Combined Or Convertible Patents (Class 221/199)
  • Patent number: 7264247
    Abstract: An entertainment and refreshment assembly with various arcade games and vending machines including a large housing having an exterior configuration resembling a vehicle. The interior portion includes a plurality of separate receptacles which each receive any combination of the arcade games and/or a vending machines. The arcade games and vending machine may have side panels with a transparent portion. The housing also has at least one transparent panel on the exterior surface. A plurality of panels further define the interior, and at least one of the panels has an aperture. The configuration of the present invention permits a longitudinal and lateral line-of-sight to pass unimpaired completely through the assembly to increase the visibility of the prizes and refreshments to the spectators and players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Craig B. Singer
  • Patent number: 7168591
    Abstract: A trash bag dispenser, for receiving a trash bag continuously joined to and separable from another trash bag, for receiving a trash receptacle and for dispensing the trash bag from the trash receptacle is provided. The trash bag dispenser comprising a housing for containing the trash bag and a cover having a slot therein for guiding the trash bag therethrough. The cover is movably connected to the housing and integral therewith for allowing the cover to capture the trash bag and to allow the trash bag to freely move when urged through the slot. A closure, comprises a snap button fastener. The trash bag dispenser is attachable to an interior of the trash receptacle with an adhesive backed hook and loop type fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Christopher J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7163129
    Abstract: A storage unit is rotatably mounted on one end of a liquid beverage container and contains a plurality of packets. Each packet has a flexible top and a frangible bottom and a flavored tablet is stored in each packet. The tablets dissolve in the liquid stored in the container when dropped thereinto and can be of various flavors to add flavors to the liquid contained in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7140513
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided which is adapted for dispensing from a table top and it is convertible to dispense from a conventional rolled product fixture. The dispenser includes a housing having a compartment configured to hold sheets. The housing also has a dispensing opening. The housing is configured to be positioned on a table top for dispensing sheets therefrom, and the housing includes a hanging port which permits the housing to be coupled to a conventional rolled product fixture. The hanging port is masked when the dispenser is positioned for dispensing from a table top. The hanging port is easily unmasked and configured to releasably couple the housing to a fixture in a bathroom for dispensing sheets therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra N. Welchel, Herb F. Velazquez, Joseph Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7134571
    Abstract: A napkin dispenser has a container body for holding a stack of napkins, and a pair of interchangeable face plates each connectable to the container body. One of the face plates has a first elongated dispensing opening exposing a bottom region of the napkin stack, for one-by-one dispensing, and the other face plate has a second elongated dispensing opening exposing an edge region of the napkin stack, for dispensing a plurality of napkins simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: SCA Tissue North America LLC.
    Inventors: Robert C Hochtritt, Andrew M Conger
  • Patent number: 7128235
    Abstract: A dual arm caddy to be attached to the spindle of a wall mounted toilet paper holder for carrying disposable wet wipes. The upper portion of each arm is attached by hooking the spindle, and the lower, utility portion is attached to a container inclined from front to rear. A lid is rear-hinged. The hooking means can be a U-shaped slot open in the rear of the arm's upper portion, and inclined upward and elongated to assure the caddy makes wall contact before engaged spindle reaches slot's upper end. Embodiments include caddies suspendable from crossbars such as towel racks to provide consistently horizontal and stable utility platforms throughout a range of crossbar-to-wall distances. The hooking means of the arms can also be rounded to allow them to freely rest on top of the crossbar and the caddy configured to always occupy the space closest to the wall to which the crossbar is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Philip Laracy Haddad, Joseph Francis Haddad
  • Patent number: 6976605
    Abstract: A dispenser adapted to dispense sheets as a table top dispenser and convertible into a dispenser configured to dispense sheets from a conventional rolled product fixture is provided. The dispenser includes a housing having sheets provided therein and at least one opening oriented to dispense sheets therefrom. The housing is adapted to be positioned on a horizontal surface such as a table top and dispenses sheets therefrom. The housing includes a platform positioned thereover which is masked due to its appearance as providing at least a portion of the housing. The dispenser is converted into a dispenser for dispensing sheets from a conventional rolled product fixture when the platform is released. The platform is pivotably moved on an axis and a portion of the platform is positioned against the housing such that the housing is supported above the platform on a fixture for dispensing sheets therefrom when coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Mitchell, Debra N. Welchel, Herb F. Velazquez, Tim J. Morton, Joel G. Delman, Melanie L. Andres, John B. Freese, Donna Ann Piacenza
  • Patent number: 6971545
    Abstract: A rectangularly shaped rigid structure having a front panel including an opening therein, a top panel, a rear, bottom, left and right side panels. Also included is an interior panel that cooperates with the interior surfaces of the top, bottom, left and right side panels to form a front compartment dimensioned to contain a collapsible beverage container including a pour spout positioned to project through the front panel opening and a rear compartment dimensioned to contain a cup retainer that holds a plurality of vertically stacked disposable cups. A removable section of the rear panel, delimited by a horizontal linear series of perforations, can be detached so that access is gained to the bottom-most cup, which can be dispensed and placed under the pour spout to dispense the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventors: Phil Martinez, Robert Reider
  • Patent number: 6964350
    Abstract: A handkerchief dispensing apparatus for containing and dispensing handkerchiefs for a user. The handkerchief dispensing apparatus includes a housing comprising a base wall and a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall and the base wall define a receiving space of the housing for receiving the handkerchiefs. The perimeter wall comprises a dispensing slot extending through the perimeter wall of the housing for permitting a portion of each of the handkerchiefs to extend through the perimeter wall when the handkerchiefs are positioned in the receiving space of the housing. A lid member is hingably coupled to the housing. The lid member selectively closes the open end of the receiving space when the lid member is positioned over the housing. A dispensing assembly is coupled to the housing. The dispensing assembly is designed for feeding one of the handkerchiefs through the dispensing slot when the dispensing assembly is actuated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Manuel Padilla
  • Patent number: 6959890
    Abstract: A combination holder to be used by a person when the person is using a toilet. The preferred embodiment includes an openable container to retain objects such as premoistened wipes. Beneath the openable container is an openable ring for retaining a roll of toilet paper from which sheets of toilet paper may be dispensed as needed. Beneath the openable ring is a tray for retaining objects such as an air freshener or any other toiletries which are useful for the person while the person is using the toilet. The tray is on an adjustable wall so that the distance between the tray and the openable ring can be increased to facilitate providing more vertical room above the tray. The preferred adjustable means is a ratchet mechanism so that any multiplicity of adjustable distances can be achieved between the openable ring and the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Breitinger
  • Patent number: 6941855
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding capsules containing a substance to be extracted in an extraction system under pressure for the preparation of a drink. The device includes a supply of capsules arranged in several series, and a mechanism for individually unloading one capsule into a reception part of the extraction system. The extraction system injects water into the capsule to form the drink as a liquid extract of the substance. The reception part is arranged beneath the unloading mechanism in such a way as to allow the direct descent of the released capsule into the reception part and includes structure for opening the capsule for releasing the liquid extract therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Jean-Luc Colantonio, Lucio Scorrano
  • Patent number: 6899250
    Abstract: A wet and dry towel dispenser contains and dispenses both dry towels and wet towels (also referred to as towelettes or wipes). The dispenser includes coaxially located compartments for containing the dry towels and wet towels, preferably in a nested arrangement to use space most efficiently within the dispenser. One preferred embodiment of the dispenser has a substantially cylindrical shape and a removable cover on one end to allow the towels to be loaded into the respective compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Nester, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan M. FitzSimons, Timothy A. Bassett, Timothy J. Collins
  • Patent number: 6851573
    Abstract: A muddler carrying-out device includes a muddler storing part for storing a plurality of stacked muddlers, and a muddler carrying-out part for carrying out the lowest muddler of the plurality of muddlers stored in the muddler storing part to a muddler takeout port. Further, the muddler carrying-out part operates below the second lowest muddler, and a distance of carrying out the muddler in the muddler carrying-out part is set at a distance of protruding a part of the lowest muddler from the muddler takeout port. When the lowest muddler is left without being pulled out at the time of carrying out the muddler, the lowest muddler moves over a distance of carrying out the muddler and the second lowest muddler is supported by the lowest muddler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Sanden Corp.
    Inventor: Masayuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6786356
    Abstract: A drinks machine, in particular a coffee machine, with an entry device for solid cleaning agent, in particular in pressed form, being user-friendly and safe during cleaning, and having an automatically dosing, enclosed dosage device for the cleaning agent which includes a spout, a storage container protected from the spout, and at least one dosage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: WMF Wuerttembergische Metallwarenfabrik AB
    Inventors: Rudi Geiger, Ewald Bauer, Peter Pulvermüller, Günther Nagel
  • Patent number: 6739477
    Abstract: A golf ball dispenser for holding a plurality of golf balls. The dispenser has a handle portion, a dispensing portion, and an elongated cylindrical tube extending between the handle portion and the dispensing portion. A channel extends along the length of the dispenser and a rod is selectively slidable within the channel. The rod is connected between a trigger in the handle portion and a stopper in the dispensing portion. When at rest, the stopper keeps one or more balls within the cylindrical tube. When the trigger is depressed, the rod is lifted upward within the channel causing the rod to contact the stopper and retract it inward, thereby allowing the ball to be released from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Floro Pascual
  • Patent number: 6691897
    Abstract: A pole on a base has mounted containers for freely dispensing antibacterial hand cleaner, sanitizing spray, disposable towels and other cleaning and sanitizing supplies. A waste disposal container rests on the flat base and is clipped to the pole. An information display, preferably visible from all sides, is mounted at the top of the pole at eye level. Triagulated print or lighted slide panels or animated screen displays and sound could be used for advertising and information. Selling or renting advertising space pays for the free dispensing of sanitizing supplies for public health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Jason C. Ashe
  • Patent number: 6675986
    Abstract: A cold care bag system that includes a housing for holding tissues and the like that is provided with a mechanism for dispensing cold care bags from the roll; each cold care bag being impregnated with disinfectant material such that a user may use a tissue and dispose of the tissue by putting it in a disinfectant impregnated cold care bag, tearing the cold care bag from the roll, sealing the cold care bag, and throwing the sealed cold care bag into the garbage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Karin L. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6595106
    Abstract: Espresso coffee capsules (2, 2a) having an essentially rotationally symmetric shape, especially the frustum of a right cone, being fitted and slide into an essentially cylindrical magazine tube (1) of a magazine which can be set up vertically. The espresso coffee capsules can be stacked in the magazine tube (1). The magazine tube (1) has a removal opening (4) at the bottom, allowing the espresso coffee capsules to be removed. The magazine tube (1) has, at the top (5), an insertion guide (6) that has a side insertion opening (7) so that the espresso coffee capsules can be inserted simply and exactly into the magazine tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventor: Arthur Eugster
  • Publication number: 20030000958
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combined writing instrument/sheet material dispenser. The present invention is comprised of a body that has a tip portion, a sheet material dispenser portion and a grip portion disposed between the tip portion and the sheet material dispenser portion. Formed within the sheet material dispensing portion of the body is a compartment that is sized to receive and hold a stack of sheet material. The stack of sheet material is formed from a plurality of individual sheets that are adhered together with a releasable adhesive layer. A slot is formed in the sheet material dispensing portion of the body to communicate with the compartment and there by allow a top-most sheet in the stack to be exposed for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David C. Windorski, Jonathan P. Van Dore
  • Patent number: 6386607
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combination golf ball retrieving and dispensing apparatus which comprises a shag bag and two tubes. The first tube is a conventional golf ball retrieving tube which may be screwed into a collar at the base of the bag. Golf balls retrieved through the tube may be stored in the bag by inverting the retrieving tube. Stored golf balls may be dispensed by removing the retrieving tube and screwing into its place a dispensing tube on an extending collar which surrounds a hole at the bottom of the bag. The dispensing tube is L-shaped with one free end secured to the collar of the shag bag. Balls are dispensed through the bag and through the first leg (which is connected to the collar) and the second of the L-shaped legs. A selective dispenser is secured to the end of the second leg and comprises a pivotally mounted spring loaded bar having two prongs. The prongs extend through a slot in the wall of the second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Dorson Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric I. Deininger
  • Patent number: 6253669
    Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a Host dispenser, which substantially eliminates the possibility of spreading unwanted germs amongst the members of a church congregation. The disclosed apparatus allows a single Host to be dispensed to a person. The Host dispenser includes a Host magazine in which a plurality of individual Hosts are stored. The Host magazine is configured to register or index the plurality of Hosts, one at a time to an ejection position, where a manually operated ejection ram ejects one Host at a time out of a dispensing opening or port included in the Host dispenser. The Host dispenser further includes a sacramental wine reservoir and dispensing valve for selectively dispensing a small amount of sacramental wine onto a Host as it is dispensed from the Host dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Michael P. Bourque
  • Patent number: 6170698
    Abstract: An adapter is provided for dispensing stacked interfolded sheets from a rolled product dispenser. The adapter includes a body having a configuration so as to fit over an open front of a conventional rolled product dispenser. The body cooperates with the dispenser to define a receptacle space for stacked interfolded sheets, such as bathroom or facial sheets. A dispensing opening is defined through the front wall of the body. The opening may have a width dimension so that side edges of the stacked interfolded sheets are urged inwardly upon being pulled through the dispensing opening. A releasable attaching device is configured on the body whereby the body is removably attachable to the rolled product dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Phelps, Diane Scheurell
  • Patent number: 6056152
    Abstract: A piece of apparatus for dispensing refrigerating elements enabling consumers to make sure that the cold chain is not broken when buying fresh and frozen food. The apparatus (101) for dispensing refrigerating elements (11) comprises a housing (102) in which is provided an outlet (104) in an upper zone (129) thereof making it possible to insert a refrigerating element (11) to be recycled and an outlet (105) provided in a lower zone (128) of the housing (102) making it possible to dispense a refrigerating element loaded with negative calories, and at least one refrigerated storage unit (107) provided with a helicoidal storage and guide rail (108) extending substantially between the two zones (128, 129) so that the refrigerating elements (11) move toward the lower zone during storage. A cleaning device (112) for cleaning the refrigerating elements (11) to be recycled is provided and comprises rotating brushes (113) which drive said elements from the inlet (104) to the storage unit (107).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Leonetti, Phillippe
    Inventor: Alvaro Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5975600
    Abstract: A tubular golf ball retrieving and dispensing device that includes a tubular main body for storage of the retrieved balls with an open retrieving/dispensing end. A one-way detent obstructs the retrieving/dispensing end so that balls may be forced past the detent into the storage tube, but the balls will not exit the tube past the detent until a release mechanism retracts the detent. A handle at the distal end of the storage tube includes a triggering device for the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Kee Y. Hwang
  • Patent number: 5954225
    Abstract: A pill dispenser that includes a number of pill compartments each including a pivoting lid, a compartment identification diode, a compartment program select button, and a compartment alarm silence button. Each compartment alarm silence button is positioned within the pill compartment with which it corresponds. A computer board generate a number of alarm events that each include lighting one of the compartment identification diodes, and continuously outputting a signal to the speaker until the compartment alarm silence button within the pill compartment corresponding to the compartment identification diode is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Patricia S. Powe
  • Patent number: 5865340
    Abstract: A display device for a fluid filler gun head includes a carrying body and a frame attached to an upper surface of the carrying body, defining a display portion for removable display placards. The carrying body can be removable from the gun head or can be an integral part of the gun head itself. A housing is defined in the carrying body for holding one or more replaceable rolls of coupons, and a rotating device, is provided for rotating the coupon rolls and dispensing one or more coupons through a slot in the carrying body. A controller can be provided to control operation of the rotating device, based on information received from an external source, to dispense one or more selected coupons. The information can be a type of fluid being dispensed, a particular product displayed on the display placard, or the like. The dispensed coupons preferably are selected to match the information received by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Alvern-Norway A/S
    Inventor: Stein Alvern
  • Patent number: 5823386
    Abstract: A personal computer peripheral, battery powered reward candy dispenser which immediately presents students with a single candy for each problem completed correctly while using educational application software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Anthony Peter Vandenberg
  • Patent number: 5810681
    Abstract: Apparatus for retrieving balls and for serially dispensing the balls including a double-ended, elongated tubular member for housing a plurality of balls. A ball capture member is provided at one of the ends of the tubular member and a ball receiving member is connected to the other end of the tubular member. The tubular member, ball capture member and ball receiving member are releasably connected to a support surface such as the side wall of a ping pong table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: John Heim
  • Patent number: 5806122
    Abstract: This invention relates to a more improved Golf Ball Cleaner, ball storage with accessories such as a clipboard, area for storing tees, pencil, liquid solution and a towel. This invention is an Automatic Golf Ball Washer Caddy. This Golf Ball Washer can be used on a stationary surface, attached to a golf cart, golf bag or a power driven cart. With the aid of an electronic timer and/or a conventional switch, the primary objective of this invention is to provide an improved ball cleaner that can be used anywhere or anytime. The ball is therefore placed in the receiving chamber by a cradle. This chamber has brushes strategically placed as to promote effective ball rotation. The cleaning action is realized by the ball travelling upward and downward by a motor, shaft and a spring. The ball is rubbed against the imbedded brushes causing a cleaning action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Evard Bogle, Narayan Jariwala
  • Patent number: 5782378
    Abstract: A gumball machine which has a transparent support column supporting a partially transparent gumball housing. The support column encloses several individual plates. The plates are spaced apart and arranged in a descending manner. Each of the plates has an opening located thereon so that a gumball can gravitationally descend from one plate to another and eventually ends up in a dispensing aperture for removal by a customer. The plates can also be manually manipulated by an exterior handle for additional customer amusement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Suncloud Inc.
    Inventors: Don Hart, Guy Hart
  • Patent number: 5697518
    Abstract: Header padded stationery having an adhesive tape strip pad, adhesive tape flag pad and/or adhesive note pad recessively mounted to the header of the stationery pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Joseph P. Callahan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5692640
    Abstract: A system for establishing and maintaining the identity of a medication in a syringe (80) from the point in time that a medication is withdrawn from a vial (30) to the point in time that the medication is administered to a patient. This method is based on integrating a label dispenser (40) including preprinted, pressure sensitive, syringe labels (71) with a medicine vial (30). As the medication is withdrawn from the vial a label is provided that identifies the contents of the vial. When this label is applied to the syringe it provides the ability to verify that the correct medication and dosage is being administered to the correct patient. Subsequently the label can be removed from the syringe and used to provide a permanent record of the administration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventors: Patricia E. Caulfield, Arthur E. Caulfield
  • Patent number: 5673816
    Abstract: In a washer-dispensing machine, a chute open at a lower end receives a stack of roofing washers of a type having a central aperture to receive a fastener shank and possibly having downwardly extending barbs. A shuttle engages a single washer from the stack, displaces the single washer to a separated position as the shuttle is moved from a displaced position to a normal position, and releases the single washer in the separated position as the shuttle next moves from the normal position to the displaced position. A known mechanism is employed for moving the shuttle between the displaced position and the normal position. A novel mechanism is mounted operatively to the chute for supporting the stack so as to prevent any of the washers in the stack from dropping through the lower end of the chute and for releasing the stack so as to permit a lowermost washer in the stack to drop through the lower end of the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Larson, William J. Blucher, Sigismund G. Paul
  • Patent number: 5608940
    Abstract: A combination toothbrush and storage/dispenser apparatus 10 having a handle 30 with a hollow chamber 30A, a toothbrush head 20 attached to an end of the handle 30, and at least one tray 40 for storing articles which the at least one tray 40 slidingly inserts into and moves inside the hollow chamber 30A. The articles stored in the tray 40 can be pills 70. The combination apparatus 10 can further have a pill dispenser 50 that is integral with an end of the handle 30 for dispensing pills 70 from the tray 40. The pill dispenser 50 has a dispensing slot 51 through which the pills 70 are dispensed and a tray stop located near the dispensing slot 51 for stopping the tray 40 from further being removed from the handle 30 when a pill 70 is at the dispensing slot 51. The tray stop can be a deflectable tray stop 55 which allows the tray 40 that is loaded with pills 70 to be inserted into the hollow chamber 30A, but stops the movement of the tray 40 when a pill 70 is at the dispensing slot 51 ready to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: L.A.P. Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry A. Panyon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5607119
    Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing rolled bandages comprises a pair of attached half shells that are separable for cleaning and disinfection purposes. Strips of flexible material are formed into rolls by a hand crank having a slotted shaft rotatably journalled in opposing front and back walls at one end of the container. In registry with the shaft, a slot disposed in an adjacent side wall admits and guides the flexible strips into engagement with the shaft. A guide member is slidably positionable within the side wall slot to accommodate flexible strips of different widths. The side wall slot also includes a sweep member to brush off any foreign matter clinging to the strips as they are rolled. Withdrawal of the hand crank when a roll is complete disengages the shaft from the roll which then drops from the slot end of the container to the opposite end thereof from which it may be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Arnold G. Olmstead
  • Patent number: 5562328
    Abstract: A novelty dispenser for solid objects, such as condoms. The novel features are specifically based on a spring loaded movement of a dispensing element, which element moves an object such as a packaged condom from inside a compartment out through an opening. The dispenser is an everyday entertainment device that conceals a condom therein. It uses a spring, such as a coil spring, which feeds the condom from a magazine compartment and through a shutter to be released for use. The spring is returned to its original position once it has been used. Pulling a tab of the dispenser causes the spring to release within the magazine, forcing the condom through the shutter, such as miniature doors. The spring opens the magazine and doors, allowing the spring to advance the condom into the dispensed position for delivery to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Barbara Schottenfeld
  • Patent number: 5513771
    Abstract: A dispenser for razors having a housing, a helical coil for stacking and dispensing the packages of razors, coin activating means for activating the helical coil for dispensing one package from said housing, a shaving cream canister for containing shaving cream, a heating coil for heating a portion of said shaving cream, carbon dioxide pressurized canister for pushing the heated shaving cream, and a spigot for releasing the heated shaving cream from the heating coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Gerald Cote
  • Patent number: 5513772
    Abstract: An improved crane type vending machine is disclosed. It provides the customer the opportunity to position a vacuum suction inlet over a selected product item and initiate the descent of the suction inlet so as to pick up the product. The machine deposits the item in a dispensing chute. The suction device may be a vacuum motor housed in a flying saucer. A telescoping structure prevents the motor from twisting the electrical lead. A limit switch disconnects the suction motor from electrical power when it is over the product outlet and reconnects the power when it moves away. The product items may be encased in plastic bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: L. M. Becker & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Glaser
  • Patent number: 5505334
    Abstract: A storage rod for temporarily supporting liners for a container is mounted by one end of the rod to the bottom side of a wall having a slot for passing the liners through the wall from the bottom side to the top side of the wall. The attachment to the wall supports the rod with the other end of the rod unsupported for receiving the liners. The end of the rod receiving the liners is unobstructed, for access to the rod coaxially with the rod by a roll of liners for sliding them on the rod. A handle is at one end of the slot and generally normal to the slot to avoid uncontrolled twist of an operator's fingers when handling the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Modern Technological Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Benito Triglia
  • Patent number: 5469987
    Abstract: A container with a built-in bag dispenser having one box comprising a bottom, four walls and a top. The first box has an opening for dispensing bags. Another box which also has four walls, a top and a bottom is attached to the interior of the first box. This second box contains bags and an opening for dispensing bags. A nozzle is used for dispensing the bags. A cover is attached to the nozzle in order to keep the bags sealed and clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Roll International Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan K. Honkawa
  • Patent number: 5460295
    Abstract: A candy dispensing system is provided comprising a housing in which is defined a chamber for receiving a plurality of candies. The chamber has a dispensing opening and an arm for urging candies in the chamber so that one candy is always located adjacent the dispensing opening. A second arm and a push rod are provided for dispensing candies through the dispensing opening. In one embodiment such a candy dispensing apparatus may be combined as part of a children's wrist watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Pez Candy Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert C. Law
  • Patent number: 5445287
    Abstract: A process for co-dispensing beverages and snack food products from a single vending machine. Filled beverage containers and filled snack food containers are stored in the vending machine and a buyer, upon payment, product selection, etc., can obtain both a beverage, e.g., a soft drink, and a snack food, e.g., corn chips, from a single machine. The beverage and snack food containers preferably are of substantially the same size so that a vending machine of the type which dispenses containers having a uniform size may be used to carry out the present invention. A process for packaging snack food product in cylindrical containers also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Center, James W. Stalder
  • Patent number: 5397017
    Abstract: A pill dispenser includes at least one closeable chamber for storing pills therein, and threads for attaching the pill dispenser to the opening of a drinking fluid container such that the dispenser serves as a cap for the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventors: Robert Muza, Merry Muza
  • Patent number: 5395011
    Abstract: A mountable beverage cooler and dispenser system comprising a housing with a vertically positioned cylindrical wall. The housing has a circular planar roof and floor, and a diameter which exceeds the height. The housing wall includes a generally rectangular large aperture. The large aperture also includes a small aperture which extends downward,toward the floor further than the majority of the large aperture. A generally rectangular shaped sliding door is contoured to follow the perimeter of the housing. The door is positioned between the tray discussed below and the wall of the housing so that it may be maneuvered to cover the large and small apertures. A generally cylindrically shaped tray consists of a circular planar floor with upstanding sidewalls forming a hollow central section therebetween. The height of the tray sidewalls is approximately the height of the housing sidewalls beneath the large aperture. The diameter of the tray and planar floor are slightly smaller than that of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Kevin E. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5395146
    Abstract: A golf ball pick-up device mainly including a casing with an open bottom, an upper transmission tube inserted into the casing, a guiding cylinder fitted over the upper transmission tube, a seat engaged with a lower end of the guiding cylinder and fixedly connected with a lower end of the casing, and a spring-loaded sliding plate slidably fitted in the recess of the seat, whereby the golf ball picked up therein can be easily dispensed as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventors: John Son Liu, Lai Chemg Wei
  • Patent number: 5388723
    Abstract: A device for randomly dispensing one of a plurality of discrete random members. The device includes a housing having a cavity within which the random members may be contained. The housing is supported by a pair of supporting actuators which cooperate to open an aperture in the cavity when the housing is downwardly pushed by a user. A random member is thereby allowed to escape from the housing for generating random numbers such as utilized in bingo, lotteries, and other games. Preferably, the housing is shaped as an animal, such as a chicken, turkey, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: John J. Kampmeyer
  • Patent number: 5310084
    Abstract: A clock radio housing is arranged to include spaced chambers, with an underlying chamber directing heat to an overlying chamber having a row of condoms directed to a second side wall of the housing, wherein a push-bar projecting through a top wall of the housing is oriented to direct condom packages one at a time through a second side wall chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Daniel J. Pittman
  • Patent number: 5301833
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser for storing and dispensing liquids is disclosed. In one aspect the dispenser is a bottle such as that used for storing soft drinks, detergents and the like. The bottle is provided with a cup holder which includes an annular recess extending upwardly from the bottom of the bottle and which is dimensioned to receive therein several drinking cups. The cups, which may be drinking cups or measuring cups, are retained in the annular recess by spaced projections extending inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the bottle. The projections are dimensioned so the cup lips are inwardly deformed as they pass over the projections. The bottles may be fabricated of plastic, paper or glass and the cups of plastic or paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Erkin Aycan
  • Patent number: 5275305
    Abstract: A refillable or disposable mouthwash and cup dispensing system incorporating a handle effect from the dispenser and cooperating with a wall mounted bracket to simplify removal and refilling. A mechanism for conserving the taps from dispensable units is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Robert E. Gross
  • Patent number: 5271523
    Abstract: A dispenser to be used with an air craft includes a body member, and a magazine accommodated in the body member. The magazine is provided with a feeding out opening at one end thereof and accommodates a number of packages arranged in a row extending from the feeding out opening throughout the magazine. The magazine includes a feeding out and separation device provided adjacent the feeding out opening for separating and feeding out a package in the row located closest to the feeding out opening of the magazine. The dispenser also includes air guiding member provided on the body member to guide an air stream in to the feeding out opening of the magazine in order to create a pressure differential at the feeding out opening acting to facilitate removal of packages, released by the feeding out and separation device, from the feeding out opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: NobelTech Electronics AB
    Inventors: Alf Nasvall, Magnus Schnurer