Abstract: A method of loading stacked strainers in a dispenser while minimizing strainer contamination is disclosed. The method includes providing a stack of strainers that is enclosed in a protective material to form a pod, placing the pod within a dispenser, and removing the protective material from the pod of strainers while the strainers are in the dispenser. The strainers dispensed from the thus loaded dispenser avoid being contamination during loading. The protective material may be perforated to facilitate removal from the stack, and include an extended portion to be grasped during removal from the dispenser.

Abstract: An output structure of an automatic vending device can include an output box and a drive device. The output box can include a box body and a rotating member pivotally mounted to the box body. The box body can define an output opening. The rotating member can be positioned in the first position to cover the output opening and can support product. The drive device can be connected to the rotating member. The drive device can drive the rotating member to rotate from the first position to a second position to enable the product to drop out of the output opening due to gravity of the product.

Abstract: A sheets dispenser comprising a container with an opening, and a spring loaded lid adapted to close say opening, in which the opening is provided with extrusion means, and in which the lid is biased into a closed position.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a mounting bracket and a balance assembly. The mounting bracket includes two side panels and a cover panel pivotably mounted between the two side panels. The balance assembly includes a loading arm, a loading panel secured to the loading arm, and a balance member secured to the loading arm. The loading arm is pivotably mounted between the two side panels. The loading panel and the balance member are mounted to opposite sides of the loading arm to maintain the loading panel in a first position. The loading panel includes a panel body and an engaging member. The engaging member blocks the cover panel from rotating inward. The loading panel rotates from the first position to a second position after a product is dropped on the loading panel, and the engaging member is moved down to unblock the cover panel.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine able to store and dispense merchandise of different heights includes a cabinet and a door. The cabinet includes a cabinet body and defines a first latching hole and a second latching hole. The door includes door body and a hook located on the door body. The door is rotatable relative to the two side plates between a first position, where the hook is engaged in the first latching hole, and the door body is perpendicular to the two side plates to block a first taller product and a second position, where the hook is engaged in the second latching hole, and an acute angle is defined between the door body and each of the two side plates to block a second shorter product.

Abstract: A fastener-stick dispenser for dispensing sticks of fasteners, such as staples, nails, and screws. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a body defining a fastener-stick receptacle that receives a plurality of the fastener sticks. The dispenser also includes a dispensing port through which fastener sticks are dispensed one or more at a time by a user. The dispenser may also include one or more securing device for securing the dispenser to a user so that the user can carry the dispenser in a hands-free manner. A method of providing a fastener-stick dispenser is also disclosed. The method includes providing a fastener stick dispenser and providing various instructions for its use.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure involve a pill-filtering article that is located and secured inside a pill container. According to one example embodiment, an assembly of articles distributes one pill at a time in the form of a single-pill dispensing apparatus that includes a pill-storage container and such a pill-filtering article. The container has an inner wall, an upper portion with a rim region where a cap may be secured, and a lower portion for containing pills. The pill-filtering article has a size and a shape that facilitates securing the article inside the pill-storage container near the inner wall, above the lower portion, and below the upper rim region, and also configured with a plurality of channel-defining regions including a first channel-defining region through which one-pill at a time passes and including a second channel-defining region through which one pill at a time passes.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser includes a device body and a plurality of tablet cassettes disposed on one face of the device body. Each tablet cassette is capable of accommodating a plurality of types of tablets and of dispensing the tablets contained therein in a lateral direction. A plurality of chutes are in communication with the plurality of tablet cassettes. Each chute is disposed on the one face of the device body, adjacent to a corresponding tablet cassette. Each chute retains tablets dispensed from the corresponding tablet cassette and dispenses the tablets in a downward direction into a container.

Abstract: A glove dispensing assembly includes a stack of interfolded gloves. In particular, the gloves are folded in an S-like arrangement including a first fold and a second fold. The finger portion of a leading glove is folded in between a cuff portion and an intermediate portion of a subsequent glove. The manner in which the gloves are folded allows for the gloves to be dispensed in a perpendicular direction or a lateral direction.

Abstract: A paper ejector unit which transports paper printed by a printing mechanism of a printer along a transport path, includes a paper accumulator provided ahead of an end-of-transport path on a downstream side in a transport direction of the paper, the paper accumulator accumulating the paper ejected from the end, a door which opens and closes between a closed condition in which the paper accumulator is separated from an outside and an open condition in which the paper accumulator communicates with the outside, and a door opening and closing controller which maintains the door in the closed condition with no reception of input of an opening operation signal which opens the door, and changes the door from the closed condition to the open condition with reception of the input of the opening operation signal.

Abstract: A goods access door assembly for a vending machine includes an outer plate, a hermetic seal, and a goods bracket. The outer plate defines an access opening. A hermetic seal is mounted on the inner side of the outer plate and surrounding the access opening and functions to isolate the goods in the vending machine from a hotter or colder ambient temperature until the moment that the goods are taken out of the vending machine.

Abstract: A dispensing cover for a container for moist towlettes, where the container has an open end and is constructed and arranged to hold a bulk supply of interconnected towlettes that are separable from each other by tearing along perforations. The dispensing cover has a lower portion that is constructed and arranged to be engaged with the open top of the container. The power portion defines a large opening. There are one or more dispensing structures projecting into the opening and having an anchored proximal end and a free distal end that is in the central opening to define a tapered slot that has a relatively wide opening and narrows to a pinch point wherein a towlette can be captured. There is a cap that is coupled to the lower portion and is adapted to be engaged with the lower portion to form a seal that inhibits loss of moisture.

Abstract: A moist dispenser, the moist sheet dispenser including a receptacle housing for receiving a stack of moist sheets, the receptacle housing including a dispensing opening through which a sheet can be withdrawn from the stack, the dispenser including a lid that has an open position to provide access to the dispensing opening so that a sheet can be withdrawn from the stack through the dispensing opening and a closed position covering the dispensing opening, wherein the lid defines a periphery and the receptacle housing defines a periphery and the peripheries of the lid and the receptacle housing meet when the lid is in the closed position.

Abstract: A method of shipping at least one child-resistant medicate container via a carrier includes providing or obtaining at least one child-resistant medicate container including a front sidewall, and an opposing rear sidewall, a right sidewall, an opposing left sidewall, and at least one locking mechanism. The method also includes creating or obtaining a flat-rate shipping package from a carrier, inserting the at least one child-resistant medicate container into the package, and closing the package to enclose the at least one child-resistant medicate container within the package so that the package is generally flat and acceptable by the carrier for a flat-rate shipping. The method also includes causing the closed package to be shipped or transported by the carrier at a flat-rate.

Abstract: A bulk dispenser (10) for dispensing pre-cut pieces of film is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a container body (12), a dispenser housing assembly (52) housed within the container body, arid a lid (14) which forms a moisture-tight seal with the container body. The dispenser housing assembly includes a product reservoir, a dispenser housing in engagement with the product reservoir, and a flexible indexing arm that is movable relative to the dispenser housing to dispense the pre-cut pieces of film. The pre-cut pieces of film can be encapsulated within a perforated continuous carrier (30) and contained within the product reservoir. The flexible indexing arm has features that cooperate with the continuous carrier to index the continuous carrier and dispense an individual pre-cut film piece. In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser employs a suction cup (150) in the container lid which is forced onto a film piece in a stack of film pieces to be dispensed.

Abstract: A pill dispensing assembly for dispensing a pill from a pill bottle includes a first layer having a pill exit passage. A second layer is operatively connected to the first layer, and includes a pill entry passage horizontally offset from the exit passage. A pill dispensing layer is positioned between the first and second layers, is movable with respect to the first and second layers, and includes a holding chamber sized to receive the pill. The holding chamber is horizontally movable from a first loading position in which the holding chamber is aligned with the entry passage and is horizontally offset from the exit passage to receive the pill, to a second dispensing position in which the holding chamber is aligned with the exit passage and is horizontally offset from the entry passage to dispense the pill through the exit passage. Pill dispensing may be timed or time monitored.

Abstract: Stackable product distribution device for accommodating at least one row of products with products which can be arranged in succession on a support surface in a receiving space which is bordered by two opposite side walls, one bottom, and a cover as well as at least one closable door, for sequential distribution of the product of the product row which is located nearest the door there being a removal opening between the closed door and one front edge of the cover.

Abstract: A container useful for singly dispensing a tablet includes a leaf integrally formed with the sidewall and projecting generally radially inward to a distal portion. One or more such leaves define a dispensing opening having a smaller diameter than the mouth of the container. The leaves or other undercut structure can be formed using a mold element having a leading portion for forming a portion of the part beyond the resilient projection and a following portion for forming a portion of the sidewall short of the resilient projection. The following portion is withdrawn at least partially away from the outside surface of the resilient projection, leaving a space between the leading and following portions. The leading portion is withdrawn from the mold cavity against an undercut portion of the resilient projection, folding the resilient projection into the space left by retracting the following portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects is disclosed. The apparatus has a storing device, a holding device, a retaining device, and an ejection device that enables pick up, holding and dispensing of a plurality of objects. The apparatus provides an improved method of picking up, holding and storing objects that heretofore required extreme dexterity and substantial periods of time. The apparatus can be used to pick up, hold and dispense a variety of objects including, but not limited to, crystals, nuts, confectionary pieces, pills, jewelry, and electronic components. The apparatus may be sold as a kit or as replacement parts.

Abstract: A child-resistant medicate container includes a housing having a top segment fixedly attached to and extending from a bottom segment. Each of the bottom segment and the top segment include a generally flat first sidewall and an opposing generally flat second sidewall that define the storage cavity. Each sidewall defines a plane and each plane extends generally parallel with respect to the remaining planes. The planes defined by the first and second sidewalls of the bottom segment are spaced-apart a greater distance than a distance between the planes defined by the first and second sidewalls of the top segment. A cover is movably attached to the housing and surrounds at least a portion of the first and second sidewalls of the top segment of the housing. One of the cover and the top segment of the housing include an aperture formed in a sidewall thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a package for storing a product, such as smokeless tobacco, which includes, inter alia, a container that has opposing upper and lower surfaces, and a container sidewall that extends between the upper and lower surfaces to define an interior for storing a plurality of products. The upper surface of the container has an apex intermediate a first region and a second region and the container sidewall defines an opening sized and configured to release at least one of the products. The package also includes an outer cover having an upper section and a cover sidewall depending from the upper section. The outer cover is configured to retain the container and selectively seal the opening. The container pivots about the apex to transition between open and closed positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter cassette magazine and an apparatus for sequentially gathering fine particles using the same, in which a ‘filter cassette not having gathered fine particles yet,’ is received from a first magazine and the received filter cassette is transferred to a lower portion of an upper filter holder, the ‘filter cassette not having gather fine particles yet’ is pushed up toward the upper filter holder by lifting a lower filter holder so as to gather fine particles from outside, the ‘filter cassette having gathered fine particles’ is transferred to a lower portion of a second magazine, and the ‘filter cassette having gathered fine particles’ is pushed up and stored into the second magazine by lifting a push rod. Therefore, it is possible to implement simple maintenance and management, reduction in malfunction, and reduction in parts for machines and equipment.

Abstract: A child-resistant medicate container includes a housing having a top segment fixedly attached to and extending from a bottom segment. Each of the bottom segment and the top segment include a generally flat first sidewall and an opposing generally flat second sidewall that define the storage cavity. Each sidewall defines a plane and each plane extends generally parallel with respect to the remaining planes. The planes defined by the first and second sidewalls of the bottom segment are spaced-apart a greater distance than a distance between the planes defined by the first and second sidewalls of the top segment. A cover is movably attached to the housing and surrounds at least a portion of the first and second sidewalls of the top segment of the housing. One of the cover and the top segment of the housing include an aperture formed in a sidewall thereof.

Abstract: A package includes an article group formed of cylindrical articles disposed on their sides in a side-by-side parallel fashion, and a carton disposed around the group. The carton includes a top wall, opposed side walls, end walls and an article dispenser. The side walls are disposed alongside the ends of the articles while one end wall is disposed adjacent to the side wall of an endmost article. The dispenser is formed from the end and top walls and includes at least one retaining panel to hold all the articles in the carton until removed by the user.

Abstract: A fluid-containing system includes an enclosure that houses a fluid that is contained in a bladder coupled to a spigot and houses a sleeve that is inclined relative to the bottom of the enclosure. The spigot protrudes through a spigot opening in the enclosure, while the sleeve contains dispensable items that can be fed through a dispensable item opening in the enclosure.

Abstract: Lids for bottles such as pill vials, bottles such as pill vials comprising a lid with a funnel, and kits comprising a plurality of lids and/or a plurality of bottles such as pill vials.

Abstract: A forward leaning, hinged-lid storage and dispensing box is described, suitable for use with flat, stacked articles such as index or playing cards, dry stiff articles and pads such as cleaning or burnishing pads, or the like. Minimally the box of the present invention comprises in combination; a back panel; side panels; a bottom panel; a front panel; a top panel; and, a lid hinged to the front panel that forms at least a portion of both the front and top panels of the closed box, and wherein the lid drops and opens forward on at least one hinged connection, and wherein the front panel is angled forward from vertical at least a few degrees. In this way, stacked flat articles loaded into the box will necessarily lean against and parallel to the inside surface of the front wall, ready for easy reach and removal one-at-a-time by the consumer.

Abstract: A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination, from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for the storage and distribution of solid loosely packed products unit by unit. The assembly generally comprises a storage container, a sealing means and a discharge control device inserted into the neck of the container to permit the passage of the products to be distributed. Inviolability and sealing of the container are achieved by means of a peelable heat seal, sealed thermally onto at least one surface defined by an annular, peripheral surface of the neck of the container and/or all or part of an upper surface of the device and/or a surface of a distribution opening.

Abstract: A package having a dispensing opening. The opening has a periphery. The package and or opening periphery may have a non-circular cross section. The opening is covered by a removable lid, having an interference fit. The amount of interference varies around the periphery of the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dunnage platform bag that is light weight, strong, made of a fire retardant material and which forms an ultra violet light, weather and dust particle barrier to protect the integrity of the dunnage platforms when not in use. A system and method for supplying, dispensing, positioning, tracking, transporting, forwarding and storing dunnage platforms based on the dunnage platforms bag is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention, a modified dunnage platform made up of a dunnage platform base and attached legs can be stored in the dunnage platform bag.

Abstract: A combination shipping container and dispenser is described herein. A regular slotted container (RSC) is modified to include at least a first and second dispensing feature such that the RSC can dispense product when it is configured in either a horizontal or in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: Containers and methods for dispensing test strips. Embodiments of the invention include a container and a cap or an insert. The container holds or stores the test strips and the test strips may be dispensed through the cap or the insert.

Abstract: A dispensing container device for dispensing small solids such as pills, tablets, or candy, or liquids such as emulsions, gels, solvents, or aqueous solutions, comprising a base, a cover, and an optional insert placed within the base. The base has a bottom wall, side walls, a front wall with an aperture, and a rear wall, each wall having an upper edge. The cover has an upper wall, side walls, a front wall and a rear wall, each wall having a lower edge. The insert has an upper wall, at least two opposing side walls, a rear wall, and a front wall with an aperture which corresponds with at least some portion of the aperture in the base when the insert is placed within the base. A portion of the upper edge of each base side wall is angled such that the resulting upper edge of the base rear wall is lower than the base front wall. A portion of the lower edge of each cover side wall is angled such that the resulting lower edge of the cover rear wall is higher than the cover front wall.

Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing sheet product is disclosed. The nozzle includes a base portion having an inner periphery and an outer periphery and oriented substantially perpendicular to a dispense direction of the sheet product. A sloping portion of the nozzle is disposed proximate a center of the base portion. The sloping portion extends from the inner periphery of the base portion toward the center in the dispense direction and terminates at an edge defining an opening of the nozzle. The nozzle further includes a lip portion disposed about the outer periphery of the base portion, and a retention feature extending from the lip portion.

Abstract: A dispensing package includes a container having a cylindrical neck finish with an open end and at least one internal bead spaced from the open end. A dispensing fitment has a conical inner portion and an outer portion with spaced external beads received by snap fit over the internal bead so that the dispensing fitment is spaced from the open end of the neck finish. The dispensing fitment preferably has an annular V-shaped cross section opening toward the open end of the neck finish, with an outer leg forming the outer portion of the fitment and an inner leg forming the inner portion of the fitment.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a packaged supply of individual doses of a personal care product, such as strips of a water-soluble film that may or may not contain a pharmaceutically active material, including a dispenser apparatus including a tray, cover and side portions and at least one packet freely positioned within the dispenser apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser of an icemaker in a refrigerator for maximizing an inner space when a total size is the same, and for minimizing the total size when the inner space is the same. The dispenser of the icemaker in the refrigerator includes an ice chute being a passage through which the ice produced from the icemaker is discharged; and a container supporter provided at an outer case and disposed to be perpendicular to an outer surface of the outer case when the ice is discharged outside through the ice chute, the contain supporter allowing a container seated thereon to receive the ice discharged from the ice chute. The ice chute is closed and not exposed outside when the ice-discharging process is finished, and the container supporter is not exposed to the outer surface of the outer case.

Abstract: A bathroom tissue dispenser comprising: a bathroom tissue container with a front side, left side, right side, bottom side and a rear side; a mounting device attached to the bathroom tissue container, to facilitate mounting upon a fixed bathroom tissue roll dispenser without requiring any modification to that fixed dispenser; and an opening or a tear away portion located generally on the front side of the bathroom tissue container. This bathroom tissue dispenser can be quickly and easily mounted upon a fixed bathroom tissue dispenser and may replaced with a new one when the bathroom tissue inside is used up. The used dispenser may be discarded or recycled. A bathroom tissue dispenser comprising: a bathroom tissue container with a front side and a rear side; a wall mounting device attached to the bathroom tissue container; and an opening or tear away portion located generally on the front side of the bathroom tissue container.

Abstract: A moist product dispenser (10) comprising a lid (12) coupled with a container (14) is disclosed. The lid (12) comprises a circumferential seal slidably received on the container sidewall (18) for preventing moisture loss from the container interior. The seal generally comprises a circumferential ridge (20) having top and bottom faces (24, 26) and is configured for nonthreaded engagement with the container sidewall (18).

Abstract: A customizable disposable paper wipe system in which the wipes are sold to the consumer in a dry state to permit the consumer to prepare customized pre-moistened wipes. In one embodiment, the dry wipes are provided to the consumer with a dispenser for dispensing the pre-moistened wipes. In this embodiment, the dispenser may include a diluent fill line and a legend dictating the amounts of various alternative cleaning agents that can be added to the pre-determined amount of diluent for different applications.

Abstract: A cover and a dispenser for a tissue package, said dispenser comprising a tissue dispensing aperture and a manipulating opening, both opening into a tissue-containing space of the package. The tissue dispensing aperture is sized for dispensing one tissue at a time while separating a duty tissue from a successive tissue; and the manipulating opening is normally closed by a flap and is deformable to allow introduction of a user's fingers into the tissue-containing space, and wherein said tissue dispensing aperture and the manipulating opening are coverable.

Abstract: A multicarton pack which can be easily separated into individual cartons, without destroying the integrity of any of the cartons in the pack. Cartons may have an improved dispenser at one end of the carton, which preserves the integrity of the carton when the carton is opened by permitting a bottom end flap attached to the bottom panel to remain in place and also a portion of each side end flap that is adjacent to the bottom end flap. The dispenser may also provide a safety net for the first container that is automatically dispensed when the carton is opened. This is achieved by a novel method of providing a pattern of cuts in adjoining side walls of the cartons and for the cartons to be glued together by gluing the cuts on one of the adjoining side walls. The location of glue spots and their size and number are sufficient to maintain the pack together but yet allow the cartons to be separated without destroying the integrity of the panels glued together.

Abstract: An animal reward dispensing apparatus for attaching to an animal trainer's forearm, the apparatus having a dispensing tube defined about a longitudinal axis, the dispensing tube having at least a first and second attaching straps for attaching the dispensing tube to the animal trainer's forearm. The dispensing tube also having a first and second spaced apart ends defining an interior cavity, and a spring located inside the interior cavity of the dispensing tube and positioned between the first and second ends of the dispensing tube.

Abstract: A moist product dispenser (10) comprising a lid (12) coupled with a container (14) is disclosed. The lid (12) comprises a circumferential seal slidably received on the container sidewall (18) for preventing moisture loss from the container interior. The seal generally comprises a circumferential ridge (20) having top and bottom faces (24, 26) and is configured for nonthreaded engagement with the container sidewall (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hopper for preventing theft of undispensed products from a vending machine. The disclosed anti-theft hopper receives dispensed products and allows customers to retrieve dispensed products, but prevents unauthorized access to the interior of a vending machine through the product delivery port. The anti-theft hopper has a first opening through which dispensed products enter the hopper and a second opening through which dispensed products are retrieved by customers. A hopper flap is pivotally coupled to the hopper, wherein the hopper flap is adaptable to pivotally swing over products dispensed into the hopper to allow consumers to retrieve dispensed products from the hopper and wherein the hopper flap is further adaptable to prevent unauthorized access to undispensed products by blocking the insertion of a protruding device through the hopper.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is provided for dispensing items. The dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing outlet and an item holder having item holding areas and being movably disposed to position the item holding areas one at a time in sequence over the dispensing outlet so that when one of the item holding areas is positioned over the dispensing outlet, the other item holding areas are not disposed over the dispensing outlet. The dispensing apparatus further includes a blocker disposed over the item holder opposite the dispensing outlet, the blocker blocking access to the dispensing outlet from directly above the item holder when the item holder positions one of the item holding areas over the dispensing outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated key retrieval and deposit includes a housing and a key storage rack assembly positioned within the housing. The automated key retrieval and deposit apparatus also includes a key holder for holding a key to be retrieved positioned on the key storage rack, and a key holder actuating mechanism operatively connected to the key holder, for actuating the key holder between an extended position and a retracted position. The automated key retrieval and deposit apparatus further includes a cover pivotally connected to the key storage rack and actuatable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover, in the closed position, exerts a force on the keyholder to retain the key on the key holder.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus comprising at least two parts, with the first part (d) being releasably held within the second (g) of the two parts and the first and second parts can be moved relative to one another to display at least two apertures leading to a chamber for retaining articles which are to be dispensed from the apparatus. The apparatus is preferably for dispensing question cards for playing a jigsaw game.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing individual leaves of soap from a stack of leaves stored in the dispenser, includes top and bottom plastic case portions which are connected to and aligned by four pins extending from one container half into holes in the other container half. The pins are held in the holes by friction to hold the case portions together. A tool is used in a pry slot formed at the sides of the dispenser between the case portions, to pry the halves apart and open the case for replenishing the supply of leaves. The dispenser has an outlet slot with a length and width selected for dispensing one leaf at a time. A finger opening exposes part of the top surface of the stack near the outlet slot and is covered by reusable adhesive tape. The tape is partly removed to expose the finger opening and outlet slot so that a finger can contact the top leaf and eject it through the slot. The outlet slot has an upper lip overhang, over a lower lip of the outlet slot.