DISPENSER WITH AUTOMATICALLY ADVANCING INDICATOR
A manually operated object dispenser includes a cover that rotates relative to a base allowing easy access to a storage compartment and allowing stored objects to be dispensed. A rotatable reminder wheel disposed beneath the cover automatically advances to a next position with each use, exposing indicia through a window on the cover. The dispenser comprises two sets of ratchet prongs and teeth: the first set engaged when the cover is rotated to an open position, while the second set is engaged when the cover is subsequently rotated to a closed position. Accordingly, the reminder wheel moves a predetermined distance to incrementally expose indicia through the window with each object that is dispensed. One embodiment of the dispenser includes a storage tray for storing objects and an access port through which the objects are dispensed. Another embodiment of the dispenser is attached to an external storage compartment.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/460,090 filed Dec. 27, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDPortable hand-operated, small object dispensers have existed in various designs and configurations. Current dispensers, however, do not adequately provide protection from physical contact or from contaminates while allowing easy access for users such as young, elderly and impaired users and while providing a visual indication of a next dispensing time.
Current existing dispensers do not allow for a cover to be safety-locked from accidental rotation of the cover while providing easy operation of a safety lock by users who may have limitations to manual operation of locked or child safe containers. A container allowing for easy dispensing of such items as toys, children's snacks, pet treats, or other small objects from a safety locked internal compartment, removable jar, or bottle does not exist.
It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present invention has been made.
SUMMARYThe above and other problems are solved by providing a hand-held and hand-operated object dispenser with an easily operated safety lock, wherein rotation of a cover of the dispenser opens a port or window to a storage compartment for allowing an operator to dispense a desired number of objects, each object being dispensed individually.
According to a preferred embodiment, the dispenser comprises a storage compartment. An access port is provided for allowing a single object to pass through the port at a time, thus preventing a surge of objects from being dispensed at once. The access port may provide a restraint for a lock tab, preventing rotation of the cover when the lock tab extends through the access port. Rotation over the cover relative to the base is allowed when the tab is depressed far enough for the cover to rotate about it. According to an alternate embodiment, the dispenser may attach to and detach from a jar, bottle, or other container.
According to embodiments, the dispenser comprises an indicator operable to display indicia, the indicia advancing with each use of the dispenser. A rotatable reminder wheel disposed beneath the cover automatically advances to a next position with each use, exposing the indicia through a window on the cover. The dispenser comprises two sets of ratchet prongs and teeth, wherein the first set is engaged when the cover is rotated to an open position and the second set is engaged when the cover is subsequently rotated to a closed position so that the reminder wheel moves a same predetermined distance to expose indicia through the window. According to a preferred use case, the dispenser can be utilized for medical use, for example, for dispensing pills or tablets. The indicia exposed through the reminder window may correspond with a next time to take medication.
The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that the following detailed description is explanatory only and is not restrictive of the invention as claimed.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a manually operated portable dispenser, the dispenser comprising a dosage indicator that advances with each use of the dispenser, an easily operated safety lock, and a cover. The dispenser may be circular in design to allow rotation of the cover, which when rotated, opens a port to a storage compartment, allowing an operator to dispense objects.
A top view of the manually operated portable dispenser is illustrated in
The base 112 is best shown in
According to the preferred embodiment, the inner ratchet ring 116 comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth 131 extending circumferentially from the outer perimeter of the ratchet ring as illustrated in
The storage tray 111 is preferably designed for storage of small objects for dispensing such as, but not limited to, pills, tablets, candy, toys, etc. As illustrated, in
The cover 101 of the dispenser is best shown in
As shown in
According to a preferred embodiment, a lock tab 103 is provided and is adapted to selectively engage and disengage a first opening in the cover 101, the first opening operative as an access window that communicates with the storage tray 111 when the cover is in an open position to provide for dispensing objects from the storage tray. The first window is herein alternatively referred to as an access window or lock window 102. When engaged with the lock window 102, the lock tab 103 is designed to inhibit rotation (i.e., prevent accidental rotation) of the cover 101 to an open position. For example, when the dispenser is in a closed position (i.e., the lock tab 103 is engaged with the lock window 102), the dispenser may not be accidently opened from a bump, rub, or other physical contact of the dispenser. Referring still to
According to the preferred embodiment, the lock tab 103 comprises one or more raised dimples 105 protruding from the top surface of the lock tab. To selectively disengage the lock tab 103 from the lock window 102, a downward force may be applied to the lock tab so that the dimple 105 on the top surface of the lock tab is depressed far enough for the dimple to clear the bottom surface of the cover 101. Once the lock tab 103 is disengaged from the lock window 102, the cover 101 may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the center of the base 112. The cover 101 may be rotated until the cover pawl 120 encounters an end 132 of the base slot 121 (
According to the preferred embodiment, the rotatable reminder wheel 109 is provided to rotate counterclockwise about the vertical centerline of the base 112 with each use of dispenser. A top surface of the rotatable reminder wheel 109 comprises indicia 110 spaced at predetermined intervals and sequentially clockwise around the top surface of the reminder wheel. According to a preferred use case, the dispenser may be utilized to dispense medication. In this case, an indicium may be a next dosage time or date, helping to prevent a missed dose or an overdose of medication. For example and as illustrated in
According to an embodiment, the reminder wheel indicia 110 may be set by a user when the cover 101 is detached from the base 112. A user may rotate the reminder wheel 109 until a desired starting indicium 110 is in a position to be aligned with a window opening in the cover 101 when the cover is in a closed position. For example, a user may remove the cover 101 to fill the storage tray 111 with medication and set the reminder wheel 109 so that the time period for taking a next pill is positioned such that when the cover is reattached and in the closed position, the time period will be displayed through the window opening in the cover. According to embodiments, reminder indicia 110 preferably contrast in color with the reminder wheel 109 to allow for easy visual identification. According to an embodiment, the tab indicia 104 and reminder indicia 110 may be a raised or depressed surface to provide for a more permanent and durable identification.
As best shown in
According to the preferred embodiment, the reminder wheel 109 is housed in an upper portion of the middle portion 130 of the base 112. As best shown in
With reference still to
The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes the two sets of ratchet prongs 114,115 and teeth 117,116 to ensure that the reminder wheel indicium 110 is incremented only when the cover 101 is closed, wherein a first set (114,117) are engaged while the cover 101 is moving from a closed to an open position, and a second set (115,116) are engaged while the cover is moving from the open position back to the closed position. A predetermined number and spacing of the ratchet prongs and teeth ensure such that the reminder wheel 109 rotates in a counterclockwise direction a same predetermined distance each time the cover 101 is cycled between the open and closed positions, thereby ensuring that the reminder wheel indicia 110 is aligned with the reminder window 108.
In particular, from a closed position shown in
From the open position shown in
According to the preferred embodiment, the cover 101 preferably comprises a cover gripping surface 107 covering at least a portion of the cover. For example and as illustrated in
The base 112 of the preferred embodiment comprises a base gripping surface 113 covering at least a portion of the outer side walls of the base as illustrated in
As illustrated in
An alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
Accordingly, a modified base 125 may be provided. The modified base 125 is similar to the base 112 of the preferred embodiment, comprising an external cylindrical side wall 127 and preferably comprising a base gripping surface 113 covering at least a portion of the outer side walls of the base as illustrated in FIG. 8. Like the base gripping surface 113 of the preferred embodiment, the design of the cover gripping surface 107 and the design of the base gripping surface 113 on the modified base 125 appear as a continuous design when the dispenser is in a closed position, providing a visual alignment tool to quickly and easily insure the dispenser is closed. The cover pawl 120 on an inside side wall of the cover 101 is designed to engage the base slot 121 located in the outside perimeter of the alternate base 125 so that the cover 101 may be snapped onto the alternate base 125 and rotate about it. Also like the preferred embodiment, the cover 101 may be limited in rotation by the cover pawl 120 encountering ends 132 of the base slot 121.
According to the alternate embodiment, the modified base 125 does not comprise a storage tray 111. Rather, the modified base 125 includes an open bottom that is releasably attached to an external storage container 123. In a preferred embodiment, the modified base 125 comprises threads (not shown) on the internal surface of the cylindrical side wall 127 adapted to mate with threads 124 on the external storage container 123 (e.g., a bottle, a jar, etc.). In other embodiments, the modified base 125 and the external storage container 123 are releasably attached via alternative methods including, but not limited to, a snap-on attachment, a tab-and-slot attachment (e.g., lugs), etc.
A plurality of objects to be dispensed are preferably stored in the external storage container 123 (e.g., more objects or objects of a larger size than could be accommodated within the storage tray 111). The modified base 125 defines an opening, herein referred to as a dispenser port 126, on the top surface of the modified base. The dispenser port 126 is preferably located directly under the lock window 102 defined by the cover 101 (
The materials that comprise the majority of the dispenser are preferably plastic configured by injection molding. Differing types of plastic can be utilized to feed functional requirements such as structural durability and wear considerations. One example is to use a flexible plastic for use as the cover pawl 120, tab pawl 119, wheel pawl 118, and ratchet parts such as polycarbonate; the base 101,125 and other parts of the assembly may be made of a thermosetting plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Other materials may be used that fulfill structural, durability, economical and other requires for use as a dispenser.
The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. While the disclosed invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equal elements may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention further includes any combination of the elements from embodiments as set forth herein. In addition, modification may be made to adapt the teaching of the present invention to a particular application without departing from its essential scope thereof.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments described and/or illustrated, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A dispenser comprising:
- a base including a storage tray for storing a plurality of objects;
- a reminder wheel operable to rotate about a vertical centerline of the base, the reminder wheel comprising: a plurality of indicia disposed sequentially and at predetermined intervals along a top surface of the reminder wheel; a first set of ratchet prongs disposed along an inner perimeter of the reminder wheel; and a second set of ratchet prongs disposed along an outer perimeter of the reminder wheel;
- a cover rotatably attached to the base to allow the cover to rotate between an open position and a closed position, the cover defining: a reminder window through which an indicium of the plurality of indicia disposed along the top surface of the reminder wheel is exposed; an access window that communicates with the storage tray when the cover rotates to the open position to provide for dispensing objects from the storage tray; and a cover ratchet disposed on an underside of the cover to operatively engage the second set of ratchet prongs disposed along the outer perimeter of the reminder wheel and provide for rotation of the reminder wheel with the cover when the cover rotates in a first radial direction; and
- an inner ratchet ring attached to the base and operative to engage the first set of ratchet prongs disposed along the inner perimeter of the reminder wheel and prevent the reminder wheel from rotating with the cover when the cover rotates in a second radial direction.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein:
- rotation of the cover in the first radial direction transitions the cover from the closed position to the open position; and
- rotation of the cover in the second radial direction transitions the cover from the open position to the closed position.
3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein:
- a first indicium is displayed through the reminder window when the cover is in the closed position;
- the first indicium continues to be displayed through the reminder window when the cover is rotated to the open position; and
- a next sequential indicium is displayed through the reminder window when the cover is subsequently rotated to the closed position.
4. The dispenser of claim 3 further comprising:
- a lock tab flexibly attached to the base, wherein the lock tab engages the access window to inhibit rotation of the cover when the cover is in the closed position, and wherein the lock tab slides below the cover when the cover is rotated to the open position.
5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein a top surface of the lock tab includes one or more raised dimples adapted to engage the underside of the cover and provide an air gap between the top surface of the lock tab and the underside of the cover when the cover is rotated to the open position.
6. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein a portion of an outer surface of the cover includes a cover gripping surface and a portion of an outer surface of the base includes a base gripping surface, and wherein the cover gripping surface is aligned with the base gripping surface when the cover is in the closed position.
7. A dispenser comprising:
- an external storage container for storing a plurality of objects;
- a base releasably attached to the external storage container, the base defining a dispenser port;
- a reminder wheel operable to rotate about a vertical centerline of the base, the reminder wheel comprising: a plurality of indicia disposed sequentially and at predetermined intervals along a top surface of the reminder wheel; a first set of ratchet prongs disposed along an inner perimeter of the reminder wheel; and a second set of ratchet prongs disposed along an outer perimeter of the reminder wheel;
- a cover rotatably attached to the base to allow the cover to rotate between an open position and a closed position, the cover defining: a reminder window through which an indicium of the plurality of indicia disposed along the top surface of the reminder wheel is exposed; an access window that aligns with the dispenser port when the cover rotates to the open position to provide for dispensing objects from the external storage container; and a cover ratchet disposed on an underside of the cover to operatively engage the second set of ratchet prongs disposed along the outer perimeter of the reminder wheel and provide for rotation of the reminder wheel with the cover when the cover rotates in a first radial direction; and
- an inner ratchet ring attached to the base and operative to engage the first set of ratchet prongs disposed along the inner perimeter of the reminder wheel and prevent the reminder wheel from rotating with the cover when the cover rotates in a second radial direction.
8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein:
- rotation of the cover in the first radial direction transitions the cover from the closed position to the open position; and
- rotation of the cover in the second radial direction transitions the cover from the open position to the closed position.
9. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein:
- a first indicium is displayed through the reminder window when the cover is in the closed position;
- the first indicium continues to be displayed through the reminder window when the cover is rotated to the open position; and
- a next sequential indicium is displayed through the reminder window when the cover is subsequently rotated to the closed position.
10. The dispenser of claim 9 further comprising:
- a lock tab flexibly attached to the base, wherein the lock tab engages the access window to inhibit rotation of the cover when the cover is in the closed position, and wherein the lock tab slides below the cover when the cover is rotated to the open position.
11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein:
- a top surface of the lock tab includes one or more raised dimples adapted to engage the underside of the cover and provide an air gap between the top surface of the lock tab and the underside of the cover when the cover is rotated to the open position; and
- a portion of an outer surface of the cover includes a cover gripping surface, a portion of an outer surface of the base includes a base gripping surface, and wherein the cover gripping surface is aligned with the base gripping surface when the cover is in the closed position.
12. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the external storage container and the base each include complimentary threads for releasably attaching the base to the external storage container.
13. A dispenser comprising:
- a cylindrical base;
- a reminder wheel operable to rotate about a vertical centerline of the base, the reminder wheel comprising: a plurality of indicia disposed sequentially and at predetermined intervals along a top surface of the reminder wheel; a first set of ratchet prongs disposed along an inner perimeter of the reminder wheel; and a second set of ratchet prongs disposed along an outer perimeter of the reminder wheel;
- a cover rotatably attached to the base to allow the cover to rotate between an open position and a closed position, the cover defining: a reminder window through which an indicium of the plurality of indicia disposed along the top surface of the reminder wheel is exposed; an access window for dispensing objects; and a cover ratchet disposed on the underside of the cover to operatively engage the second set of ratchet prongs disposed along the outer perimeter of the reminder wheel and provide for rotation of the reminder wheel with the cover when the cover rotates in a first radial direction; and
- an inner ratchet ring attached to the base and operative to engage the first set of ratchet prongs disposed along the inner perimeter of the reminder wheel and prevent the reminder wheel from rotating with the cover when the cover rotates in a second radial direction.
14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein:
- the base includes a storage tray for storing a plurality of objects; and
- the cover access window communicates with the storage tray when the cover rotates to the open position to provide for dispensing objects from the storage tray.
15. The dispenser of claim 13, further comprising:
- an external storage container releasably attached to the base, wherein the external storage container is adapted to store a plurality of objects.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the base defines a dispensing port that aligns with the cover access window when the cover rotates to the open position to provide for dispensing objects from the external storage container.
17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the external storage container and the base each include complimentary threads for releasably attaching the external storage container to the base.
18. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein:
- rotation of the cover in the first radial direction transitions the cover from the closed position to the open position; and
- rotation of the cover in the second radial direction transitions the cover from the open position to the closed position.
19. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein:
- a first indicium is displayed through the reminder window when the cover is in the closed position;
- the first indicium continues to be displayed through the reminder window when the cover is rotated to the open position; and
- a next sequential indicium is displayed through the reminder window when the cover is subsequently rotated to the closed position.
20. The dispenser of claim 19, the dispenser further comprising:
- a lock tab flexibly attached to the base, wherein the lock tab engages the access window to inhibit rotation of the cover when the cover is in the closed position, and wherein the lock tab slides below the cover when the cover is rotated to the open position.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 23, 2011
Publication Date: Jun 28, 2012
Inventors: Michael C. Thompson (Southern Pines, NC), Yung C. Chen (Yung-Kang)
Application Number: 13/336,250
International Classification: B65D 83/00 (20060101);