Dispensing unit for use in dispensing game playing tokens

Abstract

A dispensing unit ( 1 ) for dispensing game playing tokens, including a hopper section ( 2 ) for holding tokens, a dispenser section ( 3 ) arranged to selectively receive a predetermined number of tokens from the hopper section and a release mechanism ( 4 ) for dispensing the tokens from the dispensing section.

1 . A dispensing unit for dispensing game playing tokens, including: 
 a hopper section for holding the tokens;    a dispenser section arranged to selectively receive a predetermined number of tokens from the hopper section;    a release mechanism for dispensing the tokens from the dispenser section; and    a central peg to facilitate distribution of the tokens within the hopper section away from the peg and through openings which communicate with the dispenser section.    
     
     
         2 . A dispensing unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the dispenser section includes a chamber for receiving the tokens.  
     
     
         3 . A dispensing unit as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein a partition member is provided to selectively block respective openings during dispensing of the tokens.  
     
     
         4 . A dispensing unit as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the chamber is rotatably housed within the dispenser section and the release mechanism includes a lever for rotating the chamber from a first position, for receiving the tokens from the hopper section, to a second position, where the respective opening is blocked by the partition member, for releasing the tokens.  
     
     
         5 . A dispensing unit as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the unit includes an end cap with at least one outlet port arranged to register with the at least one opening of the chamber, when in the second position, to allow the tokens to be dispensed therefrom.  
     
     
         6 . A dispensing unit as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the chamber includes six tubes with associated openings, for selectively receiving the tokens.  
     
     
         7 . A dispensing unit as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the end cap includes six outlet ports such that rotation of the chamber from the first to the second position causes the openings of the tubes to be blocked by the partition member whilst simultaneously aligning the tubes with the outlet ports to facilitate dispensing of the tokens.  
     
     
         8 . A dispensing unit as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  7 , wherein the tokens are die with letters provided on the faces thereof.