary side wall 240 can be angled with respect to the bottom side 238 at an angle 246 of approximately 82.00 degrees. The lower attachment portion 244 can be angled with respect to the bottom side 238 at an angle 248 of, e.g., approximately 30 degrees to 80 degrees. For example, in one exemplary configuration, the angle 248 can be, e.g., approximately 67degrees. The upper attachment portion 242 can be angled with respect to the side wall 240 at an angle 250 of, e.g., approximately 10 degrees to 50 degrees. For example, in one exemplary configuration, the angle 250 can be approximately 30.6 degrees. The corner between the upper attachment portion 242 and side wall 240, between the lower attachment portion 244 and bottom side 238, and between the side wall 240 and bottom side 238 can be curved with a radius 252 of, e.g., approximately 0.2 inches. The upper attachment portion 242 can have length 254 of, e.g., approximately 1.690 inches. The lower attachment portion 244 can have a length 256 of approximately 1.670 inches. The walls of the exemplary stand feature 150, for example the bottom side 238, side wall 240, and attachment portions 242,244 can have a thickness 258 in some exemplary configurations of, e.g., approximately 0.1 inches.

[0056] Figure 17 illustrates a front view of the exemplary stand feature 150. In the exemplary embodiment of the stand feature 150 illustrated in Figure 17, the exemplary stand feature 150 can include an exemplary opening 151 as described above. In one exemplary configuration, illustrated in Figure 22, the exemplary opening 151 can have a width 260 of approximately 2.4 inches. The height 262 of the exemplary opening 151 can be, e.g., approximately 4.4 inches. The portion of the side wall 240 adjacent the exemplary opening 1 51 can have a width 264 of approximately 1.300. In some exemplary configurations, the upper attachment portion 242 can have a width generally equal to the width the of the side wall 240. In other exemplary configurations, the upper attachment portion 242 can have a width that is generally greater or smaller than the side wall 240. In one exemplary embodiment, the lower attachment portion 244 can have a width 264 that is greater than the width of both the upper attachment portion 242 and side wall 240. For example, as illustrated in Figure 22, the width 266 of the lower attachment portion 244 can be approximately 10.00 inches. In yet other exemplary configurations, the width 266 of the lower attachment portion 244 can be smaller or equal to the width side wall of 240 and/or upper attachment portion 242. According to further exemplary embodiments, the corners of the upper attachment portion 242 and lower attachment portion 244 can be curved. For example, the corners can have a true radius 268 of approximately 0.300 inches. In other exemplary configurations, the corners can be straight edged and not curved.

[0057] As illustrated in the exemplary dispenser shown in Figures 18 and 19, the stand feature 150 can be associated with the back wall 188 of the exemplary dispenser at the upper attachment portion 242 and lower attachment portion 244. According to certain exemplary configurations, the exemplary standing feature 150 can be affixed to the back wall 188 of the exemplary dispenser by an adhesive, such as glue or tape, or can be attached by other suitable mechanisms such as screws, snap-fitted, or other similar suitable means.

[0058] Figure 20 illustrates a top view of the exemplary dispenser according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with an exemplary supply cartridge.

[0059] Figures 21 and 22 illustrate sections of the exemplary dispenser separated from one another, so as to effectuate the assembling of the exemplary dispenser. The exemplary dispenser can come in separate pieces. For example, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the exemplary dispenser can come in a plurality of (e.g., three) separate pieces: the front side 130, the back wall 1 88, and the stand feature 150. The exemplary pieces of the exemplary dispenser can be made of molded plastic, chrome, acrylic, and/or any other suitable material. For example, in one exemplary configuration, the front side 130 can be made of chrome, and the back wall 188 and standing feature 150 can be made of molded plastic. In one exemplary procedure of assembling the exemplary dispenser, the separate pieces can be affixed together in a suitable way, such as an adhesive, snap-fit, and/or via other suitable methods.

[0060] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Each of the exemplary dispensers shown in the exemplary views can be of the same exemplary dispenser or different exemplary dispensers. It is appreciated that various sufficient measurements and dimensions can be used in other embodiments to sufficiently hold various sized and shaped supply cartridges. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, and procedures which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and can be thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, all publications and references referred to above can be incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In addition, certain terms used in the present disclosure, including the specification, drawings and text thereof, can be used synonymously in certain instances, including, but not limited to, e.g., data and information. It should be understood that, while these words, and/or other words that can be synonymous to one another, can be used synonymously herein, that there can be instances when such words can be intended to not be used synonymously. Further, to the extent that the prior art knowledge has not been explicitly incorporated by reference herein above, it can be explicitly being incorporated herein in its entirety. All publications referenced above can be incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one holding arrangement configured to hold at least one cartridge

arrangement;

at least one accessible structure associated with the at least one holding arrangement, and configured to facilitate a dispensing of the at least one cartridge arrangement from the at least one holding arrangement; and

at least one wall structure provided at or near at the at least one accessible structure, wherein, when the at least one cartridge is provided in the at least one accessible structure, the at least one wall structure is configured to contact at least one side of the at least one cartridge arrangement and provide pressure thereon.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cartridge arrangement includes a top surface, and wherein the at least one holding arrangement has a configuration that when the at least one cartridge arrangement is provided in the at least one holding arrangement, the top surface extends in a direction that is at least approximately parallel to a direction of extension of a top portion of the at least one holding arrangement.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus is situated on a flat surface when the at least one cartridge arrangement is provided in the at least one holding arrangement, the direction of extension of the top surface is between approximately 50° and 80° with respect to the extension of the flat surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is situated on a flat surface and the holding apparatus is angled at an angle with respect to the flat surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the angle is approximately between 10 to 90 degrees.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a stand feature configured to support the holding apparatus at the angle.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of holding arrangements.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one holding arrangement has a depth that ranges from approximately 1 inch to approximately 6 inches that extends along a top portion of the at least one holding arrangement.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one holding arrangement has a depth of approximately 2 inches that extends along a top portion of the at least one holding arrangement.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one holding arrangement is comprised of a transparent material.