Abstract: A mechanism for dispensing earplugs is provided, including a container for storing the earplugs, the container having at least one container opening through which the earplugs are dispensed, a shutter assembly located at the container opening, the shutter assembly having at least one shutter opening formed therein, and a funnel member attached to the shutter assembly for guiding dispensed earplugs to an operator. The shutter assembly of the present invention moves to bring the shutter opening into alignment with the container opening thus allowing the earplugs to pass from the earplug container, through the shutter assembly, into the dispensing flange, and to the operator.

Abstract: An earplug dispenser is provided including a container for storing earplugs, the container having at least one container opening through which the earplugs are dispensed. A shutter assembly is located at the container opening, having at least one shutter opening formed therein. A dispensing flange is coupled to the shutter assembly for guiding dispensed earplugs. The shutter assembly is selectively movable to bring the shutter opening into alignment with the container opening to allow the earplugs to pass from the container, through the shutter assembly and through the dispensing flange.