U.S. patent application number 09/822405 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-03 for earplug dispenser.
Invention is credited to Hakansson, Jorgen.
Application Number | 20020139707 09/822405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25235943 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020139707 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hakansson, Jorgen |
October 3, 2002 |
Earplug dispenser
Abstract
The present invention relates to an earplug dispenser. The
dispenser comprises a container for keeping earplugs, said
container being provided with means for dispensing earplugs from
the container. The dispenser has substantially the general shape of
an earplug.
Inventors: |
Hakansson, Jorgen; (Tyringe,
SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Benton S. Duffett, Jr.
BURNS, DOANE, SWECKER & MATHIS, L.L.P.
P.O. Box 1404
Alexandria
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Family ID: |
25235943 |
Appl. No.: |
09/822405 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/526 ;
206/533; 206/540 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 9/10 20130101; A61F
11/08 20130101; B65D 47/0847 20130101; B65D 47/265 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/526 ;
206/540; 206/533 |
International
Class: |
B65D 083/04 |
Claims
1. An earplug dispenser, comprising a container for keeping
earplugs, said container being provided with means for dispensing
earplugs from the container, wherein the dispenser substantially
has the general shape of an earplug.
2. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein it is a portable
and stand-alone dispenser so as to be adapted to be freely
relocated by hand.
3. The dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein it has a base
portion adapted to stand on an underlying surface and an elongate
main portion extending away from said base portion, wherein the
dispenser is adapted to stand upright.
4. The dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein said base portion
includes a bottom of the container, said bottom having an inside
for facing earplugs kept in the container and an outside adapted to
stand on an underlying surface.
5. The dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein said main portion
has a dome-shaped top portion.
6. The dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein said base portion
is provided with said means for dispensing.
7. The dispenser as claimed in claim 6, wherein said means for
dispensing is accessible when said base portion is lifted from an
underlying surface.
8. The dispenser as claimed in claim 7, wherein said means for
dispensing is one of the group consisting of: a rotary lid provided
with a hole, wherein the rotary lid is fitted to the container, the
container having a bottom plate provided with a hole similar to the
one of the rotary lid, whereby the rotary lid may be rotated so
that the two holes become aligned with each other and allows
earplugs in the container to be taken out; a plate being able to
slide sideways for exposing an access hole to the interior of the
container; and a tab or a hatch which may be opened so that a hole
underneath is revealed for taking out earplugs from the
container.
9. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein it is adapted to
contain earplugs packaged in bulk.
10. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a major
part of it is made of a transparent material.
11. The dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein it is dimensioned
to contain about 100-300 earplugs, preferably about 160-240
earplugs, typically about 200 earplugs.
12. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein it has
substantially the general shape of an earplug from the group
consisting of: an earplug having the general shape of a truncated
cone with a rounded top portion; an earplug having the general
shape of a truncated cone with a rounded top portion and a bottom
portion with enlarged diameter; an earplug having the general shape
of a straight circular cylinder; an earplug having the general
shape of a straight circular cylinder with a rounded top portion;
an earplug having a base portion with a cross-section from one of
oval, diamond, rhombus-shaped; an earplug having the general shape
of an elliptic paraboloid; an earplug havind an elongate main
portion which has a generally ellipsoid shape or the shape of an
egg, which main portion extends away from a generally cirular base
portion, the boundry between the main portion and the base portion
forming a waist portion.
13. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein it is a disposable
dispenser.
14. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container is
provided with an in-mould label.
15. An earplug dispenser apparatus, comprising a dispenser and
therein contained earplugs, said dispenser comprising a container
in which said earplugs are provided, said container being provided
with means for dispensing earplugs from the dispenser, wherein the
dispenser substantially has the general shape of an earplug
provided in said container.
16. The dispenser apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said
dispenser contains earplugs packaged in bulk.
17. The dispenser apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein at
least a major part of the dispenser is made of a transparent
material so that at least some of said earplugs are visible.
18. A method of making people aware of the presence of earplugs for
protecting hearing, comprising the steps of: providing a dispenser
that has substantially the general shape of an earplug; arranging
earplugs inside said dispenser; locating said dispenser containing
earplugs at a place of working.
19. The method as claimed in claim 18, which further comprises
providing at least a major part of the dispenser of a transparent
material so as to make visible or expose at least some of said
earplugs.
20. The method as claimed in claim 18, which further comprises
making the shape of the dispenser to substantially correspond to
the general shape of one of said earplugs contained therein.
21. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein said place of
working is near a noise source.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of
earplug dispensers.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In loud or noisy environments, such as in factories, it is
of great importance for people who are present to protect their
hearing from being impaired or even lost. For this reason some sort
of hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs is provided for
them to apply inside or outside their ears so as to block out the
noise. Earplugs are to be at least partially inserted into the
auditory meatus of a user's ear, whereas earmuffs are to be applied
to the outside of the user's ear.
[0003] It is currently a great problem that people, such as factory
workers, who are about to enter a noisy place remarkably often do
not apply available hearing protection because of negligence or
lack of attention. Such carelessness may lead to irreversible loss
of hearing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An object of the present invention is to increase the use of
hearing protection among workers in noisy environments.
[0005] Another object of the invention is to enhance the
availability of hearing protection for people being present in
noisy environments.
[0006] Yet another object of the invention is to provide effective
distribution of earplugs.
[0007] Still another object of the invention is to alert persons
near a noisy environment to the presence of earplugs for protecting
hearing.
[0008] These and other objects which will become apparent in the
following are accomplished by an earplug dispenser, an earplug
dispenser apparatus and a method as defined by the accompanied
claims.
[0009] According to one aspect of the invention an earplug
dispenser is provided. The earplug dispenser comprises a container
for keeping earplugs, said container being provided with means for
dispensing, i.e. taking out, removing, etc., earplugs from the
container. The dispenser substantially has the general shape of an
earplug.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention a method of
making people aware of the presence of earplugs for protecting
hearing is provided. According to the method the presence of
earplugs is alerted by carrying out the steps of:
[0011] providing a dispenser that has substantially the general
shape of an earplug;
[0012] arranging earplugs inside said dispenser;
[0013] locating said dispenser containing earplugs at a place of
working, preferably near a noise source.
[0014] Thus, the invention is based on the understanding that the
human being strongly responds to visual stimuli and that his
behaviour is adaptable to such stimuli. It is known that different
people are susceptible to visual impressions to different degrees.
It has been found that an icon such as an object representing the
image of another object affects the human mind considerably and
rapidly creates associations to said another object.
[0015] A dispenser which has the general shape of an earplug and
which is strategically located in a working place will attract a
worker's attention and remind him or her of using earplugs
contained therein. An advantage of this large-scale representation
of an earplug in the form of a dispenser is that it, apart from
functioning as a triggering mechanism for the human brain and being
a memory-aid, provides readily available earplugs.
[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the
dispenser is portable and stand-alone. Thus, it is easily relocated
and is independent of additional support means. This is a benefit
over prior art dispensers which are designed to be stationary, and
often mounted to a wall.
[0017] Preferably, the dispenser has a size which is adapted to the
size of a person's hand, in particular to the "grip capacity" of a
person's hand. Thus, the size of the dispenser is suitably such
that an average person is able to hold the dispenser with one hand.
For example, the dispenser may have a height of about 18 cm and a
bottom diameter of about 9 cm.
[0018] Advantageously, the dispenser is dimensioned to contain
about 100-300 earplugs (i.e. 50-150 earplug pairs), preferably
about 160-240 earplugs, typically about 200 earplugs. This means
that the dispenser is considerably smaller than other known
dispensers, and contains fewer earplugs. This handy and convenient
format of the dispenser makes it easy to bring it along in, for
instance, a tool box. The dispenser may be placed on the working
table or practically anywhere in a workroom, thereby better
ensuring that the earplugs are really used. It hardly requires any
space and still is visible and draws attention of persons nearby.
It is therefore not necessary to walk several hundreds of meters to
fetch earplugs from a larger centrally located dispenser. Owing to
the small format, each small working group may collect a hand-held,
portable dispenser. Thus, instead of a few larger, bulky centrally
located dispensers, many small portable dispensers may be placed
very near the source of noise. The earplugs will be more easily
available.
[0019] The dispenser, which substantially has the general shape of
an earplug comprises an elongate main portion and a base portion.
The base portion is adapted to stand on an underlying surface, such
as a table or shelf. The elongate main portion will extend from the
base portion upwards. In a working place such an upright standing
dispenser will further contribute to the workers noticing it and
being more willing to apply earplugs in their ears.
[0020] As is known to the person skilled in the art, there are some
different earplug shapes. The shape of the dispenser contributes to
facilitate the grabbing hold of the dispenser. One example of the
shape of a dispenser is the general shape of a truncated cone.
Another example is a straight cylinder. The top portion of the
dispenser may be flat or rounded, such as dome-shaped. The base
portion may have an enlarged diameter in relation to what would be
the "standard" base of the cone or cylinder, i.e. the base portion
projects outwardly like a lip from the extension of the standard
cone or cylinder. The dispenser may advantageously be rotational
symmetric. The cross-section of the base portion may be other than
circular, such as oval, diamond or rhombus-shaped. The dispenser
may have the general shape of an elliptic paraboloid. The dispenser
may also have an elongate main portion which has a generally
ellipsoid shape or the shape of an egg, which main portion extends
away from a generally cirular base portion, the boundry between the
main portion and the base portion forming a waist portion.
[0021] It should be noted that the terms "main portion" and "base
portion" are used to describe the shape of the dispenser, and are
not to be confused with the previoulsy mentioned container and
means for dispensing earplugs from the container. The container and
said means for dispensing do not have to agree with the main
portion and the base portion, respectively. The actual container,
adapted to hold earplugs, may e.g. be defined by the main portion
and a part of the base portion. Likewise, the container may be
defined only by a part of the main portion. The base portion may
include a bottom of the container, wherein the bottom has an inside
for facing earplugs kept in the container and an outside adapted to
stand on an underlying surface.
[0022] The ratio between the diameter of the bottom or the base
portion and the height of the dispenser is suitably about 2:5-1:2,
which is also the ratio of a corresponding earplug.
[0023] The dispenser of the invention suitably has the shape of
what is known as a foam plug. However, it is also possible to
design the dispenser in the shape of what is known as a glass down
plug. Some examples of typical earplugs to be used as models for
the shaping of the dispenser according to the invention are: "303"
and "202" (BILSOM); "6300 Earplugs" (3M); "Taper Fit EAR", "Classic
EAR", "Amigo EAR", "Grande EAR" and "E-Z-Fit EAR" (Aearo Company);
"PURAFIT" and "Spark Plugs" (Moldex); "MAX" and "MAX Lite" (Howard
Leight).
[0024] Suitably, the base portion of the dispenser is provided with
said means for dispensing. When the dispenser is placed on an
underlying surface so that the base portion is in contact with and
standing on the surface, said means for dispensing may be adapted
to be concealed and become accessible when the dispenser, or rather
the base portion, is lifted from the underlying surface. The person
skilled in the art understands that it is also possible to provide
said means for dispensing visible on the base portion as well as on
the main portion.
[0025] An example of a means for dispensing is a rotary disc or
lid. The rotary lid is circular and is provided with a hole. The
rotary lid is fitted to the container of the dispenser. The
container has a fixed bottom plate which is also provided with a
hole similar to the one of the rotary lid. Thus, the rotary lid may
be rotated so that the two holes become aligned with each other and
allows earplugs in the container to be taken out. Naturally, said
bottom plate may be a part of the actual means for dispensing which
is applied to a container without an own bottom plate.
[0026] Instead of a rotary disc or lid, the means for dispensing
may include a plate which slides sideways and thereby exposes an
access hole to the interior of the container.
[0027] Another alternative is a tab which may be opened so that a
hole underneath is revealed.
[0028] Yet another alternative would be a feeding device, wherein
by means of, for instance, a feed wheel earplugs may be taken out
of the container.
[0029] The container could also be at least partially separated
into two parts, by lifting, unscrewing etc one part from the other.
In that case such a mechanism would be the means for
dispensing.
[0030] The present invention also involves a new packaging concept
for earplugs. Earplugs may be packaged in bulk into the container,
i.e. they are put directly into the container without any
additional wrapping (neither around single earplugs nor around
earplugs in pairs). This means that the packing process can be made
fast and effective. A great advantage of the present invention is
that it provides a combined dispenser and package for earplugs.
This is satisfactory from a hygienic point of view. Thus, the
earplugs do not have to be packaged separately in pairs in small
plastic wrappings and then be introduced into the dispenser.
Furthermore, the dispenser is preferably made of a disposable
material, suitably a polymer, such as an environment friendly
plastic material, typically polyethylene or polypropylene. Such a
disposable dispenser can be manufactured to a lower cost than prior
art packing, in which earplugs are normally packaged in bulk in
pairs. Thus, after having emptied the earplugs from the dispenser
it may be thrown away and replaced by a new dispenser filled with
new earplugs. Even though this type of dispenser is particularily
advantageous for containing and dispensing disposable earplugs, the
person skilled in the art will realize that this dispenser is also
applicable to reusable earplugs.
[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention at
least part of the dispenser is made of a transparent material so
that at least some of said earplugs are visible. Thus, a person
seeing the dispenser will perceive, not only the general shape of
the dispenser, but also its contents. This combination will help to
attract his attention to the dispenser and/or the earplugs even
more. If the earplugs are of a bright or vivid colour this may
further enhance the effect, rather like a revolving light on an
emergency vehicle such as an ambulance.
[0032] Alternatively, additional drawing of attention may be made
by means of a suitable label provided on the dispenser. The label
may have an eye-catching design and may be provided with a specific
print. One advantageous way of applying a label is by means of
in-mould labelling. In-mould labelling is a production technology
in which a pre-printed plastic label is inserted into a mould at
the same time as the plastic material to be formed is injected.
This allows, for instance, photographic images to be permanently
bonded to an injection moulded dispenser according to the
invention.
[0033] The dispenser, or at least the container of the dispenser,
may be manufactured by injection moulding or vacuum forming. The
dispenser is made thin-walled, suitably 0.5-1 mm, typically 0.7 mm,
impact resistant polymer, which can resist incautious handling of
the dispenser and strains such as transportation. One advantage of
making the dispenser thin-walled is that this will easily achieve
transparency. Another advantage is that of waste reduction. Since
the dispenser is preferably disposable the waste can be kept to a
minimum. A further advantage of the thin wall is that the dispenser
will have a low weight and be indeed portable. Yet another
advantage is that the cost of manufacturing a dispenser will be
relatively low since little material is required for making a thin
wall. One way of manufacturing the dispenser is by moulding a
container, filling it with earplugs and sealing it with a bottom
plate which suitably includes a means for dispensing the earplugs
from the container.
[0034] According to another aspect of the invention an earplug
dispenser apparatus is provided. It comprises a dispenser and
therein contained earplugs. The dispenser comprises a container in
which the earplugs are provided. The container is provided with
means for dispensing the earplugs from the dispenser. The dispenser
has substantially the general shape of an earplug provided in the
container. This has the additional advantage that a person can
visually perceive, even from a considerable distance, the general
type (or the shape) of the earplugs in the dispenser. Thus, if
different types of earplugs are available at a location, a person
will quickly see which dispenser contains his favourite type.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an earplug dispenser
apparatus according to the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of an earplug
dispenser according to the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates one embodiment of an
earplug dispenser according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of an earplug
dispenser according to the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of an earplug
dispenser according to the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an earplug
dispenser according to the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an earplug
dispenser according to the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 8A illustrates another embodiment of an earplug
dispenser according to the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 8B is a view from the bottom of the earplug dispenser
shown in FIG. 8A.
[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of an earplug
dispenser according to the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a means for dispensing
earplugs from an earplug dispenser according to the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a means for
dispensing earplugs from an earplug dispenser according to the
present invention.
[0047] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of manufacturing a container
for an earplug dispenser of the present invention, the container
being provided with an in-mould label.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an earplug dispenser
apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The earplug
dispenser apparatus 10 comprises a dispenser 12 and therein
contained earplugs 14. The dispenser 12 comprises a container 16 in
which said earplugs 14 are provided. The elongate container 16 is
at its circular bottom 18 provided with means (not shown) for
dispensing earplugs 14 from the dispenser. As is seen from the
figure, the dispenser 12 has the general shape of an earplug 14 in
the container 16. The dispenser 12 (and the earplugs 14) has the
generally shape of a truncated cone, the top 20 of the truncated
cone being ended by a dome-shape.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of an earplug
dispenser 30 according to the present invention. This earplug
dispenser 30 has the same shape as the dispenser of the earplug
dispenser apparatus shown in FIG. 1. In this perspective a means 32
for dispensing earplugs is shown. The means 32 for dispensing
earplugs comprises a pivotal tab 34 which may be opened by pulling
the tab 34 with a finger, thereby revealing an opening 36 through
which earplugs may be picked out manually. The opening 36 is sealed
by pushing the tab 34 back.
[0050] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates one embodiment of an
earplug dispenser 40 according to the present invention. The
earplug dispenser 40 comprises a base portion 42 and a main portion
44. The base portion 42 has substantially the shape of a thin
circular disc. The main portion 44 is connected to the base portion
42. Furthermore, the main portion 44 is elongate and extends away
perpendicularly from the base portion 42 (in particular the plane
of the base portion). The shape of the main portion 44 is somewhat
similar to a bullet, i.e. it goes from being generally straight
near the base portion 42 to being rounded at the top 46, said top
46 being an elliptic paraboloid. The dispenser 40 as a whole has
the general shape of an earplug. A typical earplug with this
appearance is marketed under the name "202", by BILSOM. In use, the
bottom of the dispenser 40, i.e. the base portion 42, is in contact
with an underlying surface such as a table or a shelf. The
dispenser 40 thus stands upright and draws the attention of
potential users. When a user wishes to take out earplugs from the
dispenser 40, he simply picks up the dispenser so that he can
access the means for dispensing which is provided at the bottom of
the dispenser 40, open said means and take out earplugs from the
container. This type of means for dispensing are shown in FIGS. 10
and 11.
[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of an earplug
dispenser 50 according to the present invention. The dispenser 50
is shaped as a cone being truncated by a rounded top 52 in the form
of a partly spherical cap. The slant of the cone is small (less
than 20.degree. of deviation from the longitudinal centre axis of
the cone). A typical earplug with this appearance is marketed under
the name "303", by BILSOM.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of an earplug
dispenser 55 according to the present invention. The dispenser 55
has the general shape of a straight cylinder typically having a
ratio of 1:2-2:3 between the diameter D and the height H. For
instance, Aearo Company manufactures earplugs named "Grande",
"Classic" and "Amigo" having a straight cylindrical shape.
[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an earplug
dispenser 60 according to the present invention. The dispenser 60
comprises a base portion 62 and a main portion 64. The base portion
62 is circular and disc-shaped and relatively thick (cf. the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3). The main portion 64 begins by
extending from the bottom portion 62 upwards and inwardly towards a
centre axis (perpendicular to the plane of the base portion) at an
angle of approximately 30.degree.-60.degree., such as 45.degree..
This angle is kept for about a lower third of the main portion 64.
Thereafter the inclination of the main portion 64 will be almost
parallel to the centre axis (a deviation of less than 20.degree.)
and the main portion 64 is finally completed with a rounded top 66.
This dispenser 60 has the general shape of for instance an earplug
named "E-Z-Fit" (Aearo Company).
[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an earplug
dispenser 70 according to the present invention. It has a circular
base portion 72 from which a main portion 74 extends from the base
portion upwards, beginning with a short inward slant, i.e. a
decreasing diameter, and ending with a somewhat pointed dome-shape.
In between, the major part of the main portion is generally
straight and parallel to the longitudinal centre axis of the
dispenser 70. The dispenser 70 has substantially the shape of an
earplug which is named "MAX" (Howard Leight).
[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of an earplug
dispenser 80 according to the present invention. The dispenser 80
has as in the previous examples a base portion 82 and a main
portion 84 The cross-section of the base portion 82 is in this case
substantially diamond-shaped, instead of circular. See FIG. 8B.
Thus, the base-portion 82 has two diagonals D1 and D2, one (D1)
being longer than the other (D2), As can be seen in the figures the
"diamond" has no sharp corners. The main portion 84 is
substantially erect and cylindrical, and has a dome-shaped top 86.
An earplug which has the corresponding shape of this shown
dispenser is named "MAX Lite" (Howard Leight).
[0056] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of an earplug
dispenser 90 according to the present invention. It has a design
that is similar to that of the dispenser shown in FIG. 4. However,
the dispenser 90 shown in FIG. 9 is more curved than a (truncated)
cone. The main portion 94 begins by extending from the base portion
92 at a certain angle to the plane thereof. Further up the main
portion 94 diverts to extend in a direction being close to
perpendicular to the plane of the base portion. The main portion is
ended by a rounded top 96. An earplug which has the corresponding
shape of this shown dispenser is named "Spark Plugs" (Moldex).
[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a means 100 for dispensing
earplugs from an earplug dispenser according to the present
invention. This means 100 for dispensing is in the form of a rotary
lid. The rotary lid 100 is circular and comprises a circular flat
disc 102 which is surrounded by a higher ring 104 projecting away
from the disc 102. The rotary lid 100 further comprises a beam 106
extending over the diameter of the disc 102 and being of the same
height as the ring 104. The beam 106 serves for gripping and
rotating the rotary lid 100 by means of e.g. two fingers. The disc
102 is provided with a hole 108 which is large enough for earplugs
to pass though it.
[0058] The rotary lid 100 is fitted to the bottom of a container of
a dispenser in which earplugs are kept. Thus, the bottom of the
container (or a part thereof) substantially conforms with the
rotary lid 100 and is provided with a fixed hole which in size
corresponds to the hole of the rotary lid 100. The rotary lid 100
may be rotated to such a position that its hole 108 and the hole of
the container bottom will constitute a common through hole.
Earplugs can now be removed from the container though this common
through hole. After a user has removed the number of earplugs he
desires, he simple rotates the rotary lid 100 thereby eliminating
the through-hole and closing the access to the interior of the
container.
[0059] The rotary lid 100 is adapted to be arranged at the bottom
of a container, i.e. at the base portion of any one of the
dispensers shown in the previous figures.
[0060] FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a means 120 for
dispensing earplugs from an earplug dispenser according to the
present invention. The means 120 for dispensing earplugs is
circular and is suitably provided to a container of a dispenser
which has a corresponding circular bottom portion. The means for
dispensing comprises a hatch 122 which can be opened and closed.
The means 120 for dispensing is provided with an indentation 124 so
as to facilitate the opening (by a user's finger or thumb) of the
hatch 122. When the hatch 122 is opened and the dispenser is turned
upside down, earplugs may be taken out one by one. Alternatively, a
user may shake out earplugs from the dispenser, holding it in any
position.
[0061] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of manufacturing a container
for an earplug dispenser of the present invention, the container
being provided with an in-mould label. In FIG. 12 a mould 140 is
shown in a sectional view, the mould comprising an upper mould halt
142, and a lower mould half 144 including a core member 146. The
core member 146 projects into a cavity 148 of the upper mould half
142. The upper mould half 142 is provided with an inlet passage 150
leading to said cavity 148. Before starting the moulding process a
plastic label 152 has been applied to the core member 146 and is
kept in place, e.g. by means of static electricity. Hot plastic
material is injected into the cavity 146 through the passage 150.
The plastic material will cover the label 152 which will become
in-moulded. Subsequently, the mould halves 142, 144 are separated
and the finished container having an in-mould label is removed.
Thereafter, the container will preferably be filled with earplugs
and provided with a bottom having means for dispensing the
earplugs. It should be noted that FIG. 12 is not a true scale
representation of the mould halves. The figure is merely shown as
an elucidative example.
* * * * *