Carton based product dispenser

Abstract

The present application provides a product dispenser for use with a number of objects. The product dispenser may include a loading shelf, a carton opening mechanism on the loading shelf, and one or more dispensing shelves.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A product dispenser for use with a number of objects, comprising:
 a loading shelf;   a carton opening mechanism on the loading shelf; and   one or more dispensing shelves.   
     
     
         2 . The product dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the loading shelf comprises a rearward tilt. 
     
     
         3 . The product dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more dispensing shelves comprise a forward tilt. 
     
     
         4 . The product dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more dispensing shelves comprise a bottom dispensing shelf and one or more upper dispensing shelves. 
     
     
         5 . The product dispenser of  claim 4 , wherein the one or more upper dispensing shelves comprise a dispensing shelf loading aperture therein. 
     
     
         6 . The product dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the loading shelf comprising a loading shelf loading aperture. 
     
     
         7 . The product dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the carton opening mechanism comprises a pull catch. 
     
     
         8 . The product dispenser of  claim 7 , wherein the pull catch comprises a finger pull. 
     
     
         9 . The product dispenser of  claim 7 , wherein the pull catch comprises a raised tab. 
     
     
         10 . The product dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the carton opening mechanism comprises a flap aperture. 
     
     
         11 . The product dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the loading shelf comprises a tapered shape. 
     
     
         12 . The product dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the loading shelf comprises a curved shape. 
     
     
         13 . The product dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the number of objects is positioned within a carton and wherein the carton is positioned on the loading shelf. 
     
     
         14 . The product dispenser of  claim 13 , wherein the carton comprises a bird hole thereon and wherein the bird hole is sized to cooperate with the carton opening mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . A variety station, comprising:
 a plurality of product dispensers;   the plurality of product dispensers comprising a carton opening mechanism; and   a plurality of cartons with a plurality of objects therein;   the plurality of cartons positioned in the plurality of product dispensers.   
     
     
         16 . The variety station of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of cartons comprises a plurality of brands. 
     
     
         17 . The variety station of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of cartons comprises a bird hole thereon and wherein the bird hole is sized to cooperate with the carton opening mechanism. 
     
     
         18 . The variety station of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of product dispensers comprises a loading shelf and one or more dispensing shelves. 
     
     
         19 . The variety station of  claim 18 , wherein the carton opening mechanism comprises a flap aperture positioned about the loading shelf 
     
     
         20 . A carton for use with a product dispenser, comprising:
 a first wall with a product dispensing section or a portion thereof;   a front wall with a bird hole; and   a bottom wall with a bottom flap.