Abstract: A unitary package including a rolled tissue product and a packaged tissue product overwrapped with a packaging film. The packaged tissue product may be disposed in a folded over portion of a divider and co-packed with first and second rolled tissue products, which differ in at least one regard, to increase the stability of the package. The rolled tissue products preferably comprise a plurality of rolled towel products having a first height and a plurality of rolled bath tissue products having a second height, where the first height is greater than the second height. The divider, packaged tissue product and first and second rolled tissue products are generally packaged together to form a cubic package.

Abstract: A dispenser for administering strip-shaped substances, includes a housing having a chamber to store a stack of the strip-shaped substances and forming a removal opening for the strip-shaped substances that can be opened and closed again with a lid, said lid being joined to the housing, and being joined to a transport bar that can be moved together with the lid in order to transport the strip-shaped substances. The objective of designing and refining a dispenser of the above-mentioned type in such a manner as to allow a contamination-free and reliable transport of one single strip-shaped substance from the inside of the housing merely by moving the lid is characterized in that the transport bar is elastically pre-tensioned and mounted in the housing in such a way that it is at a distance from the stack when the removal opening is closed.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of the transport, storage, and display of one or more items of at least one of apparel and accessories is provided. The apparatus includes at least one crib defined by a bottom plate, a back plate, and first and second side plates, each of the at least one crib for having disposed therein one or more items of at least one of apparel and accessories. The at least one crib includes the bottom plate that is one of square and rectangular in shape, the back plate that is one of square and rectangular in shape, and the first and second side plates that have the same shape and that are facing each other. Each of the back plate and first and second side plates are perpendicular to the bottom plate. One edge of each of the back plate and first and second side plates is coupled to a respective one edge of the bottom plate. One edge of each of first and second side plates is coupled to a respective one edge of the back plat.

Abstract: A film dispenser for dispensing individual strips of film comprising a main housing with an integrally attached hinged lid, wherein the housing and lid are one injection molded part that interfaces with a body and, when the closed, the lid creates a moisture tight seal with the main housing, the lid having a flexible arm attached to an underside of the lid, an opening in a topside of the main housing where a portion of the opening acts as a hinge point for the flexible arm, and, when the lid is opened, the arm assists in pushing or pulling the film out of the package; the body that is attached to the main housing to form a moisture tight seal with the main housing; and an indexing finger composed of an elastomer and attached to the underside of the hinged lid, the finger interacts with the flexible arm to dispense the individual strips.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing wipes that includes an extendable orifice. The orifice is extendable into the storage space of the wipes container to position an opening in close proximity with the top of a stack of wipes stored in the container. The extendable orifice may also act to reduce moisture loss in the case of wet-wipes and reduce the occurrence of fall-back.

Abstract: Gloves and dispensers for gloves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to disposable gloves packaged in a disposable dispenser configured to engage with a holder. Aspects of the glove assemblies provided herein include a tray responsive to the number of gloves in the dispenser, movable in a vertical direction within the disposable dispenser towards the dispenser opening with its movement facilitated by a telescoping piston or other biasing members, such as a conical spring. The dispenser may be removed from the holder and a new dispenser engaged to the holder. Aspects of the present disclosure also include a disposable dispenser having a biasing member urging a tray in a vertical direction in response to the number of gloves in the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing interfolded disposable sheets is disclosed. The dispenser includes a removable panel that is attached to the first sheet in the stack contained in the container. When the removable panel is pulled off the container, the first sheet in the stack is partially or completely withdrawn from the container. The removable panel may be adhered to the first sheet using an adhesive material. The adhesive material may be contained in a recess formed in the removable panel. The recess is designed to protect the adhesive material during manufacture of the product and/or to prevent the adhesive material to adhering to other portions of the product. In one embodiment, after the stack of sheets are loaded into the dispenser, the recess is inverted forming a protrusion that contacts the first sheet in the stack and forms a bond between the removable panel and the first sheet.

Abstract: A dispenser, and associated method for producing such dispenser, for interfolded disposable sheets includes a dispensing container defining an interior volume sufficient for receipt of a clip of interfolded disposable sheets, the container including a first wall with a dispensing opening defined by a removable panel. At least a portion of an adhesive material is disposed at a location on the removable panel such that the adhesive is not exposed to the interior volume of the container in an adhesive state. A clip of interfolded disposable sheets is inserted into the interior volume of the container. After insertion of the clip, the adhesive material is exposed in an adhesive state to the interior volume of the container and contact is made between the adhesive and the uppermost sheet of the clip of interfolded sheets such that the removable panel is attached to the uppermost sheet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are concerned with a business card dispenser that presents a single card to the user, when the front of the dispenser is pushed. The dispenser can hold over one hundred cards, plus one protected display card to show the contents of the dispenser. This dispenser provides a large quantity of cards in a compact volume and eliminates “dry finger” syndrome that affects many other business card dispensers. This is accomplished by use of a plunger, which pushes through a slot a single card, partially exposing it outside of the dispenser. Hence, allowing the user to grab the card with two fingers and pull it to retrieve the card.

Abstract: A newspaper vending machine includes a dispensing sled and an elevator supported by a frame within a housing. The elevator includes a base slidable between a rearward position, for loading a stack of newspapers, and a forward position. The dispensing sled engages the newspaper stack and is translatable between upper and lower positions to dispense the periodicals from an exit area. An actuation arm projects outwardly from a front panel for engagement by a user and is translated along a substantially vertical pathway as the dispensing sled is moved between its upper and lower positions. The frame of the vending machine is translatably supported on rails for movement between a retracted condition in which the frame is located within the interior and an extended condition in which the frame extends beyond a front end of the housing.

Abstract: The new invention allows for easy retrieval of fall backs and eases the initial threading process upon initial opening/use of the package. Threading is done without removing the cap. Several of the embodiments allow refills to be inserted into the canister without removing the lid/cap. The layout of the dispensing system and the geometry and shape of the dispensing orifice/aperture minimize and mitigate product fall backs. The new invention improves performance of the orifices/apertures through unique geometry and shape as well as using different materials from existing products or the combination of multiple materials. Varying orifice diameter, co-molded density and stiffness or geometry of the actual lobes defining the dispensing aperture allows the precise amount of friction to be created in the dispensing opening for selectively grabbing or releasing the towelette, thereby tearing the towelette connecting perforations at just the right time.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing gloves is provided which includes a housing having an exit port, the housing also formed to include a compartment which is configured to hold a plurality of gloves therein. The dispenser includes a glove pusher movably coupled to the housing. At least a portion of the glove pusher is configured to move within the compartment of the housing and push at least a portion of a glove disposed in the compartment through the exit port. A cartridge configured to be disposed into a compartment of a dispenser is disclosed. The cartridge is formed to permit a portion of a dispenser to move into the internal compartment of the cartridge to move at least one of the plurality of gloves at least partially through the at least one opening in the cartridge. A dispensing assembly also may include a stack of gloves or a cartridge containing a plurality of gloves. A method of using a glove dispenser is also provided.

Abstract: By interfolding or interleaving at least a portion of the dispensing panel of a dispenser with the first sheet in a stack of sheet material such that a leading edge of the first sheet is exposed, it is no longer necessary to reach into the dispenser to dispense the first sheet. To dispense the first sheet, the optional removable panel is torn from the dispenser, and then the already exposed leading edge of the first sheet protruding from the dispensing panel is grasped and pulled to withdraw the first sheet from the dispenser.

Abstract: Moving a lid dispenses single thin films from a container. A pad coated with TPE, rubber or silicone rotates downward and contacts the top thin film strip. The pad moves the strip toward a front opening. When the lid is fully opened, the strip has been ejected far enough for the user to remove it. A sliding top and lever dispense a strip. The user slides back the top of the container, causing lever with a living hinges and links to flex downward. A pad rotates downward towards the top strip and outward towards an opening exposed in the front of the container and the strip is ejected out this opening. The pad is connected to a lever on a gear. Sliding the top of the container rotates the gear. The pad contacts the strip and moves the strip through the uncovered front dispensing opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing both coffee in a reservoir and nested stacks of cup-shaped coffee filters, and then automatically filling individual filters with selected amounts of coffee and brewing the coffee while protecting the reservoir. Through a series of gears, an electric motor rotates an elastic projection with teeth and a disengaging curved tooth against the topmost filter in the stack, dragging it into a filter well beneath a coffee storage receptacle and then dropping it. Simultaneously, a rotating coffee dispenser fills with a selectable quantity of coffee and then dumps the coffee into the filter. The apparatus also includes a stirring device for insuring the stored coffee falls to the bottom of the coffee receptacle. A hot water dispenser operates in conjunction with a valve means for cutting off steam from the coffee reservoir.

Abstract: A restrictor and dispensing system for dispensing sheet material is provided. The restrictor includes a restrictor body positioned on a top sheet of a stack of sheet materials which are positioned in a dispenser. The restrictor assists in one at a time dispensing from a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes the dispenser, which has a housing including a container and a lid, and the housing is configured to hold and dispense sheet material. The dispenser also includes a sheet mover mounted to the housing. The sheet mover is configured to move over at least a portion of a sheet material away from additional sheet materials for dispensing. The restrictor cooperates with the housing and sheet mover to dispense one sheet material at a time. The restrictor may be provided with the dispenser, or separately. Alternatively, the restrictor may be provided in a cartridge filled with a stack of sheet materials.

Abstract: A dispenser and system for dispensing sheet material is provided. The dispenser includes a housing including a container and a lid. The container and lid cooperate to provide an inner surface formed to include an internal compartment configured to hold sheet material. The housing includes an exit port for withdrawal of sheet material therefrom. The dispenser also includes a sheet mover mounted to the housing. A portion of the sheet mover is configured to move over at least a portion of a sheet material positioned in the housing such that at least the portion of the sheet material is moved away from additional sheet materials positioned adjacent thereto by the sheet mover. The portion moved away is positioned to be easily withdrawn through the exit port by a user. The system includes the dispenser having a sheet mover and a plurality of sheet materials disposed in the dispenser. A disposable, one-use dispensing system is provided as well.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing interfolded disposable sheets is disclosed. The dispenser includes a removable top that is releasably attached to the first sheet in the stack contained in the container. In accordance with the present invention, when the removable top is pulled off the container, the first sheet in the stack is partially withdrawn from the container. After being partially withdrawn, however, the sheet releases from the removable top.

Abstract: A completely enclosed coffee filter housing capable of storing a plurality of filters therein, a cover with an adhesive tipped rod, centrally located, extending below the underside of the cover to engage an individual filter when the cover is depressed, and extract the filter when the cover is removed. A plunger extends above and below the cover, the lower end arranged around the adhesive tipped rod and the upper end terminated with a cap. When the plunger is depressed, the individual filter is detached from the rod and inserted into a coffee maker receptacle.

Abstract: A hand held tool to expedite a removal of a single sheet from a stack which may be supplied as a segment of a container or an independent unit and modifications to a container to resist a return of a separated sheet to its original position on the stack.

Abstract: A business card dispenser comprising a main casing and a sliding tray installed in the main casing in a slidable fashion with a business card(s) placed thereon. The sliding tray is pushed by hand in one direction, thus bending the business card(s) to form an arc so that one business card can be removed, and then the sliding tray is moved back in another (opposite) direction to its original position by an elastic force which is produced by the straightening business card, thus dispensing one card at a time quickly.

Abstract: A tissue dispenser for dispensing a single tissue at one time includes a dispenser box having a support back on one end, a movable drawer in said dispenser box for holding tissues, a pivotable arm mounted by a first end to said support back and biased in an upward position by a spring. A tissue pickup member is mounted on a second end of said pivotal arm, having a pickup surface having a tacky adhesive thereon. A cam arm raises and lowers said pivotable arm when a push lever is pressed downward to compress a spring and released to allow the spring to expand, raising said pivotable arm.

Abstract: A dispenser for truncated conical coffee filters and the like has a cover with a nominal circular and offset opening. A hinged lid has an oppositely hinged tab which is manually pushed into the container interior, so the tabs abrasive tipped free end engages a filter. Lifting of the lid causes the tab to draw a single filter from the nest, through the opening. When the lid is thereafter lowered, the tab is automatically repositioned in a cutout opening of the lid, sealing the container, when the tab engages a tang projecting into the opening.

Abstract: A coffee filter dispensing and storage device which is compact, and inexpensive to manufacture. The device comprises a housing having a hollow interior in which a stack of coffee filters are located, and a cover pivotally mounted thereon. The cover includes a simple biased plunger mechanism with a wax or putty-like adherent at one end to extract the top most of a nested stack of coffee filters stored in a device. The device may be placed on a counter or table top or mounted on a wall or beneath a shelf or counter. Restraining tabs are used to prevent the filters from falling or spilling out of the device when the cover is opened. A locking mechanism is provided to hold the cover closed.

Abstract: A combined filter housing for storing a plurality of flattened conically-shaped filters therein and a combination cover and extractor for the stored filters includes an extractor mechanism disposed within the cover having semi-adhesive resilient members disposed on a pair of distal ends which comes into contact with the stored filters. By applying pressure proximate the apex of the arms, the filter is engaged by the semi-adhesive resilient member and by removing the combination cover and extractor a single filter may be removed and is ready to be used without further handling.

Abstract: A container (10) for storing and dispensing a stack of paper articles (30) is provided with a bottom wall (12), at least one side wall (14) and a top wall (22). The top wall has a struck out hinged pivotable portion (32) which is pivotable into and out of the container. That portion of the top wall which is not pivotable retains the stack within the container. A depressible hinged tab (38) is struck out of the hinged pivotable portion, and has an adhesive (42) on its underside. When the tab is depressed, thus engaging the side wall of the topmost article in the stack, and the pivotable hinged portion is subsequently lifted, the topmost article in the stack is lifted for one-at-a-time dispensing of the articles from the stack.

Abstract: In a box containing facial tissues, a tape is attached to the under surface of an oval portion surrounded by a perforated line. In the alternative, thick strings are attached along and inwardly of the longitudinal edges of the oval portion. The tape or thick strings serve as backings and facilitate tearing the top sheet along the perforated line. The uppermost one of the facial tissues is attached to the under surface of the oval portion. In the alternative, the oval portion is formed with a hole through which an adhesive tape is pushed to adhere to the uppermost tissue.

Abstract: A single copy vending machine for newspapers, magazines or the like which employs a separation device attached to the door of a conventional appearing newspaper vendor to separate the topmost newspaper from a stack thereof subsequent to the insertion of proper coinage and the opening of the door. A sequentially selective elevator mechanism is provided to insure that the topmost newspaper of a stack on the elevator is in the path of the fully retracted separation device. A novel newspaper display chamber is provided to first, facilitate the proper adjustment of the separation device and, secondly to hold remote, from purchaser access, content of the display chamber until the elevator supply has been exhausted.

Abstract: A single copy vending machine for newspapers, magazines or the like which employs a separation device attached to the door of a conventional appearing newspaper vendor to separate the topmost newspaper from a stack thereof subsequent to the insertion of proper coinage and the opening of the door. A sequentially selective elevator mechanism is provided to insure that the topmost newspaper of the stack on the elevator is in the path of the fully retracted separation device. A novel newspaper display chamber is provided to first, facilitate the proper adjustment of the separating device and its relationship with its gauging slides and, secondly, to hold remote, from purchaser access, content of the display chamber until the elevator supply has been exhausted.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing cup-shaped paper coffee filters from the top of a nested stack of such filters includes a box for storing and retaining the stack, a lever connected by a hinge to the lid of the box, apparatus for moving the lever to engage the top filter of the stack, and flexible plastic fingers for holding all of the filters except the top one in place as the lever engages the top filter and removes it from the stack. The lid of the box is hinged so that the box can be opened to remove the top filter from the end of the lever. Once the lever has engaged the top filter, the end of the lever is moved away from the axis of the filter stack. Lifting the lid simultaneously imparts an axially upward component to the motion of the lever, so that the lever both separates the top filter from the stack and lifts it. The filter can then be easily removed from the end of the lever.