U.S. patent application number 13/336250 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-28 for dispenser with automatically advancing indicator.
Invention is credited to Yung C. Chen, Michael C. Thompson.
Application Number | 20120160863 13/336250 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46315435 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120160863 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thompson; Michael C. ; et
al. |
June 28, 2012 |
DISPENSER WITH AUTOMATICALLY ADVANCING INDICATOR
Abstract
A manually operated object dispenser includes a cover that
rotates relative to a base allowing easy access to a storage
compartment and allowing stored objects to be dispensed. A
rotatable reminder wheel disposed beneath the cover automatically
advances to a next position with each use, exposing indicia through
a window on the cover. The dispenser comprises two sets of ratchet
prongs and teeth: the first set engaged when the cover is rotated
to an open position, while the second set is engaged when the cover
is subsequently rotated to a closed position. Accordingly, the
reminder wheel moves a predetermined distance to incrementally
expose indicia through the window with each object that is
dispensed. One embodiment of the dispenser includes a storage tray
for storing objects and an access port through which the objects
are dispensed. Another embodiment of the dispenser is attached to
an external storage compartment.
Inventors: |
Thompson; Michael C.;
(Southern Pines, NC) ; Chen; Yung C.; (Yung-Kang,
TW) |
Family ID: |
46315435 |
Appl. No.: |
13/336250 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61460090 |
Dec 27, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
221/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 50/046 20130101;
B65D 83/0409 20130101; A61J 1/03 20130101; A61J 7/0076 20130101;
A61J 7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/8 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00 |
Claims
1. A dispenser comprising: a base including a storage tray for
storing a plurality of objects; a reminder wheel operable to rotate
about a vertical centerline of the base, the reminder wheel
comprising: a plurality of indicia disposed sequentially and at
predetermined intervals along a top surface of the reminder wheel;
a first set of ratchet prongs disposed along an inner perimeter of
the reminder wheel; and a second set of ratchet prongs disposed
along an outer perimeter of the reminder wheel; a cover rotatably
attached to the base to allow the cover to rotate between an open
position and a closed position, the cover defining: a reminder
window through which an indicium of the plurality of indicia
disposed along the top surface of the reminder wheel is exposed; an
access window that communicates with the storage tray when the
cover rotates to the open position to provide for dispensing
objects from the storage tray; and a cover ratchet disposed on an
underside of the cover to operatively engage the second set of
ratchet prongs disposed along the outer perimeter of the reminder
wheel and provide for rotation of the reminder wheel with the cover
when the cover rotates in a first radial direction; and an inner
ratchet ring attached to the base and operative to engage the first
set of ratchet prongs disposed along the inner perimeter of the
reminder wheel and prevent the reminder wheel from rotating with
the cover when the cover rotates in a second radial direction.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein: rotation of the cover in the
first radial direction transitions the cover from the closed
position to the open position; and rotation of the cover in the
second radial direction transitions the cover from the open
position to the closed position.
3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein: a first indicium is displayed
through the reminder window when the cover is in the closed
position; the first indicium continues to be displayed through the
reminder window when the cover is rotated to the open position; and
a next sequential indicium is displayed through the reminder window
when the cover is subsequently rotated to the closed position.
4. The dispenser of claim 3 further comprising: a lock tab flexibly
attached to the base, wherein the lock tab engages the access
window to inhibit rotation of the cover when the cover is in the
closed position, and wherein the lock tab slides below the cover
when the cover is rotated to the open position.
5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein a top surface of the lock tab
includes one or more raised dimples adapted to engage the underside
of the cover and provide an air gap between the top surface of the
lock tab and the underside of the cover when the cover is rotated
to the open position.
6. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein a portion of an outer surface
of the cover includes a cover gripping surface and a portion of an
outer surface of the base includes a base gripping surface, and
wherein the cover gripping surface is aligned with the base
gripping surface when the cover is in the closed position.
7. A dispenser comprising: an external storage container for
storing a plurality of objects; a base releasably attached to the
external storage container, the base defining a dispenser port; a
reminder wheel operable to rotate about a vertical centerline of
the base, the reminder wheel comprising: a plurality of indicia
disposed sequentially and at predetermined intervals along a top
surface of the reminder wheel; a first set of ratchet prongs
disposed along an inner perimeter of the reminder wheel; and a
second set of ratchet prongs disposed along an outer perimeter of
the reminder wheel; a cover rotatably attached to the base to allow
the cover to rotate between an open position and a closed position,
the cover defining: a reminder window through which an indicium of
the plurality of indicia disposed along the top surface of the
reminder wheel is exposed; an access window that aligns with the
dispenser port when the cover rotates to the open position to
provide for dispensing objects from the external storage container;
and a cover ratchet disposed on an underside of the cover to
operatively engage the second set of ratchet prongs disposed along
the outer perimeter of the reminder wheel and provide for rotation
of the reminder wheel with the cover when the cover rotates in a
first radial direction; and an inner ratchet ring attached to the
base and operative to engage the first set of ratchet prongs
disposed along the inner perimeter of the reminder wheel and
prevent the reminder wheel from rotating with the cover when the
cover rotates in a second radial direction.
8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein: rotation of the cover in the
first radial direction transitions the cover from the closed
position to the open position; and rotation of the cover in the
second radial direction transitions the cover from the open
position to the closed position.
9. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein: a first indicium is displayed
through the reminder window when the cover is in the closed
position; the first indicium continues to be displayed through the
reminder window when the cover is rotated to the open position; and
a next sequential indicium is displayed through the reminder window
when the cover is subsequently rotated to the closed position.
10. The dispenser of claim 9 further comprising: a lock tab
flexibly attached to the base, wherein the lock tab engages the
access window to inhibit rotation of the cover when the cover is in
the closed position, and wherein the lock tab slides below the
cover when the cover is rotated to the open position.
11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein: a top surface of the lock
tab includes one or more raised dimples adapted to engage the
underside of the cover and provide an air gap between the top
surface of the lock tab and the underside of the cover when the
cover is rotated to the open position; and a portion of an outer
surface of the cover includes a cover gripping surface, a portion
of an outer surface of the base includes a base gripping surface,
and wherein the cover gripping surface is aligned with the base
gripping surface when the cover is in the closed position.
12. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the external storage
container and the base each include complimentary threads for
releasably attaching the base to the external storage
container.
13. A dispenser comprising: a cylindrical base; a reminder wheel
operable to rotate about a vertical centerline of the base, the
reminder wheel comprising: a plurality of indicia disposed
sequentially and at predetermined intervals along a top surface of
the reminder wheel; a first set of ratchet prongs disposed along an
inner perimeter of the reminder wheel; and a second set of ratchet
prongs disposed along an outer perimeter of the reminder wheel; a
cover rotatably attached to the base to allow the cover to rotate
between an open position and a closed position, the cover defining:
a reminder window through which an indicium of the plurality of
indicia disposed along the top surface of the reminder wheel is
exposed; an access window for dispensing objects; and a cover
ratchet disposed on the underside of the cover to operatively
engage the second set of ratchet prongs disposed along the outer
perimeter of the reminder wheel and provide for rotation of the
reminder wheel with the cover when the cover rotates in a first
radial direction; and an inner ratchet ring attached to the base
and operative to engage the first set of ratchet prongs disposed
along the inner perimeter of the reminder wheel and prevent the
reminder wheel from rotating with the cover when the cover rotates
in a second radial direction.
14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein: the base includes a storage
tray for storing a plurality of objects; and the cover access
window communicates with the storage tray when the cover rotates to
the open position to provide for dispensing objects from the
storage tray.
15. The dispenser of claim 13, further comprising: an external
storage container releasably attached to the base, wherein the
external storage container is adapted to store a plurality of
objects.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the base defines a
dispensing port that aligns with the cover access window when the
cover rotates to the open position to provide for dispensing
objects from the external storage container.
17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the external storage
container and the base each include complimentary threads for
releasably attaching the external storage container to the
base.
18. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein: rotation of the cover in
the first radial direction transitions the cover from the closed
position to the open position; and rotation of the cover in the
second radial direction transitions the cover from the open
position to the closed position.
19. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein: a first indicium is
displayed through the reminder window when the cover is in the
closed position; the first indicium continues to be displayed
through the reminder window when the cover is rotated to the open
position; and a next sequential indicium is displayed through the
reminder window when the cover is subsequently rotated to the
closed position.
20. The dispenser of claim 19, the dispenser further comprising: a
lock tab flexibly attached to the base, wherein the lock tab
engages the access window to inhibit rotation of the cover when the
cover is in the closed position, and wherein the lock tab slides
below the cover when the cover is rotated to the open position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/460,090 filed Dec. 27, 2010, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Portable hand-operated, small object dispensers have existed
in various designs and configurations. Current dispensers, however,
do not adequately provide protection from physical contact or from
contaminates while allowing easy access for users such as young,
elderly and impaired users and while providing a visual indication
of a next dispensing time.
[0003] Current existing dispensers do not allow for a cover to be
safety-locked from accidental rotation of the cover while providing
easy operation of a safety lock by users who may have limitations
to manual operation of locked or child safe containers. A container
allowing for easy dispensing of such items as toys, children's
snacks, pet treats, or other small objects from a safety locked
internal compartment, removable jar, or bottle does not exist.
[0004] It is with respect to these and other considerations that
the present invention has been made.
SUMMARY
[0005] The above and other problems are solved by providing a
hand-held and hand-operated object dispenser with an easily
operated safety lock, wherein rotation of a cover of the dispenser
opens a port or window to a storage compartment for allowing an
operator to dispense a desired number of objects, each object being
dispensed individually.
[0006] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispenser comprises
a storage compartment. An access port is provided for allowing a
single object to pass through the port at a time, thus preventing a
surge of objects from being dispensed at once. The access port may
provide a restraint for a lock tab, preventing rotation of the
cover when the lock tab extends through the access port. Rotation
over the cover relative to the base is allowed when the tab is
depressed far enough for the cover to rotate about it. According to
an alternate embodiment, the dispenser may attach to and detach
from a jar, bottle, or other container.
[0007] According to embodiments, the dispenser comprises an
indicator operable to display indicia, the indicia advancing with
each use of the dispenser. A rotatable reminder wheel disposed
beneath the cover automatically advances to a next position with
each use, exposing the indicia through a window on the cover. The
dispenser comprises two sets of ratchet prongs and teeth, wherein
the first set is engaged when the cover is rotated to an open
position and the second set is engaged when the cover is
subsequently rotated to a closed position so that the reminder
wheel moves a same predetermined distance to expose indicia through
the window. According to a preferred use case, the dispenser can be
utilized for medical use, for example, for dispensing pills or
tablets. The indicia exposed through the reminder window may
correspond with a next time to take medication.
[0008] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and description below. Other features and
advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following
detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. It is
to be understood that the following detailed description is
explanatory only and is not restrictive of the invention as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a dispenser,
wherein a cover is shown in a closed position;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1,
wherein the cover is rotated from the closed position in FIG. 1 to
an open position;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of the first embodiment of the
dispenser, wherein the cover has been rotated from the open
position in FIG. 2 to a closed position;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1,
wherein the cover is removed;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the cover, wherein an outer
ratchet is shown;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross section view taken along line 6-6 in FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an isometric view wherein the dispenser is shown
in an exploded view; and
[0016] FIG. 8 is an isometric, exploded view of a second embodiment
of the dispenser, wherein an alternate base is provided.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a
manually operated portable dispenser, the dispenser comprising a
dosage indicator that advances with each use of the dispenser, an
easily operated safety lock, and a cover. The dispenser may be
circular in design to allow rotation of the cover, which when
rotated, opens a port to a storage compartment, allowing an
operator to dispense objects.
[0018] A top view of the manually operated portable dispenser is
illustrated in FIG. 1. According to a preferred embodiment, the
dispenser is comprised of a cover 101 and a base 112.
[0019] The base 112 is best shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7. As shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7, the base 112 is preferably comprised of an external
cylindrical side wall 127, a bottom 128, an open top 129, and a
storage tray 111 wrapping around a middle portion 130 of the base,
the middle portion of the base designed to accept a fixed inner
ratchet ring 116 and a rotatable reminder wheel 109.
[0020] According to the preferred embodiment, the inner ratchet
ring 116 comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth 131 extending
circumferentially from the outer perimeter of the ratchet ring as
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7. The ratchet teeth 131 are inclined in
one circumferential direction so as to provide a camming face 134A
and a flat face 134B as illustrated. The inner ratchet ring 116 is
preferably adapted to attach to the base 112 and be held stationary
in the base by a plurality of wheel pawls 118 extending from the
bottom of the inner ratchet ring 116 and engaging grooves located
in the outside perimeter of the middle portion 130 of the base
112.
[0021] The storage tray 111 is preferably designed for storage of
small objects for dispensing such as, but not limited to, pills,
tablets, candy, toys, etc. As illustrated, in FIG. 4, the storage
tray 111 may extend around the middle portion 130 of the base 112
to allow a substantial portion of the dispenser to be utilized for
storage capacity of contained objects.
[0022] The cover 101 of the dispenser is best shown in FIGS. 1, 2,
3, 5, and 7. The cover 101 is preferably circular in design and
designed to attach to the base 112 so that the cover rotates
relative to the base. The underside of the cover 101 is preferably
formed with a ring of ratchet teeth, herein referred to as a cover
ratchet 117, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The teeth of the cover
ratchet 117 are preferably inclined in one circumferential
direction so as to provide a camming face 135A and a flat face
135B.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 6, a cover pawl 120 on an inside side wall
of the cover 101 is provided to engage a groove, herein referred to
as a base slot 121, located in the outside perimeter of the base
112 so that the cover 101 may be snapped onto the base 112 and
rotate about it. The base slot 121 is better illustrated in FIG. 7.
The cover 101 may be limited in rotation by the cover pawl 120
encountering ends 132 of the base slot 121.
[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, a lock tab 103 is
provided and is adapted to selectively engage and disengage a first
opening in the cover 101, the first opening operative as an access
window that communicates with the storage tray 111 when the cover
is in an open position to provide for dispensing objects from the
storage tray. The first window is herein alternatively referred to
as an access window or lock window 102. When engaged with the lock
window 102, the lock tab 103 is designed to inhibit rotation (i.e.,
prevent accidental rotation) of the cover 101 to an open position.
For example, when the dispenser is in a closed position (i.e., the
lock tab 103 is engaged with the lock window 102), the dispenser
may not be accidently opened from a bump, rub, or other physical
contact of the dispenser. Referring still to FIG. 7, the lock tab
103 comprises a flexible arm 133, the end of the flexible arm
comprising a tab pawl 119 designed to engage a notch, herein
referred to as a tab holder 122, located on the outside perimeter
of the middle portion 130 of the base 112 to secure the lock tab
103 to the base 112. FIG. 6 shows the tab pawl 119 engaged with the
tab holder 122, and thus, attached to the base 112.
[0025] According to the preferred embodiment, the lock tab 103
comprises one or more raised dimples 105 protruding from the top
surface of the lock tab. To selectively disengage the lock tab 103
from the lock window 102, a downward force may be applied to the
lock tab so that the dimple 105 on the top surface of the lock tab
is depressed far enough for the dimple to clear the bottom surface
of the cover 101. Once the lock tab 103 is disengaged from the lock
window 102, the cover 101 may be rotated in a counterclockwise
direction relative to the center of the base 112. The cover 101 may
be rotated until the cover pawl 120 encounters an end 132 of the
base slot 121 (FIG. 7). A tab indicium 104 is preferably provided
for providing information to a user, such as instructions
indicating one or more actions to open the dispenser. For example,
a tab indicium 104 may comprise an instruction such as, "press and
rotate." The tab indicium 104 may be a marking printed onto,
affixed to, or molded into the lock tab 103. The one or more
dimples 105 may provide an air gap between the lock tab 103 and the
cover 101 to help prevent wear of tab indicia 104 against the cover
101 during rotation when the lock tab slides below the cover.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows the dispenser in an open position. As
illustrated, the lock tab 103 is disengaged from the lock window
102, the cover 101 is rotated counterclockwise, and the lock window
102 is open, allowing access to the storage tray 111 located in the
base 112 under the cover. When in an open position, stored objects
may be dispensed through the lock window 102. A single compartment
configuration, such as the storage tray 111 of the present
invention, allows for a user to remove or add a desired number of
objects to or from the dispenser.
[0027] According to the preferred embodiment, the rotatable
reminder wheel 109 is provided to rotate counterclockwise about the
vertical centerline of the base 112 with each use of dispenser. A
top surface of the rotatable reminder wheel 109 comprises indicia
110 spaced at predetermined intervals and sequentially clockwise
around the top surface of the reminder wheel. According to a
preferred use case, the dispenser may be utilized to dispense
medication. In this case, an indicium may be a next dosage time or
date, helping to prevent a missed dose or an overdose of
medication. For example and as illustrated in FIG. 4, reminder
wheel indicia 110 may be a reference to a time of day (e.g.,
morning (AM), afternoon (PM), night, bed, etc.). Other examples of
reminder indicia 110 may include, but are not limited to, hours of
the day (e.g., 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, etc.), days of the week (e.g.,
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc.), months of the year (e.g.,
January, February, March, etc.), etc.
[0028] According to an embodiment, the reminder wheel indicia 110
may be set by a user when the cover 101 is detached from the base
112. A user may rotate the reminder wheel 109 until a desired
starting indicium 110 is in a position to be aligned with a window
opening in the cover 101 when the cover is in a closed position.
For example, a user may remove the cover 101 to fill the storage
tray 111 with medication and set the reminder wheel 109 so that the
time period for taking a next pill is positioned such that when the
cover is reattached and in the closed position, the time period
will be displayed through the window opening in the cover.
According to embodiments, reminder indicia 110 preferably contrast
in color with the reminder wheel 109 to allow for easy visual
identification. According to an embodiment, the tab indicia 104 and
reminder indicia 110 may be a raised or depressed surface to
provide for a more permanent and durable identification.
[0029] As best shown in FIG. 7, a second opening, referred to
herein as a reminder window 108, is defined by the cover 101. The
reminder window 108 is provided as a visual port to a reminder
wheel indicium 110 radially aligned with the reminder window.
[0030] According to the preferred embodiment, the reminder wheel
109 is housed in an upper portion of the middle portion 130 of the
base 112. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the reminder wheel 109
comprises at least one outer ratchet prong 114 extending
circumferentially from the outer perimeter of the reminder wheel. A
flat surface at the end of each ratchet prong 114 is engageable
with the teeth of the cover ratchet 117. The one or more outer
ratchet prongs 114 are preferably designed such that they consist
of a flexible extended portion 136 operative to deflect inward when
pressure is applied toward the center of the reminder wheel 109,
for example, when the camming surface 135A of a cover ratchet tooth
makes sliding contact with the flexible extended portion 136 of an
outer ratchet prong 114.
[0031] With reference still to FIGS. 4 and 7, the reminder wheel
109 also includes a ring of inner ratchet prongs 115 located on the
inside perimeter of the reminder wheel 109, where the inner ratchet
prongs 115 are flexible in a similar manner and plane as the outer
ratchet prongs 114. A flat surface at the end of each inner ratchet
prong 115 is engageable with the flat surface 134B of an inner
ratchet ring tooth 131 to prevent clockwise rotation of the
reminder wheel 109 (i.e., as the cover 101 is rotated to a closed
position as described below).
[0032] The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes
the two sets of ratchet prongs 114,115 and teeth 117,116 to ensure
that the reminder wheel indicium 110 is incremented only when the
cover 101 is closed, wherein a first set (114,117) are engaged
while the cover 101 is moving from a closed to an open position,
and a second set (115,116) are engaged while the cover is moving
from the open position back to the closed position. A predetermined
number and spacing of the ratchet prongs and teeth ensure such that
the reminder wheel 109 rotates in a counterclockwise direction a
same predetermined distance each time the cover 101 is cycled
between the open and closed positions, thereby ensuring that the
reminder wheel indicia 110 is aligned with the reminder window
108.
[0033] In particular, from a closed position shown in FIG. 1,
counterclockwise rotation of the cover 101 relative to the base 112
provides access to the storage tray 111, while the flat faces 135B
of the teeth of the cover ratchet 117 engage the ends of the outer
ratchet prongs 114 of the reminder wheel 109 to ensure that the
reminder wheel 109 rotates counterclockwise with the cover. As the
cover 101 and reminder wheel 109 rotate counterclockwise, the inner
ratchet prongs 115 flex radially outward while making sliding
contact with the camming surface 134A of the teeth 131 of the inner
ratchet ring 116. When an inner ratchet prong 115 passes a tooth
131, the flexible inner ratchet prong 115 springs radially inward
until it contacts the lower portion of the camming surface 134A of
the next ratchet tooth 131 on the inner ratchet ring 116. The inner
ratchet prong 115 also contacts the flat face 134B of the tooth 131
it has just passed. At this point, the indicium 110 shown through
the reminder window 108 in FIG. 2 is the same indicium displayed
prior to the opening process (as illustrated in FIG. 1).
[0034] From the open position shown in FIG. 2, clockwise rotation
of the cover 101 relative to the base 112 closes access to the
storage tray 111. During such clockwise rotation, the reminder
wheel 109 is prevented from rotating relative to the base 112
(i.e., does not rotate with the cover) due to restraint provided by
the flat surface 134B of the inner ratchet ring tooth 131 against
the inner ratchet prong 115 of the reminder wheel. The cover 101
may be rotated clockwise relative to the base 112 until the cover
pawl 120 encounters an end 132 of the base slot 121, or until the
lock tab 103 engages the lock window 102. When the lock tab 103
engages the lock window 102, the dispenser is in a closed position
and the indicium 110 displayed through the reminder window 108 is
the next sequential indicium provided on the top surface of the
reminder wheel 109 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0035] According to the preferred embodiment, the cover 101
preferably comprises a cover gripping surface 107 covering at least
a portion of the cover. For example and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3
and 5-7, the cover gripping surface 107 covers a portion of the
outer top surface and outer side walls of the cover 101. The cover
gripping surface 107 is provided as a gripping surface to aid a
user in obtaining an adequate grip on the cover 101, allowing the
user to more easily rotate the cover relative to the base 112. The
cover gripping surface 107 is preferably an embossed surface but
may be one of many forms. For example, the cover gripping surface
107 may be a different material applied to the cover 101. Although
shown in FIG. 1 as a pattern of arced stripes, as can be
appreciated, the cover surface 107 may be one of a multitude of
designs. According to another embodiment, the cover gripping
surface 107 may cover only a portion of the outer side walls of the
cover 101, providing a gripping surface along the sides of the
dispenser.
[0036] The base 112 of the preferred embodiment comprises a base
gripping surface 113 covering at least a portion of the outer side
walls of the base as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7. Like the cover
gripping surface 107, the base gripping surface 113 is provided as
a gripping surface to aid a user in obtaining an adequate grip when
rotating the cover 101 relative to the base 112. Like the cover
gripping surface 107 may be an embossed surface or may be one of
many forms. According to the preferred embodiment, the design of
the cover gripping surface 107 and the design of the base gripping
surface 113 appear as a continuous design when the dispenser is in
a closed position, providing a visual alignment tool to quickly and
easily insure the dispenser is closed.
[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 7, indicia 106 is preferably
provided on the top surface of the cover 101 to display information
such as, but not limited to, operational instructions (e.g., open,
close, etc.), symbols (e.g., arrows), or other information (e.g.,
labels, titles, etc.). For example, and as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and
7, cover indicia 106 can include directional arrows and text such
as "open" and "close" to inform a user on a direction to rotate the
cover 101 to open and close the dispenser. As another example, and
as also shown in FIG. 1, cover indicia 106 can include a phrase,
such as "next pill time" and an arrow pointing to other indicia,
such as reminder wheel indicia 110. According to one embodiment,
the cover indicia 106 may be of a contrasting color to the cover
101 to allow for visual identification. According to another
embodiment, cover indicia 106 may be delineated in relief or a
raised surface to allow for tactile identification and to provide
for a more permanent and durable identification. As should be
appreciated, cover indicia 106 may be displayed in various other
ways known in the art for displaying desired information.
[0038] An alternate embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 8. According to the alternate embodiment, the
dispenser may be a removable dispenser for an external storage
compartment. For example, the dispenser may be attached to a jar,
bottle, or other container. In some cases, a user may have a need
for the dispenser to store a greater quantity of objects or objects
larger than can be accommodated by the storage tray 111 of the
preferred embodiment. For example, a user may desire to store and
dispense such objects as toys or pet treats.
[0039] Accordingly, a modified base 125 may be provided. The
modified base 125 is similar to the base 112 of the preferred
embodiment, comprising an external cylindrical side wall 127 and
preferably comprising a base gripping surface 113 covering at least
a portion of the outer side walls of the base as illustrated in
FIG. 8. Like the base gripping surface 113 of the preferred
embodiment, the design of the cover gripping surface 107 and the
design of the base gripping surface 113 on the modified base 125
appear as a continuous design when the dispenser is in a closed
position, providing a visual alignment tool to quickly and easily
insure the dispenser is closed. The cover pawl 120 on an inside
side wall of the cover 101 is designed to engage the base slot 121
located in the outside perimeter of the alternate base 125 so that
the cover 101 may be snapped onto the alternate base 125 and rotate
about it. Also like the preferred embodiment, the cover 101 may be
limited in rotation by the cover pawl 120 encountering ends 132 of
the base slot 121.
[0040] According to the alternate embodiment, the modified base 125
does not comprise a storage tray 111. Rather, the modified base 125
includes an open bottom that is releasably attached to an external
storage container 123. In a preferred embodiment, the modified base
125 comprises threads (not shown) on the internal surface of the
cylindrical side wall 127 adapted to mate with threads 124 on the
external storage container 123 (e.g., a bottle, a jar, etc.). In
other embodiments, the modified base 125 and the external storage
container 123 are releasably attached via alternative methods
including, but not limited to, a snap-on attachment, a tab-and-slot
attachment (e.g., lugs), etc.
[0041] A plurality of objects to be dispensed are preferably stored
in the external storage container 123 (e.g., more objects or
objects of a larger size than could be accommodated within the
storage tray 111). The modified base 125 defines an opening, herein
referred to as a dispenser port 126, on the top surface of the
modified base. The dispenser port 126 is preferably located
directly under the lock window 102 defined by the cover 101 (FIG.
7) when the dispenser is in the open position. This allows for the
dispensed objects to pass from the external storage container 123
through both the dispenser port 126 and the lock window 102 when
being dispensed.
[0042] The materials that comprise the majority of the dispenser
are preferably plastic configured by injection molding. Differing
types of plastic can be utilized to feed functional requirements
such as structural durability and wear considerations. One example
is to use a flexible plastic for use as the cover pawl 120, tab
pawl 119, wheel pawl 118, and ratchet parts such as polycarbonate;
the base 101,125 and other parts of the assembly may be made of a
thermosetting plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Other
materials may be used that fulfill structural, durability,
economical and other requires for use as a dispenser.
[0043] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. While
the disclosed invention has been described with reference to
various embodiments, it will be understood to those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equal elements may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the present invention. The scope of the present invention
further includes any combination of the elements from embodiments
as set forth herein. In addition, modification may be made to adapt
the teaching of the present invention to a particular application
without departing from its essential scope thereof.
[0044] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
[0045] It is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiments described and/or illustrated, but that the
invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
the appended claims.
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