An apparatus and system for dispensing large amounts of cylindrical food containers or cans. The apparatus includes at least two support frames joined together through a series of connector pieces. Additional support frames may be added to the apparatus to create a modular system of dispensers that are customizable according to user discretion. The apparatus and system may be disposed directly on the traverses of a shelving unit so that large number of can dispensers may be accommodated within a relatively small volume or storage space. Each can dispenser may accommodate multiple cans which are orientated so that as each can is removed from the dispenser, a subsequent can will roll forward and take its place.

A ramekin dispenser including a platform that may be attachable to a commercial kitchen refrigerator and a ramekin holder removably attachable to the platform. The platform may include a base that stops ramekins from falling out of the ramekin holder and that facilitates removal of one ramekin at a time from a dispensing slot. The platform may be removably or permanently attachable to the commercial kitchen refrigerator. The ramekin holder may be removably attachable to the platform via a keyhole and pin arrangement. The ramekin holder may have a cylindrical or some other shape, possibly with a slot on one side. The platform and the ramekin holder may be made of plastic, wood, metal, or any other suitable material. Also, similarly configured dispensers for other items.

A system and method for dispensing golf balls is disclosed. Balls are received into a cylindrical tube, and are supported on a shelf that extends inwardly at a dimension that retains the balls when they are stacked vertically. Balls are removed through a forward opening.

A system for dispensing articles provided initially in a package is disclosed that comprises a frame configured to support the package of articles and a package-opening tool associated with the frame. The frame includes longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections, and an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool associated with the frame such that its open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool, thereby allowing the articles to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.

A dispenser is provided for storing and individually dispensing cylindrical containers in a vertical orientation. The dispenser includes an upper chamber having a ramp sloping downward toward a back of the dispenser, which receives the containers loaded in a vertical orientation at a front of the dispenser. The containers move down the upper chamber ramp by gravity to an opening at a back end of the dispenser, through which the containers pass to a lower chamber. The lower chamber has a ramp sloping downward toward the front of the dispenser. The containers move down the lower chamber ramp by gravity to a dispensing position at the front of the dispenser. A latch is positioned at a back portion of the upper chamber to restrict passage of the containers so that they pass through the opening one at a time as containers are removed from the dispensing position.

A back bumper can be provided for slowing cans inserted into a can rack system. The back bumper can include a first flap, which can flex downward in response to pressure exerted by a can descending through a compartment of the can rack system. The first flap can further flex upward when the can descending through the compartment is below and no longer in contact with the first flap. The back bumper can also include a second flap, which may be positioned perpendicular to the first position of the first flap. The back bumper can further include a raised step positioned between the second flap and the first flap. The raised step can allow the first flap to move independently of the second flap. Additionally, a flange can protrude from the second flap. The flange and the second flap can removably couple the back bumper to the can rack system.

A back bumper can be provided for slowing cans inserted into a can rack system. The back bumper can include a first flap, which can flex downward in response to pressure exerted by a can descending through a compartment of the can rack system. The first flap can further flex upward when the can descending through the compartment is below and no longer in contact with the first flap. The back bumper can also include a second flap, which may be positioned perpendicular to the first position of the first flap. The back bumper can further include a raised step positioned between the second flap and the first flap. The raised step can allow the first flap to move independently of the second flap. Additionally, a flange can protrude from the second flap. The flange and the second flap can removably couple the back bumper to the can rack system.

A serpentine dispenser and cartridge system provides simplified stocking and restocking, as well as jam-free dispenser feeding. A cartridge priming flap allows a cartridge be inverted and inserted into a dispenser while products in the cartridge are prevented from falling out. Cartridge opening is completed by holding an priming flap while pushing the cartridge into the dispenser. In other embodiments, a dispenser wedge applies pressure on rolling products, forcing a retaining flap open, as the cartridge is pushed into the dispenser. The wedge can also constrain rolling products to exit the cartridge in an order that prevents jamming.

A dispenser is provided for storing and individually dispensing cylindrical containers in a vertical orientation. The dispenser includes an upper chamber having a ramp sloping downward toward a back of the dispenser, which receives the containers loaded in a vertical orientation at a front of the dispenser. The containers move down the upper chamber ramp by gravity to an opening at a back end of the dispenser, through which the containers pass to a lower chamber. The lower chamber has a ramp sloping downward toward the front of the dispenser. The containers move down the lower chamber ramp by gravity to a dispensing position at the front of the dispenser. A latch is positioned at a back portion of the upper chamber to restrict passage of the containers so that they pass through the opening one at a time as containers are removed from the dispensing position.

Food product dispensing machines and methods for dispensing food product into a cup. The food product dispensing machine includes a cup holder having a target element, a sensor that senses the target element, and a controller. The cup holder is configured to hold a cup such that the cup prevents the sensor from sensing at least a portion of the target element. The controller determines whether a cup is present in the cup holder and/or a size of the cup based on a remaining portion of the target element that is sensed by the sensor when the cup is held by the cup holder. Drive mechanisms are configured to move the first and second cup holders along first and second radial paths, respectively, with respect to the common dispensing position. An indicator is configured to indicate a remaining number of cup dispenses to the user.