Abstract: A wall mounted closed container for storing and dispensing single coffee filters one at a time from a stacked nest of basket type coffee filters. The container has top and a bottom hinged cover plates to provide access to the container. The top cover plate has an interior spring clip that, in cooperation with a friction block mounted on the inside of the container, are adapted to grip a nest of basket coffee filters and retain the filters in a doubled over orientation with respect to each other when the top cover plate is in a closed position. The lower cover plate may be opened to provide access to the ends of the doubled over coffee filters as by grasping with ones fingers.

Abstract: A glove dispensing device comprising a cabinet which is designed to be permanently affixed to a wall for dispensing gloves from the glove boxes stored within the cabinet. The cabinet of the glove dispensing device includes a housing and a cover swingably mounted to the housing to allow glove boxes to be inserted into the housing. The cover is provided with a sliding window which opens to permit removal of one glove at a time while closing the sliding window protects the remaining gloves from contaminants and pollutants from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sheet dispensing system which includes a clip lift member. The clip lift member of the present invention is positioned beneath the stack of sheets placed in the carton. The clip lift is comprised of an elastic member which is placed underneath a stack of sheets and is connected to the end walls of the carton. The clip lift may include a support member positioned between the sheets and the elastic member which may support the weight of the tissues. The clip lift biases the sheets in an upward direction as the sheets are being dispensed. The elastic member may be comprised of any elastic member, including a heat-activatable elastic member, which may be microwave susceptible.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing flat rectangular envelopes includes a rectangular cartridge container shaped to receive the envelopes in a stack with an open mouth and a movable rear wall pushed by a spring to present the stack at the open mouth. A first cover plate is mounted on the container for holding the stack within the container leaving one part of the mouth open to expose the front envelope of the stack. A second cover plate is separate from the container with a substantially planar plate portion for mounting in a support wall and presenting forwardly of the support wall and side flanges extending rearwardly from the plate portion to define a receptacle for the container into which the container can be attached for holding the container behind the plate portion and from which the container can be detached for removal and re-filling.

Abstract: A display for displaying and dispensing brochures. The display comprises a housing and a transparent door hinged to the housing to swing forwardly when opened. A pocket is pivotally mounted to the same hinge as that pivotally supporting the door. The pocket has a rear panel including a relief, or cut away section, enabling a person to grasp brochures stored in the pocket. A spring is attached to the pin of the hinge, to the door, and to the pocket such that the door is biased into the closed position and the pocket is biased against the door. The door is hinged at the bottom, and has a forwardly turned handle at the top for opening. The housing has an outwardly projecting flange extending along the entirety of the front opening of the housing, and a drip hood. The floor or bottom wall of the housing inclines to promote drainage. In a preferred embodiment, the door and pocket are molded integrally from an elastic material enabling the pocket to be opened elastically.

Abstract: A cup dispenser is disclosed including a housing having an open end and a closed end defining a cup receiving cavity, a cup support reciprocally positioned within the cup receiving cavity for supporting at least one cup received in the cup receiving cavity and a spring for biasing the cup support towards the open end of the cup receiving cavity thereby projecting at least a portion of the cup from the housing. The cup dispenser further includes a guide for guiding the cup support within the housing with a guide including axially extending substantially diametrically opposed rails and a cup restraint for restraining outward movement of the cup within the cavity and a stop position adjacent the guide for stopping outward movement of the cup support. The stop includes at least one circumferentially extending contact surface which contacts a surface of the cup support in order to stop outward movement of the cup support.

Abstract: An apparatus for incrementally controlling actuation of an alternating current motor and rotation of the motor shaft, to incrementally control rotation of a rotatable member connectable to the motor shaft. The apparatus includes motor pulsing elements for controlling actuation of the motor and rotation of the motor shaft and rotatable member. The motor pulsing elements increase or decrease motor actuation and motor shaft and rotatable member rotation in increments of about ten percent, between about ten and one-hundred percent of full actuation and rotation, for correspondingly controlling a system controllable thereby, such as a beverage powder dispensing system in a beverage dispensing machine.

Abstract: A refillable sheet dispenser of the type having walls defining a cavity adapted to receive a stack of sheets including first and second end walls at opposite ends of a side wall with the first end wall having an elongate outlet opening through which individual sheets from the stack in the cavity may be manually withdrawn, while the stack of sheets is biased toward the first end wall. The biasing is provided by a strip of non metallic material bent to provide the biasing force and to provide space within it in which refill stacks of sheets or other items may be stored.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An article lifting container (10) is provided which includes an outer housing (50) with a lift (100) within an interior thereof supporting a shelf (150). The lift (100) automatically adjusts a position of the shelf (150) vertically depending on a weight of articles (30) placed upon the shelf (150). The lift (100) includes a base (110) supported by the housing (50) and which in turn supports a spring (130) between the base (110) and the shelf (150). An alignment post (120) aligns the shelf (150) to motion only vertically away from and toward the base (110). A sleeve (140) is fixedly attached to the shelf (150) and surrounds the alignment post (120). The sleeve (140) prevents the shelf (150) from pivoting due to uneven loads of articles upon the shelf (150).

Abstract: A paper article dispenser including a housing for storing a stack of paper articles therein and a mechanism (such as a leaf spring) for urging the stack toward an opening in the housing to facilitate removal of one of the paper articles through the opening. The spring is configured and positioned to lie substantially flat within the housing when the spring is fully compressed. In another aspect, the base of the housing is constructed with integral, resilient members that bias the stack toward the opening.

Abstract: A dispenser for bandages is provided wherein bandages adhered to successive bandages along opposite ends of the bandage are dispensed from a box between a pair of flexible fingers extending into an opening in the top wall of the box. Various configurations for the stack of bandages to be provided in the box are also disclosed.

Abstract: A refillable desk top dispenser for dispensing fanfolded notepaper is provided which includes a tray having a side wall and a bottom wall for defining a cavity therein, the side wall having a vertical slot therein; a removeable cover for placing over the cavity of the tray having a centrally transverse opening extending therethrough for dispensing single individual sheets of fanfolded notepaper from a stack; a platform of a suitable size for receiving the stack of fanfolded notepaper, having extending tabs thereon adapted to cooperate mechanically with the vertical slots, thereby defining the range of vertical movement of the platform; and spring for upwardly urging the platform towards an upper position on the track means to facilitate the proper dispensation of the notepaper.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus for business cards or the like articles including a plurality of dispensing units which are in the form of hollow housings for receiving a stack of cards, each housing having a slot through which the cards are dispensed. The housings are supported on a grid-like support which is hingedly mounted to a backing board so that in one position access to the rear of the housings is prevented while in a second position access is allowed to permit refilling of the housings.

Abstract: A dispenser for gloves comprising a tubular body having a first end and a second end and having a spring disposed therein. The spring is secured to a moveable disc shaped member. A flexible mammillated shaped element having a first end and a second end is secured to the disc shaped member at the first end and secures a plurality of gloves therein. The second end of the mammillated member is secured to the second end of said tubular body. A top element which slideably fits over the second end of the tubular body has an opening therein and a diaphragm element having an aperture therein is secured over said opening. The spring urges the disc shaped member against the flexible mammillated shaped member containing the gloves allowing removal of one glove at a time from the aperture in the diaphragm element.

Abstract: A dispenser for serially dispensing folded sheet products from a stack of folded sheet products, includes a housing, a support member movable mounted within the housing, and a follower for urging the stack in the direction of a dispenser element included in the support member. The apparatus includes mechanism for engaging the follower and retaining it at a predetermined location relative to the support member when the support member is in open condition and which is disengaged from the follower when the support member moves to its closed position to compensate for any overfilling of the dispenser.

Abstract: An attachable bag holder for use with a bag having at least one carrying loop. The holder includes an elongated body terminating in opposed ends and formed with a loop receiving channel on an upwardly facing side and a manually engageable gripping surface on a downwardly facing side of the holder body. A retention structure formed for easy insertion and yet difficult removal or trapping of the bag loops in the holder upon attachment of the same is provided. The holder body is preferably formed with the U-shaped cross section which permits nesting of holders in a stacked relation. The manually engageable gripping surface is downwardly convexed and formed with finger indentations to transfer loading forces to each of the fingers on the user's hand, and provide a firm positive grip which combine to reduce fatigue. The gripping surface configuration also provides transverse, as well as longitudinal, rigidity to the holder. A holder dispenser and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing orthodontic O-rings comprises a main body portion having at least one storage and delivery chamber for holding a plurality of O-rings lying in a single plane and an outlet for allowing dispensing of O-rings. The main body is designed such that the O-rings are restrained from freely falling from the outlet. A further embodiment of the dispenser includes an ejection mechanism for assisting in the discharge of the O-rings.

Abstract: A group of flanged lids or cups of substantially identical construction and arranged in nested relation in a container are dispensed from an open end of the container by an elongated yieldable tension element disposed astride the open end of the container and arranged to override the flange of the article adjacent the open end of the container thereby to release and to aid in ejecting the article from the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for storing a plurality of gloves and for individually dispensing the gloves. The invention allows a user to easily retrieve a single glove while the remaining gloves are shielded from contamination by the user and from the surrounding environment. The present invention includes a container having a dispensing aperture formed thereon. A plurality of gloves is disposed within the container. A shield is provided to cover the aperture when a glove is not being retrieved. A hinge, or other structure, is provided which allows a user to move the shield to an open position when retrieving a glove and which will return the shield to a closed position upon removal of the user's hand. The present invention has particular advantages in environments such as dental offices and other locations where contaminants may be present and where it is necessary to protect the stored gloves from such contaminants until a glove is dispensed.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for disposable, thin plastic articles is disclosed wherein said articles may be retrieved by the user one at a time in a relatively simple manner. The apparatus comprises a box-like, generally rectangular enclosure for housing a removably mounted packet containing a plurality of the disposable articles stacked in the packet in closely spaced, parallel relationship in a flat condition. The enclosure is provided with a front window or opening and a removable top cover or cap. The packet of articles is loaded into the enclosure through the top opening and are disposed to be removed, one at a time, through the front opening of the enclosure. The packet comprises a pair of faces yieldably connected to one another which have a planar configuration at least as great as the area of the articles disposed between them.

Abstract: A sheet dispenser for dispensing one sheet at a time comprises an enclosure for holding a stack of, individual sheets. A biasing element is provided for resiliently urging a stack of individual sheets against a front wall of the enclosure. The enclosure front wall has an opening provided therein through which a front sheet of a stack of sheets is withdrawn by a user's fingers. The opening has a height dimension at least approximately equal to the height dimension of a front sheet of a stack of sheets. The opening has a width dimension sufficient to permit a user to insert at least one finger into the opening, drag a section of a front sheet across the opening and fold a portion of a front sheet outwardly of a stack of sheets through the opening to enable withdrawal of an entire front sheet from a stack of sheets. The front wall has portions inclined from the opening rearwardly towards either end forming planer or concave surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for transmitting a biasing force created by a force generating component to a load remote from the force component. the system includes a first elongated flexible element having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first flexible element being connectable to the force generating component, and a second elongated flexible element having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second flexible element being connectable to the load. A force modifying member rotatable about a fixed axis is provided and includes first and second outwardly facing surfaces of predetermined lengths which curve about the axis. The second ends of the elongated flexible elements are connected respectively to the first and second surfaces at one end of the surface, wherein the fexible elements are operable to be wound or unwound on the respective surfaces as the member rotates about the axis.

Abstract: A promotional display apparatus for a newspaper vending machine, and a newspaper vending machine incorporating a promotional display apparatus, are disclosed. The display apparatus comprises a fixture securable to the newspaper vending machine door. The fixture includes a display section for displaying promotional information. The display section in operation projects internally away from the inside of the vending machine door and into the vending machine internal cavity elevationally above a stack of newspapers therein when the vending machine door is closed. The display section in operation effectively displays promotional information to the vending machine user when the vending machine door is swung away from the housing.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly specifically designed to individually dispense separate toilet tissue sheets which are collectively disposed on the interior of a dispensing container in a stacked array such that in a preferred embodiment, a biasing means is disposed on the interior of the container and in engaging relation to the stacked array so as to bias an outer end-most one of the tissues in accessible relation to an exit structure formed in the container and further wherein a mounting assembly is secured to the container so as to allow it to be removably mounted on a conventional toilet tissue roll supporting structure found in most bathrooms.

Abstract: An adjustable dispenser for holding and dispensing various size cups including the so-called jumbo cup. Radially adjustable retainers within a flanged storage tube frictionally hold the rim of the forwardmost cup against discharging until manually pulled out. Each retainer is locked in a serrated surface within the flange by a thumbscrew.

Abstract: Dispensers for nested items such as cups or lids. Dispensers according to the present invention contain face plates which are easily removed so that the dispensers and their surrounding areas can be easily cleaned. One embodiment of dispensers according to the present invention includes a trim assembly and a container assembly for the items to be dispensed, which two assemblies can be attached as a unit to the face plate and removed with the face plate for quick and efficient cleaning and refilling. The face plates and trim assemblies may be color coded for aesthetic purposes and to differentiate various cup and lid sizes.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for disposable, thin plastic gloves is disclosed wherein said gloves may be retrieved by the user one at a time in a relatively simple manner. The apparatus comprises a box-like, generally rectangular enclosure for housing a removably mounted packet containing a plurality of the disposable gloves arranged in the packet in closely spaced, planar unfolded condition. The enclosure is provided with a front window or opening and a removable top cover or cap. The packet of gloves is loaded into the enclosure through a top opening and are disposed so that they may be removed, one at a time, through the front opening of the enclosure. The packet comprises a pair of faces yieldably connected to one another which have a configuration generally conforming to the shape of the gloves in an open palm and finger planar condition.

Abstract: The container dispenser comprises a body member, a collar and a container biasing spring for initially receiving a column of nested containers and continuously exerting a biasing force on the containers, such that the last container of the column is disposed at the open end of the dispensing apparatus. The body member is preferrably made of a plastic material formed by extrusion blow molding or injection blow molding and in a further aspect of the invention, the collar is injection molded and secured to the body member by a snap fit or spin weld joining technique. The exterior of the body member is shaped to provide a number of inward depression adjacent the open end of the body member, for engaging the lower most containers of the stack of nested containers. Loading and/or dispensing of containers requires a localized resilient deformation as the containers move past the inward depressions.

Abstract: A napkin dispenser includes a drawer which slides in and out of a housing and a push plate which also slides in the housing and is spring biased to push the napkins forward. A pair of locks on the rear of the drawer in the preferred napkin dispenser push the plate forward when the drawer is open but pivot to release the push plate when the drawer is closed so that the napkins are not pressed too tightly, even if napkins are overloaded in the drawer when it is open. Similarly, a pair of locks on the push plate apparatus in the alternative napkin dispenser push the plate forward when the drawer is open but pivot to release the push plate when the drawer is closed.

Abstract: Fluted coffee or other beverage filters, generally formed of paper, or paperboard, are so stacked in containers in which they are sold that it is not easy to lift off and remove a single filter paper for application. The practice has been to transfer the filters to a dispenser therefor, but generally such dispensers are fabricated of a polymer material, are reasonably expensive, and are not for disposable usage, or ease of application. Herein, the container and beverage filter dispenser of this invention may be solid and marketed with a supply of filters, and thrown away after application and usage. In addition, the invention contemplates a blank from which the container, and spring for biasing the filters upwardly within the container, may be fabricated.

Abstract: The dispensing container is a box-like structure made of wood and having an opening at its upper and forward corner to enable drinking straws to be pulled upwardly out of the container. A spring-loaded plunger within the container presses the straws forwardly toward the dispensing opening. The top wall of the container may be slid rearwardly to an open position to enable straws to be loaded into the container and, to facilitate such loading, the plunger is adapted to be latched releasably in a rearwardly retracted position by a pin and groove latching arrangement.

Abstract: A distribution cover for a napkin dispenser is in the form of a four-sided member, with three sides conforming to three sides of a truncated, four sided pyramid. The fourth side of the member is a relatively broad, gently sloping face at relatively angle to the base of the cover. A dispensing opening is formed in the lower aspects of this face of the member. A drag area in the form of a step in this face is created on the distribution cover adjacent and below a lower rim of the dispensing opening. Napkins are slightly confined for dispensing along three outer edges by the sides of the pyramid and over a surface area adjacent the opening the drag area. A spring loaded napkin storage container urges napkins against the distribution cover. The cover can dispense napkins of different sizes without adjustment and dispense napkins with reduced likelihood of tearing. The napkins are also removable at different angles from the cover without tearing.

Abstract: A device for preventing napkins from bunching at the dispensing opening in a napkin dispenser. A pair of pressure relief rods are provided along the upper and lower portions of the dispenser face plate to relieve pressure between the face plate and the center portion of the napkin stack. Accordingly, the friction between each napkin is substantially reduced, thereby permitting individual napkins to be withdrawn from the dispenser without displacing napkins remaining in the stack.

Abstract: A completely enclosed filter housing capable of storing a plurality of filters therein and a combination cover and an extractor for the stored filters includes a housing and a form fitted cover to seal the housing. An extractor mechanism utilizing cooperating arms is affixed within the cover opening and extends above and below the cover into the housing where semi-adhesive resilient members disposed on one pair of distal ends comes in contact with the stored filters which are urged upwardly by a second resilient member. By applying pressure to the upwardly extending arms the filter is engaged by the semi-adhesive resilient member, and by removing the housing cover a single filter is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a single cup-shaped paper coffee filter from the top of a stack of filters 100 is described which includes a base 11 having upper and lower surface, 11a and 11b in which the upper surface is for splaying the stack of filters. A compression plate 13 supported by a pivot pin 14 is mounted adjacent the upper surface of the base for splaying the stack of coffee filters, and a backstop 17 is mounted adjacent to the compression plate on the top of the base for bending the stack of coffee filters enabling a single coffee filter to be dispensed from the stack. The base includes suction cups for mounting the apparatus to a hard surface while dispensing.

Abstract: In this tubular cup dispenser, resilient cup-engaging fingers are secured to the inner wall of a tubular housing and extend both forwardly toward a front opening and radially inwardly. At the foremost end of each finger is a radially outwardly extending leg. Each leg has a forwardly extending foot which is guided by a radially extending slot in a ring attached to the tubular housing and surrounding the front opening. The inner face of the ring and the legs have interengaging teeth which, when engaged, prevent radial movement of the cup-engaging fingers. Disengagement of the teeth and adjustment of the fingers is accomplished by manipulation of the forwardly extending feet.

Abstract: Notepaper dispensers formed from inexpensive card stock material tend to weaken and tear when subjected to concentrated forces, and the dispenser of the present patent is provided with lengths of polymeric material adjacent the edges of the dispensing opening which will bend and flex more reliably, and a biasing member is disposed in the container for biasing the notepaper toward the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A dispensing device for use in dispensing sheets of material coated along one edge with a narrow band of readily releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive. The dispenser comprises a container having a pair of sidewalls connected by a top wall which is formed with a transversely extending rectangular opening extending in the direction parallel to the side walls. The sheets are stacked within the dispenser such that upon removing the uppermost sheet in the stack the adhesive coating along one edge of the sheet adhered to the edge of the next sheet in the stack will cause the next sheet in the stack to be withdrawn at that free edge through the dispensing opening upon withdrawal of the uppermost sheet.

Abstract: A napkin dispenser designed primarily for disposition on a restaurant table or counter and normally housing a stack of paper napkins. The dispenser is in the form of a parallelopiped with a top access opening for loading and removing napkins. The opening is generally rectangular or may taper slightly from one end ot the other. An important feature is that the edges of the opening extend outwardly, providing a relatively narrow peripheral arcuate flange or lip around the opening, the effect of which is lead a napkin gently outwardly without likelihood of damage to the exiting napkin. My improved construction more or less insures extraction of a single napkin at a time, inhibiting vandalism and results in substantial economy of construction and operation. Another improved feature is a novel follower arrangement including a coil spring for urging the napkins toward the egress opening and designed to insure that the coil spring is maintained in proper axial alignment for maximum efficiency.

Abstract: A dispenser for folded paper napkins including an enclosed cabinet having an opening in the front thereof through which napkins may be removed individually. A pair of V-shaped guides are mounted on inside surfaces of opposite sides of the cabinet. A drawer for holding a supply of folded napkins has a pair of V-shaped ribs formed along opposite sides which slidably engage the guides to movably support the drawer within the cabinet. A carriage assembly including a pressure plate for engaging the rear of the napkin supply in the drawer has a pair of V-shaped slides affixed to opposite sides. The sides slidably engage the ribs to movably support the carriage assembly in the drawer. A pair of constant force springs are affixed to the cabinet and engage the rear of the pressure plate to urge the plate and carriage assembly forwardly of the drawer against the rear of the napkin supply to facilitate individual removal of the napkins through the cabinet opening.

Abstract: A large capacity elevator-type napkin dispenser comprising an elongated supporting structure or cage composed of a series of spaced rod-like vertical supports. A stack of folded napkins is supported on a pressure plate that is mounted on a carriage adapted to slide vertically within the cage. The pressure plate is supported from the carriage by a plurality of compression springs which enable the pressure plate to float and accommodate the varying thickness of the stack of folded napkins. A cover is mounted on the upper end of the cage and has an opening through which the napkins are dispensed. The pressure plate and stack of napkins are urged upwardly toward the undersurface of the cover by a biasing mechanism that includes a pair of extension springs. The springs have a varying spring rate so that the force of the springs will be greatest when the pressure plate is fully loaded with napkins.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for disposable plastic bowls is disclosed which includes a rectangular housing, open at the top, and a housing cover disposed thereover and defining a circular opening in the top. A slotted, flat, rectangular article supporting plate rides along raised, elongated and vertically extending rails formed on opposite inside walls of the housing which project into the slots. A coiled spring disposed in the housing supports the plate and extends around a raised circular wall formed on the bottom of the plate. A series of three elongated elements or nibs project downwardly from a ceiling of the housing cover around the circular opening and project inwardly of the opening a slight distance sufficient to interfere with and catch against the rolled rims of bowls stacked on the plate and projecting upward through the opening in the housing cover. A companion lid dispenser can be incorporated into the housing for convenience and efficient utilization of space.

Abstract: A dispenser of cups. A main body includes a cup cavity having a slidable plate mounted therein for receiving a stack of cups. A helical spring urges the plate toward the cavity opening to allow for the removal of one cup at a time from the dispenser main body. The spring is yieldable to allow a new stack of cups to be inserted into the cup cavity. A plurality of ribs within the cavity provide guide means upon which the plate moves to and from the cavity opening. The ribs have enlarged ends which project into the cavity preventing the plate from moving through the opening and insuring that only a cup at a time is removed from the dispenser. A centering plateau on the plate locates the stack of cups.

Abstract: A napkin dispenser for disposition on a restaurant table or counter and normally housing a stack of paper napkins. The dispenser is in the form of a parallelepiped with a top access opening for loading and removing napkins. Said opening is generally rectangular except for a concavely arcuate edge on one side from which napkins are normally extracted. Two opposed sides of said opening normal to the arcuate edge are provided with a pair of relatively narrow spring biased leaves resiliently extendable into the container to facilitate loading, the free edges of said leaves being longitudinally gently oblique and widening toward the aforesaid arcuate edge. Each of said leaves has a longitudinal outwardly turned lip and the exposed corners of the leaves are rounded. All of said features contribute toward convenient extraction of a napkin without damage.