DISPENSER FOR FRANGIBLE FOOD PRODUCT

Abstract

A dispenser for a frangible food product and a method for operating the dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser has a hollow housing with an open end and a base, the base for receiving a release button, a cap retaining projection, the release button with a biasing means for moving a pawl from a locked position to an open position, and a cap with a retaining slot and a tooth, the retaining slot cooperating with the cap retaining projection for retaining the cap over the open end, and the tooth cooperating with the pawl in the locked position for locking the cap to the base.

Description

SUMMARY

Packaging for items such as food products can be inconvenient to use. They are often designed so that the entire food product must be consumed in a single sitting.

Packaging for products such as candy bars typically leaves more of the product exposed and ready for consumption than is desired by the user. For instance, a calorie conscious consumer may not want to consume the entirety of the food product in one sitting.

Conventional food packaging for items such as chocolate bars do not typically allow for resealing the container. In many situations a user is forced to choose between either consuming the entirety of the food product or disposing the remaining product with the food packaging.

Packaging that allows the user to reseal the container often does not include any indication as to the remaining product within the resealed container. A user must often reopen the container in order to determine the amount of product remaining in the container.

Furthermore, containers for food products such as chocolate can be messy and inconvenient. A user may inadvertently contact the product, thereby getting the product on their fingers, which must then be cleaned up.

Containers made out of foil, paper, cardstock, or cardboard can be torn into many small pieces. These small pieces turn into loose trash that, if not disposed of properly, can lead to additional loose waste in the environment.

Conventional packaging for products such as candy bars are typically not child-proof. It is easy for a child to tear open packaging and get access to the products within. This is especially important when the dispensed product contains a medication such as a laxative, pain reliever, digestive aid, antiemetic, or any other medication.

What is provided is a dispenser for a product, specifically a frangible food product. In some examples the dispenser is resealable so that a user does not have to consume the entire food product in a single sitting. In another example the dispenser is configured to dispense a portion of a frangible food product. The dispenser includes a motivator for dispensing a frangible food product from the dispenser. In some examples the motivator includes an indexer so that a single portion of the frangible food product is dispenser when the motivator is used. The dispenser can include user visible indexing to show the remaining frangible food product in the dispenser. In some examples the dispenser includes a breaker to help a user break a portion of the frangible food product. The breaker also serves to keep the user from having to directly contact the food product when breaking a portion of the frangible food product. In some examples the dispenser also includes a child-proof cap to prevent a child from dispensing the product.

In an aspect, there is disclosed a dispenser, comprising, a hollow housing with an open end and a base, the base for receiving a release button; a cap retaining projection; the release button with a biasing means for moving a pawl from a locked position to an open position; and a cap with a retaining slot and a tooth, the retaining slot cooperating with the cap retaining projection for retaining the cap over the open end, and the tooth cooperating with the pawl in the locked position for locking the cap to the base. The dispenser may further comprise, the hollow housing with a longitudinal slot and a dispensing projection; a sleeve with a helical slot and a detent, the sleeve rotatably mounted on the hollow housing, and the detent for cooperating with the dispensing projection; a shuttle for holding a dispensed item, the shuttle operatively connected to the longitudinal slot and the helical slot for raising the shuttle within the hollow base and the dispensed item by a discrete amount by rotating the sleeve so the dispensing projection engages the detent. The dispenser may further comprise, the tooth and pawl in the locked position prevent rotational motion of the cap. The dispenser may further comprise, the tooth and the pawl cooperate to provide an audible sound for user feedback. The dispenser may further comprise, the retaining slot has a vertical portion connected to a perpendicular horizontal portion. The dispenser may further comprise, the cap retaining projection is on the base. The dispenser may further comprise, the discrete amount corresponds with a single portion of the dispensed item. The dispenser may further comprise, the sleeve comprises at least 2 or more detents. The dispenser may further comprise, the detents are evenly spaced around the circumference of the sleeve. The dispenser may further comprise, the detent and the dispensing projection cooperate to provide an audible sound, a haptic response, or both for user feedback. The dispenser may further comprise, a flexible shield extending from the open end of the housing. The dispenser may further comprise, the flexible shield is for preventing contact with the dispensed item. The dispenser may further comprise, the dispensed item is frangible, and the flexible shield cooperates with the frangible dispensed item for dispensing a single portion. The dispenser may further comprise, the housing has a cylindrical shape. The dispenser may further comprise, a visual indicator for indicating the number of portions of the product remaining to be dispensed, or, for indicating the number of portions of the product dispensed.

In another aspect, there is disclosed a method, comprising, removing a safety cap that is releasably secured over a sleeve, a hollow housing, or both. The method may further comprise, rotating the sleeve by a discrete amount for dispensing a portion of a frangible product; dispensing the portion of the frangible product. The method may further comprise, the step of removing further comprises: simultaneously pressing a release button and rotating the safety cap for removing the releasably secured safety cap. The method may further comprise, the step of rotating further comprises: rotating the sleeve for raising a shuttle, the shuttle supporting the frangible product, and the shuttle for urging the frangible product towards an open end of the housing; and rotating the sleeve until a detent on the sleeve engages a dispensing projection on the housing for indicating that the portion of the frangible product has been urged outside the housing. The method may further comprise, the step of dispensing further comprises: pressing a flexible shield, the shield extending from an open end of the housing or the sleeve, for breaking off the portion of the frangible product without directly touching the portion or the frangible product.

In another aspect, there is disclosed a kit, comprising, a dispenser as described herein; and a frangible product for use with the dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a view in front elevation of an embodiment of the dispenser for a frangible food product.

FIG. 2 depicts a view in front elevation of the dispenser of FIG. 1 showing a portion of the frangible food product dispensed from the dispenser.

FIG. 3 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the dispenser.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective cross sectional view of the motivator of the dispenser of FIG. 3

FIG. 5 depicts a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the dispenser

FIG. 6 depicts a longitudinal cross section view of the dispenser of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective cross sectional view of the motivator of the dispenser of FIG. 5

FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of a motivator of an alternate dispenser.

FIG. 8 depicts a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the dispenser

FIG. 9 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective cross sectional view of the motivator of the dispenser of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 depicts a longitudinal side view of the dispenser of FIG. 3 showing an indexer.

FIG. 12 depicts an alternate side view of the dispenser of FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 depicts a front view of the dispenser of FIG. 3.

FIG. 14 depicts a side view of an alternate dispenser having a breaker.

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 depicts a side view of an alternate dispenser where the breaker includes a stop.

FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 depict a frangible food product being dispensed from an example dispenser and the food product being advanced.

FIG. 19 depicts a partial view of an example dispenser having a child-proof cap.

FIG. 20 depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate example dispenser having a child-proof cap.

FIG. 21 depicts an exploded view of the parts of an example dispenser.

FIG. 22 to FIG. 24 depict a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate example dispenser having a child-proof cap.

FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 depict a cross section of an example dispenser using the parts depicted in FIG. 21.

FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 depict the lock and unlock sequence of an example dispenser using the parts depicted in FIG. 21.

FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 depict a sequence for dispensing several portions of product from an example dispenser using the parts depicted in FIG. 21.

FIGURE NUMBERS

• 100 Dispenser
• 102 frangible Product
• 104 Motivator—move product
• 106 Portion of product
• 108 body/hollow housing
• 110 opening defined in body
• 112 frangible line
• 200 base
• 300 detent
• 302 ball/projection
• 502 helical groove/slot
• 504 crenel
• 500 sleeve
• 600 Shuttle
• 602 longitudinal slot
• 800 helical post
• 900 flexible arm
• 300 detent
• 1100 visual indicator
• 1102 indicator window
• 1400 breaker/guard/flexible shield
• 1402 stop
• 1900 cap/safety cap
• 1902 latch
• 1904 cap retaining projection
• 1906 spring
• 1908 retaining slot
• 2100 Release Button
• 2102 Biasing means
• 2104 locking tab/pawl
• 2106 tooth/ratchet

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an example of a dispenser 100 for a frangible product 102 is depicted.

In the example depicted in FIG. 1 the dispenser has a body 108 that contains a dispensable product, or in this case a frangible product 102. The body 108 defines an opening 110 through which the frangible product 102 can be dispensed.

The dispenser also has a motivator 104 connected to the body 108. Once activated, the motivator 104 advances the frangible product 102 from the body 108 of the dispenser 100 through the opening 110 so that a portion of the product 106 is extended beyond the opening 110. The motivator 104 may also be activated in a reverse direction so as to retract the frangible food product 102 into the body 108 of the dispenser 100 through the opening 110. In this way the frangible product 102 can be substantially protected within the body 108 of the dispenser 100.

In the example depicted in FIG. 1 the motivator 104 is twisted in a counterclockwise direction to dispense the frangible food product 102 through the opening 110.

The motivator 104 is twisted in a clockwise direction to retract the frangible food product 102 through the opening 110 into the body 108 of the dispenser 100.

As depicted in FIG. 2, once the frangible product 102 has been extended so that a frangible line 112 of the frangible product 102 extends beyond the body 108 of the dispenser, a user can apply a force to the portion of product 106 so that the portion of product 106 is separated from the frangible product 102 substantially along the frangible line 112 thereby dispensing a portion of the product 106 from the dispenser 100. In another embodiment, the portion of product 106 is a single portion of the product. In another embodiment, the portion of product 106 is a single dose of the product.

In the example depicted in FIG. 1 the frangible product 102 is a food product. Examples of a food product include, but are not limited to, chocolate, hard candy, toffee, or any food product that can be processed and/or molded into a shape that allows for the definition of frangible lines in the food product. It will be appreciated that the dispenser can be used with any product, food or otherwise, that can be processed and/or molded into a shape that allows for the definition of frangible lines in the product. Examples include, but are not limited to, medicaments, paints and/or pigments, cosmetics, wax, fire-starters, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternate example of a dispenser 100 is depicted. In this example the motivator 104 is activated by pushing the motivator 104 towards the opening 110 of the body 108 along a length of the body 108 of the dispenser 100. As a user pushes the motivator 104 towards the opening 110 along the length of the body 108, the frangible product 102 extends beyond the body 108 of the dispenser 100. The user can then apply a force to the portion of product 106 so that the portion of product 106 is separated from the frangible product 102 substantially along the frangible line 112, thereby dispensing a portion of the product 106 from the dispenser 100.

The frangible product 102 can be retracted into the body 108 of the dispenser 100 by reversing the direction of the motivator 104. In this example, as the user pushes the motivator 104 towards a base 200 of the dispenser 100 the frangible product 102 is retracted into the body 108 of the dispenser 100.

In the example depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 the motivator 104 is separate from the base 200 of the dispenser 100. In this example the motivator 104 is configured to move away from the base 200 of the dispenser 100 when extending the frangible product 102 beyond the body 108 of the dispenser 100. Alternately, the motivator is configured to move towards the base 200 of the dispenser 100 when retracting the frangible product 102 into the body 108 of the dispenser.

In other examples (such as the one depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) the motivator 104 may be integral with the base 200 of the dispenser 100. In the example depicted in FIG. 1 the motivator 104 is configured to rotate around a longitudinal axis of the body of the dispenser 100. In the example depicted in FIG. 1 a clockwise rotation will cause the frangible product 102 to be extended beyond the body 108 of the dispenser 100. Similarly, a counterclockwise rotation will cause the frangible product 102 to be retracted into the body 108 of the dispenser 100.

In yet another example the motivator 104 and the base 200 of the dispenser 100 may be constructed as a single unit. For instance, the example dispenser depicted in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 has a motivator 104 that is integral to the body 108 of the dispenser. In this example the motivator 104 (and body 108) rotates relative to a sleeve 500 in order to move a shuttle 600 to which the frangible product 102 is attached.

In the example depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 the dispenser 100 is configured to dispense a controlled amount of the frangible product 102 when the motivator 104 is activated. In the example depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 the motivator 104 engages one or more detents 300 defined along the body 108 of the dispenser 100. As the motivator 104 is activated the motivator 104 disengages the detent 300, moves along the body 108 of the dispenser 100, and engages the next detent 300 defined on the body of the dispenser 100. In this case as a force is applied to the motivator 104 a flexible tab (not shown) on the motivator 104 disengages the detent 300 on the body 108. As the motivator is pushed along the body 108 the flexible tab slides along the body 108. The flexible tab (not shown) of the motivator 104 then engages the next detent 300 defined on the body 108 once the motivator 104 has been pushed at or near the next detent 300. In this example the distance between the original detent and the next detent 300 corresponds to the length of a portion 106 of the frangible product.

Referring now to FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, an alternate example of a dispenser 100 is depicted. In this example the motivator 104 is integral to the base 200 and the body 108 of the dispenser 100.

A sleeve 500 covers at least a portion of the body 108. The body 108 of the dispenser 100 and the sleeve 500 are configured so that the body 108 and the sleeve 500 can be rotated relative to each other. A helical groove 502 is defined along an inner surface of the sleeve 500.

A shuttle 600 engages a portion of the helical groove 502 through an opening defined along the length of the body 108.

The top of the shuttle 600 contacts and secures a bottom of the frangible product 102 so that the frangible product 102 moves as the shuttle 600 moves. In an embodiment, the shuttle 600 has a flat surface, a substantially flat surface, or, has an inverted cup shape for allowing the last portion of the product to be easily removed. That is, after dispensing the last portion of the product, the shuttle 600 does not retain any undispensed product thereby reducing or eliminating waste of the product to be dispensed.

As the motivator 104 is rotated counterclockwise the shuttle 600 is urged towards the top of the body 108 by the helical groove 502 of the sleeve 500. As the motivator is rotated clockwise the shuttle 600 is urged towards the base 200 of the body 108 by the helical groove 502 of the sleeve 500.

In some embodiments the dispenser also includes an indexer so that a user can quickly determine when a portion 106 of product has been dispensed from the dispenser 100. The indexer provides haptic feedback that indicates that a portion 106 of the product has been dispensed from the dispenser 100.

In the example depicted in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 the sleeve 500 further defines crenels 504. These crenels 504 engage a ball (or projection) 302 defined on the motivator 104. The crenels 504 of the sleeve 500 and the ball (or projection) 302 of the motivator cooperate so as to provide feedback (such as visual, feel, sound, or any combination) once the motivator 104 has been sufficiently rotated so that the shuttle 600 has travelled a length of the body 108 corresponding to a portion 106 of the frangible product 102.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, an alternate dispenser having an indexer is depicted. In this example the sleeve 500 includes detents 300 instead of the crenels 504 of FIG. 5 to FIG. 7. Furthermore, in this example the body 108 includes a ball (or projection) 302 that cooperates with the detent 300 in the sleeve to provide feedback that a portion of frangible product 102 has been dispensed. In some examples the portion of the sleeve 500 comprising the detents 300 are transparent or translucent so that a user can visually see the ball 302 in the detent 300, thereby providing a visual indication.

In some embodiments the detents 300 or crenels 504 are spaced in discrete amounts around the sleeve 500. These crenels 504 or detents 300 correspond to a single piece of the dispensed item. For example, in the case of a dispenser containing five servings of a product, the crenels 504 or detents 300 would be separated by 360 degrees/5 servings=72 degrees. So, for every 72 degrees the motivator 104 is turned a serving is dispensed from the dispenser 100.

In an embodiment, when the dispenser is assembled the sleeve 500 must be aligned with the body 108 so that the shuttle 600 reaches the bottom of the body 108 and the index indicates the correct number of servings remaining, or indicates the first serving (i.e., the index and shuttle line up with “1”). Referring now to FIGS. 22-24, part of the visual indicator (1100) is shown in this embodiment as the numbers 3 and 4 on the sleeve. Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, the visual indicator (1100) is shown in this embodiment as the numbers 1 to 5 shown on the sleeve. In another embodiment, the visual indicator may indicate the number of portions of the product that have been dispensed, or, the number of portions that remain to be dispensed.

Referring now to FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, an alternate example of a dispenser 100 is depicted. In this example the motivator 104 is separate from the body 108 of the dispenser 100. The motivator 104, however, forms the base 200 of the dispenser 100 on which the body 108 is affixed. In this example the motivator 104 (and the base 200) is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the body 108.

In this example a helical post 800 extends perpendicularly from the base 200. The helical post 800 is roughly the length of the body 108.

In this example a shuttle 600 is situated on the helical post 800. Similar to the example of FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, the top of the shuttle 600 contacts and secures a bottom of the frangible product 102 so that the frangible product 102 moves as the shuttle 600 moves.

In this example the frangible product 102 is molded in such a way to accommodate the helical post 800.

A groove (not shown) is defined on the shuttle 600 that interfaces with a corresponding tongue (not shown) on the body 108. As the motivator 104 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction the helical post 800 rotates, causing the shuttle 600 to move towards the top of the body 108. Similarly, as the motivator 104 is rotated in a clockwise direction the shuttle 600 moves towards the base 200.

The example of FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 also includes an indexer. In this example the indexer includes a flexible arm 900 in the base 200 that engages with a corresponding detent 300 in the body 108. As the base is rotated the flexible arm 900 disengages with the detent 300 in the body 108 and slides along an inner surface of the body 108. Once the motivator 104 has been sufficiently rotated the flexible arm 900 engages the next detent 300 defined on the inner surface of the body. It will be appreciated that the positioning of the next detent 300 is such that the amount the motivator 104 is rotated corresponds to the distance the shuttle 600 will need to travel along the helical post 800 so that a portion of the product 106 is dispensed.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an alternate example of the dispenser 100 of FIG. 3 having a visual indicator 1100 is depicted 100. In this embodiment the motivator 104 is configured to visually indicate to the user the number of portions 106 remaining in the dispenser 100.

In this example indicator windows 1102 are defined along the wall of the body 108. As the motivator 104 is used to dispense the frangible product 102 the motivator 104 aligns with the indicator window 1102 corresponding to the number of portions 106 of frangible product 102 remaining in the dispenser 100, In this example the motivator 104 is a different color than the body 102 of the dispenser so that a part of the motivator 104 (and hence the color of the motivator 104) is visible through the indicator window 1102.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 depict a front view and a side view of the dispenser of FIG. 3. In this example the motivator 104 also acts as a visual indicator to indicate to the user the number of portions 106 remaining in the dispenser 100.

Referring now to FIG. 14 to FIG. 18 an alternate example of the dispenser 100 is depicted. In this example the dispenser 100 includes a breaker (or guard, or flexible shield) 1400 that allows the user to dispense a portion 106 of the frangible product 102 without directly contacting the portion 106 of the frangible product 102.

As depicted in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, a force applied directly to the breaker (or guard, or flexible shield) 1400 by the user is transferred from the breaker (or guard) 1400 to the portion 106 of the frangible product 102. This force, applied indirectly by the user via the breaker (or guard 1400), is used to separate the portion 106 from the frangible product 102 along a frangible line 112 defined in the frangible product 106.

The example breaker (or guard, or flexible shield) 1400 depicted in FIG. 14 to FIG. 18 further includes a stop 1402 for preventing more than a single portion 106 of the frangible product 102 from being dispensed from the dispenser 100. As the user uses the motivator 104 to advance the frangible product 102 from the body 108 the frangible product 102 will not be able to advance further than the stop 1402.

In some examples the stop 1402 is able to extend from and retract into the body 108 as the frangible product 102 is advanced from or retracted into the body 108 of the dispenser 100. For instance, in the example depicted in FIG. 14 to FIG. 18 the stop 1402 is a sleeve (not shown) configured in the body 108 that advances outward as the frangible product 102 is dispensed. Once a portion 106 of the frangible product 102 is advanced from the body 108 then the stop 1402 is restricted from advancing further.

If the user continues to advance the frangible product 102 then the user will experience increased resistance from the motivator 104 due to the stop 1402 resisting the advancement of the frangible product 102.

In the example depicted in FIG. 14 to FIG. 18 the stop 1402 can be retracted by applying a force on the stop 1402 inwardly towards the body 108 of the dispenser 100. This force can be applied directly by the user or by a protective cap (not shown) that covers, at least in part, the opening defined by the body 108 when the dispenser 100 is not in use.

Referring now to FIG. 19 an example cap 1900 for a dispenser 100 is depicted. The cap 1900 is used to cover the opening defined in the body 110. By covering the opening defined in the body 110 the dispenser 100 with the cover 1900 protects, at least in part, the frangible product 102. In the example depicted in FIG. 19 the cap is configured to be secured near at or near the top of the body 108, near the opening defined in the body 110.

In this example the cap 1900 and the body 108 includes a locking mechanism to reversibly secure the cap 1900 to the body 108. The locking mechanism secures the cap 1900 to the body 108 in order to prevent children from removing the cap 1900 and accessing the frangible product 102 within.

In this example the cap 1900 includes one or more cap retaining projections 1904. These cap retaining projections 1904 interact with a corresponding latch 1902 defined on the body 108 of the dispenser 100 to reversibly lock the cap 1900 to the body 108. In this example the cap 1900 further includes a spring 1906. The spring 1906 requires that an additional, “downwards” force be applied to the cap 1900 in order to engage (or disengage) the one or more cap retaining projections 1904 from the latch 1902. It will be appreciated that other methods and structures to secure the cap 1900 to the body 108 can be contemplated without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 20, another example cap 1900 for a dispenser 100 is depicted. In this example the cap 1900 covers, at least in part, the body 108 of the dispenser 100 and is configured to be secured to the base 200 of the dispenser.

Referring now to FIG. 21 an exploded view of the components of an example dispenser is depicted.

In this example the dispenser includes a cap 1900 that is configured to cover, at least in part, the body 108 of the dispenser so that the open end of the body 108 is covered by the cap 1900.

The body 108 includes a base 200 that is integral to the body 108. The body 108 also includes a breaker (or flexible shield, or guard) 1400.

The release button 2100 includes a biasing means for moving a pawl 2104 from a locked position to an open position. The pawl 2104 interacts with a tooth 2106 that, in this example, is configured in the cap 1900. The tooth 2106 and pawl 2104 are configured to prevent the rotational motion of the cap 1900 when the cap 1900 is secured to the body 108 and the cap 1900 is in the locked position, as will be discussed in FIG. 22 to FIG. 24. The pawl 2104 may be a locking tab in another embodiment. The tooth 2106 may be a ratchet in another embodiment.

In this example the biasing means 2102, when in a locked position, causes the pawl 2104 to extend and cooperate with the tooth to prevent rotation motion. The biasing means 2102 is in the locked position when no pressure is applied to the release button 2100.

A user, by applying pressure on the release button 2100, causes the biasing means 2102 to move into the unlocked position. In the unlocked position the pawl 2104 retracts away from the tooth 2106 and into the base 200.

In this example the cap 1900 also includes a retaining slot 1908. The retaining slot 1908 is configured to cooperate with the retaining projection 1904 on the body 108 for retaining the cap 1900 over the open end when the cap 1900 is in the locked position.

In this example a helical sleeve 500 with a helical groove 502 is depicted. In this example the helical sleeve 500 is rotatably mounted on the hollow housing 108.

In this example the shuttle 600 holds a frangible product (or dispensed item) 102. In this example, the shuttle 600 is operatively connected to the longitudinal slot 602 and the helical slot 502 for raising the shuttle 600 within the hollow base 108 and the dispensed item 102 by a discrete amount by rotating the helical sleeve 500 so the ball engages the detent.

Referring now to FIG. 22 to FIG. 24, another example dispenser with a child-proof cap is depicted. FIG. 22 to FIG. 24 depicts a partial perspective view of a portion of the base of the dispenser. FIG. 22 to FIG. 24 also depict a semi-transparent view of the cap.

The cap has a retaining slot 1908 for receiving both a cap retaining projection 1904 and a pawl 2104.

In this example the cap retaining projection 1904 is a part of the body 108. When in the locked position with the cap 1900, the cap retaining projection 1904 cooperates with the retaining slot 1908 to prevent the cap 1900 from being removed. That is, it is used to keep the cap over the open end.

In this example the retaining slot 1908 and cap retaining projection 1904 retain the cap 1900. When securing the cap 1900 to the body 108, the cap retaining projection 1904 first travels the vertical portion of the retaining slot 1908 when the cap 1900 is being inserted onto the body 108 so that the opening defined in the body 108 is covered. Then, in order to secure the cap 1900 to the body 108, a rotational force (or twist) is applied to the cap 1900 so that the cap retaining projection 1904 travels along the horizontal portion of the retaining slot 1908, thereby securing the cap onto the base.

Once the cap is secured the cap retaining projection 1904 will be in the horizontal portion of the retaining slot 1908. When the cap retaining projection 1904 is in the horizontal portion of the retaining slot 1908 the cap 1900 cannot be removed because the cap retaining projection 1904 and horizontal portion of the retaining slot 1908 will prevent the cap 1900 from being moved vertically (i.e., removed from the body).

The cap also has a tooth. When in the locked position, the tooth cooperates with the pawl 2104 to keep the cap locked to the base. In this example, when in a locked position the tooth 2106 and the pawl 2104 prevents the cap from being twisted into an open position when no pressure is applied to the release button (2100, but not shown in FIG. 22 to FIG. 24).

In this example the tooth 2106 is configured to cooperate with the pawl 2104 (of the release button 2100) in the locked position for locking the cap 1900 to the base 200. In an embodiment the tooth 2106 is sloped in the direction towards the locked position so that as the cap 1900 is rotated towards a locked position the pawl 2104 is pushed back into the body 108 of the dispenser 100, thereby allowing the cap 1900 to rotate relative to the body 108.

Once the cap 1900 is in the locked position the pawl 2104 no longer contacts in the tooth 2106. The pawl 2104 springs (or extends) away from the body 108 and towards the retaining slot 1908 of the cap 1900. The tooth 2106 is shaped so that the pawl 2104 remains extended towards the retaining slot 1908 when a user attempts to rotate the cap 1900 towards the unlocked position when not applying pressure to the release button 2100. That is, the tooth 2106 is not sloped in the direction towards the unlocked position. Thus, in order to unlock the cap 1900, the pawl 2104 must be retracted back into the base 200 of the body 108 (by pressing on the release button 2100) so that the cap 108 can be rotated towards the unlocked position.

Referring now to the sequence of FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, when locking the cap 1900 to the base 108, the rotation of the cap 1900 causes the tooth 2106 and pawl 2104 to engage and simultaneously causes the cap retaining projection 1904 to travel along the horizontal portion of the retaining slot 1908. Once fully locked, the cap retaining projection 1904 is in the horizontal portion of the retaining slot 1908 (thereby securing the cap 1900 to the body 108) while the pawl 2104 and tooth 2106 prevent the cap from being rotated in the unlock direction.

In order to unlock the cap 1900, the user will need to apply pressure to the release button 2100. This causes the pawl 2104 to retract into the base 200. This allows for the cap 1900 to be rotated in the opposite direction (since the tooth 2106 and the pawl 2104 no longer interact). While unlocking the cap retaining projection 1904 travels along the horizontal portion of the retaining slot 1908 until it is aligned with the vertical portion of the retaining slot. Then the cap 1900 can be removed by lifting the cap 1900 vertically.

FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 depict a cross section of an example dispenser as assembled using the parts depicted in FIG. 21.

Referring now to FIGS. 29 and 30, there is shown a sequence for dispensing several portions of product from an example dispenser using the parts depicted in FIG. 21.

Referring to FIGS. 22-23 and 28, in an embodiment, the method for operating the dispenser, starts with removing a safety cap (or cap 1900) that is releasably secured over a sleeve, a hollow housing, or both. Then, in another embodiment, the step of removing further comprises: simultaneously pressing a release button and rotating the safety cap for removing the releasably secured safety cap.

Referring now to FIGS. 29 and 30, in an embodiment, rotating the sleeve by a discrete amount for dispensing a portion of a frangible product, and, dispensing the portion of the frangible product. Then, in another embodiment, the step of rotating further comprises: rotating the sleeve for raising a shuttle, the shuttle supporting the frangible product, and the shuttle for urging the frangible product towards an open end of the housing; and rotating the sleeve until a detent on the sleeve engages a dispensing projection on the housing for indicating that the portion of the frangible product has been urged outside the housing. Then, in another embodiment, the step of dispensing further comprises: pressing a flexible shield, the shield extending from an open end of the housing or the sleeve, for breaking off the portion of the frangible product without directly touching the portion or the frangible product.

In another embodiment, the first portion to be dispensed may extend from the housing and may be dispensed without rotating the sleeve.

The examples described herein may be described using any one of or a combination of the clauses provided. These clauses are not to be construed as limiting. These clauses may be combined or modified with any of the details described in the present application. Clause 1: A dispenser including a hollow housing 108 with an open end and a base 200, the base 200 for receiving a release button 2100; a cap retaining projection 1904; the release button 2100 with a biasing means 2100 for moving a pawl 2104 (a locking tab) from a locked position to an open position; and a cap 1900 with a retaining slot 1908 and a tooth 2106 (a ratchet), the retaining slot 1908 cooperating with the retaining projection 1904 for retaining the cap 1900 over the open end, and the tooth 2106 cooperating with the pawl 2104 in the locked position for locking the cap 1900 to the base 200. Clause 2: The dispenser wherein the tooth and pawl in the locked position prevent rotational motion of the cap. Clause 3: The dispenser wherein, the tooth and the pawl cooperate to provide an audible sound, a haptic response, or both for user feedback. Clause 4: The dispenser wherein, the retaining slot has a vertical portion connected to a perpendicular horizontal portion. Clause 5: The dispenser wherein, the cap retaining projection is on the base. Clause 6: A dispenser, comprising: a hollow housing 108 with a longitudinal slot 602 and a ball 302; a helical sleeve 500 with a helical slot 502 and a detent, the helical sleeve 500 rotatably mounted on the hollow housing 108, and the detent for cooperating with the ball; a shuttle 600 for holding a dispensed item 102, the shuttle 600 operatively connected to the longitudinal slot 602 and the helical slot 502 for raising the shuttle 600 within the hollow base 108 and the dispensed item 102 by a discrete amount by rotating the helical sleeve 500 so the ball 302 engages the detent 300. Clause 7: The dispenser wherein, the discrete amount corresponds with a single portion (a single dose) of the dispensed item. Clause 8: The dispenser wherein, the helical sleeve comprises at least 2 or more detents. Clause 9: The dispenser wherein, the detents are evenly spaced around the circumference of the helical sleeve. Clause 10: The dispenser wherein the detent and the ball cooperate to provide an audible sound, a haptic response, or both for user feedback. Clause 11: A dispenser, comprising: a hollow housing with an open end, a longitudinal slot, a ball, and a base, the base for receiving a release button; a helical sleeve with a helical slot and a detent, the helical sleeve rotatably mounted on the hollow base, and the detent for cooperating with the ball; a cap retaining projection; the release button with a biasing means for moving a pawl (a locking tab) from a locked position to an open position; a cap with a retaining slot and a tooth (a ratchet), the retaining slot cooperating with the retaining projection for retaining the cap over the open end, and the tooth cooperating with the pawl in the locked position for locking the cap to the base; and a shuttle for holding a dispensed item, the shuttle operatively connected to the longitudinal slot and the helical slot for raising the shuttle within the hollow base and the dispensed item by a discrete amount by rotating the helical sleeve so the ball engages the detent. Clause 12: The dispenser further comprising: a flexible shield extending from the open end of the housing. Clause 13: The dispenser wherein, the flexible shield is for preventing contact with the dispensed item. Clause 14: The dispenser wherein, the dispensed item is frangible, and the flexible shield cooperates with the frangible dispensed item for dispensing a single portion.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

It may be appreciated that the elements described above may be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly or component that may be superior to any of the equivalents available to the person skilled in the art. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for this document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising.” The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.

Claims

1. A dispenser, comprising:

a hollow housing with an open end and a base, the base for receiving a release button;

a cap retaining projection;

the release button with a biasing means for moving a pawl from a locked position to an open position; and

a cap with a retaining slot and a tooth, the retaining slot cooperating with the cap retaining projection for retaining the cap over the open end, and the tooth cooperating with the pawl in the locked position for locking the cap to the base.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising:

the hollow housing with a longitudinal slot and a dispensing projection;

a sleeve with a helical slot and a detent, the sleeve rotatably mounted on the hollow housing, and the detent for cooperating with the dispensing projection;

a shuttle for holding a dispensed item, the shuttle operatively connected to the longitudinal slot and the helical slot for raising the shuttle within the hollow base and the dispensed item by a discrete amount by rotating the sleeve so the dispensing projection engages the detent.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein, the tooth and pawl in the locked position prevent rotational motion of the cap.

4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein, the tooth and the pawl cooperate to provide an audible sound for user feedback.

5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein, the retaining slot has a vertical portion connected to a perpendicular horizontal portion.

6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein, the cap retaining projection is on the base.

7. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein, the discrete amount corresponds with a single portion of the dispensed item.

8. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein, the sleeve comprises at least 2 or more detents.

9. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein, the detents are evenly spaced around the circumference of the sleeve.

10. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the detent and the dispensing projection cooperate to provide an audible sound, a haptic response, or both for user feedback.

11. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising, a flexible shield extending from the open end of the housing.

12. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein, the flexible shield is for preventing contact with the dispensed item.

13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein, the dispensed item is frangible, and the flexible shield cooperates with the frangible dispensed item for dispensing a single portion.

14. (canceled)

15. The dispenser of claim 2, further comprising: a visual indicator for indicating the number of portions of the product remaining to be dispensed, or, for indicating the number of portions of the product dispensed.

16. A method for operating a dispenser, comprising the steps of:

removing a safety cap that is releasably secured over a sleeve, a hollow housing, or both.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

rotating the sleeve by a discrete amount for dispensing a portion of a frangible product;

dispensing the portion of the frangible product.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of removing further comprises:

simultaneously pressing a release button and rotating the safety cap for removing the releasably secured safety cap.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of rotating further comprises:

rotating the sleeve for raising a shuttle, the shuttle supporting the frangible product, and the shuttle for urging the frangible product towards an open end of the housing; and

rotating the sleeve until a detent on the sleeve engages a dispensing projection on the housing for indicating that the portion of the frangible product has been urged outside the housing.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of dispensing further comprises:

pressing a flexible shield, the shield extending from an open end of the housing or the sleeve, for breaking off the portion of the frangible product without directly touching the portion or the frangible product.

21. A kit comprising:

a dispenser of claim 1; and

a frangible product for use with the dispenser.