With Dispensing-type Outlet Patents (Class 221/303)
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Patent number: 6334544Abstract: A napkin dispenser includes a housing having upright walls and a floor together forming a vertical compartment for the reception of a vertical stack of horizontal paper napkins. A horizontal slot is formed between the floor and a lower end of a front wall of the housing. That slot communicates with a lower portion of the compartment for facilitating the simultaneous removal of a bunch of napkins from the compartment. The positioning of a user's fingers above and beneath a selected number of napkins to be removed is facilitated by providing a vertical slot extending upwardly from the midpoint of the horizontal slot, and a finger notch formed about midway in a front edge of the floor.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Fort James CorporationInventors: James B. Christensen, Craig D. Yardley
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Patent number: 6273359Abstract: A dispensing system and method for premoistened wipes. The dispensing system includes first and second longitudinally extending dispensing guides. The first guide is positioned substantially parallel and in proximity to the second guide to define a gap. The dispensing guides may each be rotatable about a longitudinally extending axis and comprise cylinders having a plurality of lands and grooves. The wipes are dispensed by passage through the gap and a dispensing opening having an edge which is defined in part by an impingement surface. The impingement surface has a first outer portion, a second outer portion and a central portion positioned between the two outer portions. The impingement surface is configured whereby the outer portions of the impingement surface more forcibly engage the wipe into engagement with the dispensing guides than the central portion of the impingement surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: William R. Newman, Herb F. Velazquez, Cherry A. Bochmann, Jerry P. DeGreen
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Patent number: 6247595Abstract: A flat tablet case (A) is assembled by joining together a bottom half case (30) having the shape of a rectangular tray and a top half case (10) having the shape of a rectangular tray. A plurality of studs (21 to 25) are formed on the inner surface of the top half case (10), and a plurality of sockets (41 to 45) are formed on the inner surface the bottom half case (30). A hinged cap (50) is formed integrally with the bottom half case (30) in a section of the side wall (31) excluding corners. The hinged cap (50) is provided on its opposite side surfaces with projections (53, 54) which are engaged with and disengaged from cap holding structures (35, 36) formed on the bottom half case (30).Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiko Omata, Yuji Sugiyama, Mikiko Suzuki, Hisashi Aizawa
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Patent number: 6199723Abstract: A flexible diaphragm for covering the discharge end of a cup dispenser that stores a plurality of cups in a nested stack. The diaphragm includes an inner continuous edge defining a central discharge opening through which the bottom of the outermost cup in the stack extends to be grasped and withdrawn from the stack. The inner continuous edge is configured in a polygonal shape to retain the stack of cups to be dispensed while permitting the outermost cup in the stack to be withdrawn from the stack. Preferably, the inner continuous edge is hexagonal in shape.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: The Colman Group, Inc.Inventors: Scott J. Collins, James R. Walsh
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Patent number: 6168047Abstract: In a vending machine having an article passage which is defined by a pair of side plates (3b) and extends in a vertical direction, a spacing member having a first and a second spacer (10, 20) is movably attached to one of the side plates to restrict an effective width of a lower portion of the article passage in a horizontal direction. Cooperated with the spacing member, an article discharge device having a delivery piece (6) discharges a lowermost one of the articles from the lower portion of the article passage. An automatically adjusting arrangement is coupled to the spacing member and makes the spacing member be automatically displaced In accordance with article sizes (R1, R2, R3) of the articles (A, B, C) to adjust the effective width.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Sanden Corp.Inventors: Toshiyuki Takamura, Haruki Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 6070759Abstract: A container having a single unit dispensing feature built into the container cap is provided. The dispensing feature is an opening of sufficient dimensions to allow the controlled release of product. An optional incline located in the cap guides product toward the opening. The product is dispensed by inverting and tilting the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Bridge, Calvin G. Hill
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Patent number: 6050625Abstract: A system for managing table tennis balls facilitates retrieval of stray balls, stores them and dispenses them conveniently to a player as required. The system has two main components: a ball retriever, a.k.a. the BallSnatcher, and a storage rack, a.k.a. the BallFeeder. The tubular retriever can hold a column of balls and is deployed in a hand-held manner in a vertical orientation from a standing position. The retriever is fitted at its bottom end with a ball trap including (a) a flexible coaxial constriction ring defining an expandable entry opening that when lowered over a stray ball captures and retains it in the retriever tube, and (b) a flexible coaxial guidance flange extending outwardly and downwardly to provide initial guidance in retrieving a stray ball.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Inventor: Charles Richard Nisbet
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Patent number: 6029852Abstract: A device for dispensing card-like media, referred to as "cards", from a stack of such cards has a front-loading magazine for storing and dispensing the cards, the magazine being received within a primary aperture of a housing. The magazine has a casing formed by two lateral walls and a base and having a mechanism for biasing the stack of cards towards its front opening. A front cover, attached to the casing near its front end, retains the stack of cards within the casing and provides a slot shaped to facilitate manual removal of a single card from the stack. The front cover is displaceable between a closed position in which the front cover closes most of the front opening and an open position in which the front cover allows front loading of the cards into the casing. The open position is such that the front cover forms a partial obstruction to the front opening so as to retain the stack of cards within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventor: Marc Rochman
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Patent number: 6021919Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved dispenser for sanitary gloves. The dispenser comprises a rectangular enclosure having a top, bottom, left and right side walls, front and back, for receiving individually packaged sanitary gloves. The front is permanently joined to the top, bottom, left and back, while the right side wall is pivotally attached to the bottom wall. The front contains an opening near the top for dispensing the sanitary gloves one at a time. A window near the bottom portion of the front is used to visually inspect the quantity of gloves remaining in the dispenser at any given time.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Inventor: Kevin J. Kelly
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Patent number: 5957325Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing disposable diapers includes a rectangular frame with an inverted Y-shaped partition forming two compartments for holding a stack of diapers at an incline. Openings are formed in the side walls for dispensing the diapers and notches are provided to facilitate removal. A picture frame is provided on the front panel of the apparatus for holding photographs. The cover can be one piece with an attached container on top or two pieces hinged to the partition. A towel rack may be provided on the bottom of the apparatus for holding washcloths or towels.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Inventor: Nydia Montanez
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Patent number: 5955125Abstract: The present invention relates to a confectionary holder which simulates the sound of rain as the holder is vertically positioned. The holder comprises a transparent tube having ends, two sides, and at least two sets of indents directed inward toward the center of the tube and one set of indents per side of the tube. Each indent has a peak, a peak depth, a sloping upper face, a sloping lower face, and between each indent is a space length. The peaks of said indents alternate from one side to the other side along the tube length. The angle of incline of each indent face and the length of the space between each indent are selected to allow rigid items, e.g., candy or gum, when placed in the holder, to create the sound of rain as the confectionary pieces flow downward dropping onto each indent face, sliding off each face, and moving from side to side from one end of the holder to the other end when the holder is vertically positioned.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1996Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Oddzon/Cap Toys, Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Hoeting, Sean T. Mullaney
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Patent number: 5860564Abstract: The present invention comprises an ice directing chute mechanism including a slide portion and a housing portion. The slide portion is securable to an ice dispensing machine. In particular, the slide is securable to a regulated opening of the dispenser. The regulated opening includes a door means that is operable between a closed and open position by an operating mechanism such as, a solenoid. The solenoid is activated by a switch electrically connected thereto whereby contacting of the switch results in operating the solenoid to open the door. The door is positioned between an ice retaining bin of the dispenser and the slide portion. A housing portion is releasably secured to and pivotally suspended from the slide portion. Together, the slide and housing portions define an ice channel ending with a downward directed dispense orifice. The housing portion includes a surface portion thereof for contacting the switch that operates the solenoid.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1996Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.Inventor: Ted Jablonski
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Patent number: 5857642Abstract: A dispenser for feeding perforated paper towels from a continuous roll. The dispenser includes a dispenser body for containing the paper towel roll which may be mounted to a supporting surface such as a wall. A unique feeder assembly is attached to the dispenser body for dispensing an end portion of the continuous roll. The feeder assembly includes a feeder body having a back wall, first and a second side walls attached on each side edge and a bottom wall attached to the bottom edge of the back and side walls. A first aperture is located on the bottom wall of the feeder body and a face plate having a second aperture overlapping the first aperture also is attached to the feeder body. The pair of overlapping apertures are biased against one another for receiving and dispensing an individual paper towel. In the preferred embodiment, a removable flange attaches the feeder assembly to the dispenser body. The flange includes a locking mechanism for lockingly engaging the flange onto the dispenser body.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Hygiene Systems, Inc.Inventor: Gerald B. Zinnbauer
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Patent number: 5813569Abstract: A point-of-sale merchandiser for merchandising products adjacent a cashier counter. The merchandiser includes a housing having a top opening and a product dispensing rack disposed upright in the housing. The dispensing rack is positioned in the housing so that products supported thereon are accessible through the top opening. The dispensing rack has a bottom surface and includes a plurality of base plates and vertical guides. Each base plate is configured to support a plurality of vertically stacked products disposed thereon. The dispensing rack further includes a plurality of biasing members disposed between the base plates and the bottom surface of the dispensing rack for urging the base plates upwardly along a vertical path defined by the vertical guides so that each of the vertically stacked products may be sequentially dispensed through the top opening of the housing. The housing may include a refrigeration mechanism for cooling the products contained therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Elite Licensing Inc.Inventor: Lawrence Cihanek
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Patent number: 5810681Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 17, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Inventor: John Heim
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Patent number: 5702029Abstract: A disposable cup dispenser comprises a fastening frame, an upper locating frame, a lower locating frame, a cup container, a dispensing plate, and a support rod. The dispensing plate is fastened with the bottom end of the cup container such that only one cup is dispensed at a time. The cups are dispensed upside down and caught by the support rod.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Inventor: Yi-Teh Yang
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Patent number: 5687840Abstract: A receptacle for plastic shopping bags and like articles comprising an upper member having the general structure and appearance of an upper portion of a doll body, whether a human figure or an animal figure, and a lower element structured and disposed for receiving articles therein. The lower element, which has the general shape and configuration of a skirt, is attached to the upper member and extends downwardly therefrom. The lower element defines a cavity in which plastic shopping bags can be stored, and also has an opening in communication with the cavity that is sized and configured to allow passage therethrough of a plastic shopping bag. The receptacle includes means for suspending the receptacle from a vertical surface, positioned on the upper member so as to substantially prevent the upper member from falling forward and thereby allow primarily a full display of both the upper member and lower element when suspended.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1995Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Inventor: Victoria Sherman
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Patent number: 5630511Abstract: A dispensing box for the continuous feed of fan-folded paper to a printer or other device. The box has opposite side walls, a bottom and an open top, and a lid covering the open top. A narrow slot is formed through the lid, extending from one side to the other adjacent one end of the box, and a free end of the fan-folded paper is fed through the slot from inside the box to a printer or other device. A roller is positioned inside the box adjacent the slot for guiding movement of the paper and smoothing its movement as it is pulled from the box by the printer or other device.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1995Date of Patent: May 20, 1997Assignee: Union Camp CorporationInventor: Ajit K. Bose
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Patent number: 5617973Abstract: A cartridge for dry-type chemical analysis films comprises a box housing, which accommodates therein a stack of dry-type chemical analysis films and which has a take-out opening at one end such that the dry-type chemical analysis films may be taken out of the box housing through the take-out opening one after another. A push member is located in the box housing so as to be capable of sliding. The push member comes into contact with the stack of the dry-type chemical analysis films from the side opposite to the take-out opening and pushes the stack of the dry-type chemical analysis films in the direction heading towards the take-out opening. An urging member is located in the box housing and urges the push member in the direction heading towards the take-out opening. A restriction member is located in the box housing and restricts the distance of movement of the push member in the direction heading away from the take-out opening to at most a value equal to the width of each dry-type chemical analysis film.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Seto, Fumio Sugaya
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Patent number: 5607119Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Inventor: Arnold G. Olmstead
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Patent number: 5520309Abstract: A chalk dispenser for containing and dispensing chalk. In one embodiment, the chalk dispenser is in the shape of a box and has a partially closed bottom, with laterally opening sides so that individual pieces of chalk can be pushed or pulled from the bottom. The bottom is preferably concave shaped to be complimentary to the shape of the chalk being dispensed. A window is provided in the front of the dispenser so that the level of chalk can be determined. In a second embodiment, a plurality of parallel channels are provided into which individual pieces of chalk can be inserted. The channels are preferably concave in shape with slots so that the chalk can be contacted by a user and slid out of the channel. The channels have a length which is slightly less than the length of the chalk so that the ends of the chalk can be grasped by a user and pulled or pushed from the channels.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventor: Alfred C. Roth
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Patent number: 5509570Abstract: A dispenser having a top surface and a front surface with a cut-out extending between the front and top surfaces with slits extending from sides of said cut-out along the front surface. A stack of plastic bags or plastic sheet pick-up tissues are arranged in the dispenser and are dispensed by grasping an uppermost one via the cut-out and pulling outward with the bags being pulled one at a time through the cut-out and slits. The bags may be sculptured with a wave pattern defining a periphery of the corner regions on either side of the mouth of the bag.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Inventor: Robert B. DeMatteis
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Patent number: 5487467Abstract: A receptacle for plastic shopping bags and like articles comprising an upper member having the general structure and appearance of an upper portion of a doll body, and a lower element structured and disposed for receiving articles therein. The lower element, which has the general shape and configuration of a skirt, is attached to the upper member and extends downwardly therefrom. The lower element defines a cavity in which plastic shopping bags can be stored, and also has an opening in communication with the cavity that is sized and configured to allow passage therethrough of a plastic shopping bag. The receptacle may also include means structured and disposed on the lower element for either partially or fully closing the opening and means for suspending the receptacle from a vertical surface. The upper element of the receptacle may additionally include a pair of arms connected together so as to form a holding member for a dish towel.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1994Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Inventor: Victoria Sherman
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Patent number: 5482185Abstract: An apparatus for catching containers dispensed from an opening of a storage unit having a plurality of such containers therein for the transport and storage of the containers therein. The storage unit is positionable such that each of the plurality of containers exits the storage unit one at time through the opening. The apparatus comprises a base member and a stop member. The base member is positionable adjacent a lower edge of the storage unit and extends outward from the lower edge of the storage unit such that a discharge station is defined adjacent to the opening for receiving and dispensing each of the plurality of containers. The stop member is attached to the base member for retaining each of the plurality of containers in the discharge station such that the plurality of containers remaining within the storage unit are retained therein.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1994Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: McNaughton, Inc.Inventor: Patrick J. McNaughton
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Patent number: 5469987Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 16, 1994Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: Roll International CorporationInventor: Bryan K. Honkawa
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Patent number: 5467895Abstract: A ticket dispensing machine which can dispense the lowermost ticket from a column of tickets, has a reciprocating arm member which includes a selector having a rocker arm to facilitate engagement with, and ejection of tickets. This allows the machine to efficiently dispense tickets which are distorted.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: TDM Pty LtdInventor: Man K. Fung
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Patent number: 5458260Abstract: The invention pertains to a modular display for merchandising tubular cartridges containing adhesives, caulks, sealants or similar flowable elastomeric materials, where each cartridge contains a narrow dispensing nozzle at one end of the cartridge. The modular display unit comprises structural means for automatically aligning the cartridges horizontally and orientating the nozzles forwardly while stacking the cartridges in vertical rows by gravity feed. The internal structure includes a slotted front panel where the slot engages the narrowed nozzles but prevents passage of the enlarged tube end of the cartridge. The display unit enables the consumer to remove cartridges from the bottom and to reinsert cartridges at the top along with maintaining the intended forward orientation and horizontal alignment in the vertically stacked cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1994Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: The Glidden CompanyInventors: Anthony Sainato, Thomas Conway, Scott Padiak
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Patent number: 5447253Abstract: A dispenser for condoms includes a box-like structure with two side walls, a front wall, a back wall, and a slanting floor. The condoms are loaded through the top of the dispenser and gravity fed through a dispensing slot at the bottom of the dispenser. A second embodiment includes a loading tool which facilitates the orderly loading of packages of condoms within the dispenser. The loading tool includes a loading platform and a detachable handle. The detachable handle is inserted through a vertical slot in the rear of the dispenser and attached to the loading platform disposed within the dispenser. The loading platform is lowered within the dispenser as condoms are stacked on the loading platform.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1994Date of Patent: September 5, 1995Inventor: Artis H. Williams
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Patent number: 5427273Abstract: The invention provides a dispenser for disposable cups, comprising a mounting plate provided with means for attachment of the dispenser to a vertical surface; and a cup-retaining and dispensing body extending therefrom, the body being provided with an annular opening having a lower edge, and with wedge-like protrusions extending from the inner walls thereof into the opening, the base of the wedge facing the lower edge, and at least a major part of the protrusions being positioned within the same imaginary semi-annular, co-planar segment of the opening; whereby the protrusions, in conjunction with a segment of the inner walls, retain the rim of a downwardly-extending cup to be dispensed, until the removal thereof from the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1994Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Inventor: Menachem Vine
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Patent number: 5368194Abstract: A package for beverage containers such as cans arranged in two or more axially-stacked tiers includes a carton having interconnected top, bottom and side walls. End closure structure connected to at least some of the walls closes one end of the carton. A dispenser for the containers includes first and second apertures defined in the end closure structure. The first aperture extends from one of the side walls and the bottom wall into the end closure structure, and the second aperture extends from the same side wall and the top wall into the end closure structure. The first and second apertures terminate remote from each other such that a portion of the end closure structure extends between the apertures and is connected to the side wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1993Date of Patent: November 29, 1994Assignee: The Mead CorporationInventors: James R. Oliff, James T. Stout
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Patent number: 5310083Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing individual sheets from the center of a coreless roll product comprised of a plurality of the sheets forming a wound web. A dispenser nozzle is connected to a support for supporting the coreless roll. The dispenser nozzle has interconnecting portions, one of which has a truncated cone-like configuration and the other of which has a cylindrical configuration. The portion of the nozzle having the cylindrical configuration is located at the exit opening of the nozzle to provide increased contact area for sheets passing therethrough to reduce wear and extend the life of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1993Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: James River Paper Company, Inc.Inventor: Jack A. Rizzuto
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Patent number: 5293998Abstract: The present invention relates to a container with a chain retaining opening. The container includes a side wall which defines an enclosed chamber for receiving a length of chain. An opening provides access to the enclosed chamber from an exterior of the container. The opening is sized to permit the free passage of the chain from the enclosed chamber to dispense the chain from the container. The opening includes structure for retaining the chain from free passage from the enclosed chamber when dispensing of the chain is not desired. The retaining structure includes at least one narrowed passage which defines a cross-sectional opening smaller than the widest part of the chain and larger than the smallest portion of the chain. When the chain is positioned in the narrowed passage, the chain cannot be dispensed from the container. A sloped surface provides a gravity feed from the opening to the narrowed passage.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1992Date of Patent: March 15, 1994Assignee: Peerless Chain CompanyInventor: Richard A. George
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Patent number: 5285927Abstract: A container/dispenser for used plastic shopping bags which comprises a walled vessel having an open top and an open bottom to which is secured a converging lower section formed of flexible walls with an internal friction surface terminating in a small opening through which the inserted bags may be withdrawn one at a time when compressed in the vessel by a handled lid pressed into the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1993Date of Patent: February 15, 1994Inventor: Sam Pruitt
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Patent number: 5273184Abstract: Dispenser apparatus for roll products such as paper towels which includes a housing and a dispenser nozzle through which projects the lead end of a roll product disposed within the housing. The apparatus includes an internal shield located in the interior of the housing to protect the roll product from water or other liquid entering the housing. An external shield is disposed about the dispenser nozzle to protect the dispenser nozzle and the roll product lead end from water or other liquid and allow manual access to the lead end.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1993Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: James River Paper Company, Inc.Inventor: Jack A. Rizzuto
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Patent number: 5211308Abstract: Paper is unwound from the inside diameter of a tubular roll of paper in a dispensing container, is threaded downwardly through a dispensing funnel installed in a hole in the bottom wall of the container, and is adapted to be pulled downwardly from the funnel and torn into individual hand wipers. The funnel is formed with three dispensing ports of different sizes to accommodate paper of different thicknesses and includes an angled lower end portion which promotes reliable tearing of the paper and causes a tail of predetermined length to be left extending from the funnel for use in the next dispensing operation. The angled lower end portion of the funnel may be pointed forwardly if the dispenser is mounted at a relatively high elevation and may be pointed rearwardly if the dispenser is mounted at a relatively low location. The funnel may be installed securely in holes of different diameters and used with bottom walls of different thicknesses.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1992Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Assignee: NYCO International, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Decker, David Pecoraro
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Patent number: 5199601Abstract: An apparatus for storing a supply of cup-shaped elements such as containers in a stacked, telescopically interfitted relationship comprises a tubular housing with a resilient diaphragm across the lower end. The diaphragm has a center opening through which the lowermost container extends. The diaphragm acts to retain the stack in the housing while permitting the lowermost container to be withdrawn. In one form, the diaphragm comprises a unitary piece of resilient, elastomeric material with the diaphragm having a resistance to elongation in directions circumferentially of the opening which increases progressively radially outwardly of the opening. In another form, the diaphragm includes integral fingers which extend radially inward of the opening. The fingers each decrease in width and thickness in the radial inward direction and may include a transverse rib on their inner surface to engage the lowermost container in the stack.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1992Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Assignee: The Meyer CompanyInventor: Henry G. Roethel
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Patent number: 5191997Abstract: A carousel for dispensing canisters of film having a film-holding base secured to a vertical spine mounted centrally of the base, a plurality of vertical dividers extending radially from, and circumferentially of, the spine, vertically-extending wall sections secured to the outermost edges of the dividers, so that the spine, the dividers, and the wall sections together form vertical channels to receive and hold the canisters. The uppermost portions of the wall sections are open to receive the canisters, and the lowermost ends of the wall sections are spaced from the base sufficiently to permit removal of individual canisters, and the base and with the upper end of the spine are pivoted where they are to be attached to a display device so the entire unit can be rotated. If desired, the canisters can have keys on their bodies or their caps, and the channels can have corresponding key slots, so that the canisters will be held in the channels with their labels outermost.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1992Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Assignee: Mechtronics CorporationInventor: Anthony C. Squitieri
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Patent number: 5147119Abstract: This invention comprises an apparatus for storing and dispensing socks which includes an elongated tubular member of a predetermined diameter having a slot extending axially therealong and connecting to an enlarged opening at one end of the member where a base is transversely mounted thereto. Rolled socks are deposited into the open end of the tube which is slightly larger than the diameter of the socks and drop downwardly to be supported by the base. The socks are accessible through the opening as needed with the slot used to force the rolled socks downwardly, if stuck, and to provide a viewing of the socks in the tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1990Date of Patent: September 15, 1992Inventor: Jonathan L. Harris
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Patent number: 5143252Abstract: A portable package for storing and dispensing photographic film cartridges is constructed by a package of film cartridges and a housing of the package. The package contains two or more cartridges in it. Both the package and the housing have matching outlets for dispensing the cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1990Date of Patent: September 1, 1992Inventor: Zhimin Shi
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Patent number: 5135135Abstract: Storage, display and dispensing apparatus for carded product is disclosed. The dispenser has front and back faces and opposite side faces defining a channel adapted to contain carded product in a vertically nested arrangement. An opening is provided in the lower end of the front face which permits only the lowermost product to be removed from the channel.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1990Date of Patent: August 4, 1992Inventor: Archie A. Olivier
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Patent number: 5104001Abstract: This invention relates to a dispenser for toilet paper and consists of a tube adapted to hold a stack of rolls, the tube being open at its upper end for loading and closed at its lower end by an end wall. A discharge opening is formed in the tube just above the end wall, A movable plate is supported by the end wall for pushing a roll through the discharge opening, the plate being spring biased. A slot is formed in the end wall, the plate having an arm depending therefrom, the arm extending through said slot to the exterior.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1991Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Inventor: Jose Negron
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Patent number: 5084028Abstract: An IV, vacutainer, butterfly, or syringe needle cover and dispenser for a plurality of such needle covers that provides individual release of the covers. The dispenser is adapted for attachment to a wall, other surface or a tray. The dispenser is provided with a hinged door which partially covers the bottom needle cover while it allows for the insertion of a needle into that needle cover. The needle cover is provided with gripping surfaces that secure the cover to a needle after needle insertion. The hinged door swings out of the way to allow for the withdrawal from the dispenser of the needle cover attached to a needle. The device insures safe disposal of used needles.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1989Date of Patent: January 28, 1992Inventors: Michael D. Kennedy, Sanford Kurtz
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Patent number: 5037000Abstract: A rubber band dispensing container for storing and dispensing rubber bands or like objects. The dispensing container comprises a unitary plastic molded body having a receptacle cover and a confronting base adjoined along a common edge by an integral hinge and further includes cooperative locking members extending outwardly from the edges of the receptacle cover and the base opposite the integral hinge for cooperative engagement therebetween when the dispensing container is in a closed configuration to securely maintain the closed position and to prevent accidental opening thereof. The dispensing container is further provided with a flap for creating a dispenser opening on the receptacle cover for inserting fingers to remove rubber bands or like objects stored therein when the dispensing container is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1989Date of Patent: August 6, 1991Assignee: Plymouth Rubber CompanyInventor: Robert Selame
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Patent number: 4997106Abstract: A storage magazine for use in coin operated automatic vending machines composed of a plurality of side-by-side vertical storage columns or magazine sections, each having at least two back-to-back aligned serpentine tracks which store a plurality of cylindrical articles and gravitationally feed the same to an underlying discharge ramp common to both tracks. The ramp cooperates with a wedge feed system for operatively integrating articles discharged from each of the tracks into a single column in which the articles from the individual tracks are arranged in alternating order for first-in, first-out vending by a single coin operated vend mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1989Date of Patent: March 5, 1991Assignee: Rock-Ola Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Donald C. Rockola
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Patent number: 4989730Abstract: A plastic shipping container for cotton swabs that has a T-section at the bottom of the container front panel that at the shipping destination is readily removed to form a dispensing opening for the cotton swabs.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1989Date of Patent: February 5, 1991Inventor: Philippe Lemoine
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Patent number: 4978031Abstract: A dispenser system for razor blade units, including a dispenser housing in which the razor blade units are successively and displaceably disposed. Via a handle that is provided with a latching mechanism that cooperates with the razor blade units, the razor blade units can be removed from the dispenser housing one at a time. To simplify securement of the handle to a razor blade unit that is to be removed, the dispenser housing has a guide mechanism along which the end of the handle is guided and which brings the latching mechanism of the handle into a disengagement position. After reaching the removal position, the handle automatically engages the razor blade unit, so that this unit can be removed from the dispenser housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1989Date of Patent: December 18, 1990Assignee: Wilkinson Sword Gesellschaft mit beschrankter/HaftungInventor: Max Lembke
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Patent number: 4817866Abstract: A packaging carton (e.g. for cans (31) of drink) comprises a reinforcing tape (18) incorporated in the board material from which the carton is formed which tape reinforces a carrying handle (20) defined by two parallel cuts formed in an end wall of the carton. Access to the contents of the carton are obtained by defining access flaps (23, 24) delimited by lines of weakness (22a, 22b) which extend up to the cuts defining the carrying handle. By locating the handle (20) in the median plane between two rows of cans, free passage of cans from the opening provided by an access flap is prevented by the handle, thus ensuring one-by-one dispensing of the cans from the carton.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1987Date of Patent: April 4, 1989Assignee: St. Regis Packaging LimitedInventor: Roger J. Wonnacott
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Patent number: 4790452Abstract: A dispenser for vials having a body and a captive cap includes a plurality of elongate tubes mounted on a support structure such that the axis of the tubes is generally vertical. An elongate slot extends from the top of each tube to the bottom thereof. Each slot has a non-vertically aligned offset near the bottom thereof. The vials include a body which is received in the tubular member so as to nest with other vial bodies and a cap which is hingedly connected at a neck to the vial body. The slot is substantially smaller than both the diameter of the vial body and cap, but slidably receives the neck. In this manner, the bodies are received within the tubular member and the caps extend outwardly therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1987Date of Patent: December 13, 1988Inventor: Harold T. Pehr
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Patent number: 4682825Abstract: The security device of this invention comprises a transparent panel normally locked edgewise upright in the plane of front edges of a pair of vertically spaced shelves of a selfservice rack, blocking forward removal of all but the lowermost one or a predetermined few of a stack of like articles on the lower one of those shelves. At its top edge the panel has a link connection with the front edge of the upper of those shelves. Its lower edge portion is received in an upwardly opening groove in a fixed bracket, and the bottom of that groove so supports the panel that the link connection cooperates with resilience of the panel and bracket to provide a snap toggle action between locked and unlocked or releasing conditions. From the releasing condition the panel can be raised edgewise out of the groove and swung up to an inverted position and hooked there, permitting free access to the space between the shelves.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1986Date of Patent: July 28, 1987Assignee: Frank Mayer & AssociatesInventor: Louis J. Crosslen
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Patent number: 4676371Abstract: A food storage container, such as for a type of fruit or vegetable, with an upwardly facing mouth with a removable cover for charging food into the container; the container is composed of a plurality of interconnected panels, a floor panel, front, rear and opposing side panels which are of transparent material to display the food while stored in the container; it is further provided with an opening above a stop lip in the front wall panel adjacent the bottom which opening is sized for passage of a person's hand to remove a piece of the displayed food from a horizontal floor portion at the mouth which floor portion merges and blends with an inclined floor portion extending from the horizontal portion rearwardly and upwardly between the side walls so that another piece of food moves under the influence of gravity onto the horizontal floor portion at the mouth whenever a piece has been removed from the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1986Date of Patent: June 30, 1987Inventor: Bernie Byrne