Cup dispenser with reciprocating actuator

Claim 1

A mechanism for dispensing individual cups which comprises: a. a Base plate, said base plate having a delivery aperature therein, said delivery aperature being of circular cross-section just slightly larger than the cups to be dispensed; b. four pinions mounted symmetrically on the base plate around the periphery of the aperature, each of said pinions having first and second axially spaced and circumferentially staggered detents, the first detent cooperating to retain a cup and the second detent cooperating to retain a cup; c. a frame member mounted on said base plate for rectilinear sliding movement, said frame member having a pair of racks flanking opposite sides of the aperature, each of said racks engaged with two of the pinions for rotation thereof during rectilinear sliding movement of the frame member; d. means for providing rectilinear sliding movement to the frame member, said means comprising: 1. an extension of the frame member in the form of a handle with a grippable indentation; and 2. a non-return pawl and ratchet mechanism attached to an outer side of the frame member; e. a top plate mounted above the slidable frame member; said top plate having an indicator plate hinge mounted thereon; f. a cup stack support mounted on said top plate, said cup stack support comprising: 1. a vertically disposed elongated rod; 2. an arm slidably mounted on said elongated rod, said arm having an extension adapted to operate the hinged indicator plate; and 3. a weighted disc mounted on said arm.