U.S. patent application number 13/491811 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-24 for strip dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Union Street Brand Packaging. The applicant listed for this patent is Christopher Gieda, David Honan, Michael Price, Nathan Rollins, Andrew Simon, Shane Yellin. Invention is credited to Christopher Gieda, David Honan, Michael Price, Nathan Rollins, Andrew Simon, Shane Yellin.
Application Number | 20130020347 13/491811 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47555090 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130020347 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gieda; Christopher ; et
al. |
January 24, 2013 |
Strip Dispenser
Abstract
A strip dispenser (70) for dispensing one strip (S) from a
plurality of strips (S). The strip dispenser (70) includes a
container (2) that is constructed and arranged to hold a number of
strips (S). There is a first structure (3) that defines one or more
thin slots (8) that are generally parallel to the perimeter of the
container (2), and that have a smallest dimension that is greater
than the smallest dimension of a strip (S), where the slots (8) are
configured and arranged to inhibit two strips that are stuck
together back to back from passing through the slot (8) together.
There is also a strip sorting structure (4) that inhibits a strip
(S) that has at least partially passed through a slot (8) from
fully leaving the container (2) until the strip (S) is pulled out
of the container (2) by the user.
Inventors: |
Gieda; Christopher; (Long
Valley, NJ) ; Honan; David; (Concord, MA) ;
Rollins; Nathan; (Boylston, MA) ; Price; Michael;
(Pelham, NH) ; Simon; Andrew; (Worcester, MA)
; Yellin; Shane; (Dover, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gieda; Christopher
Honan; David
Rollins; Nathan
Price; Michael
Simon; Andrew
Yellin; Shane |
Long Valley
Concord
Boylston
Pelham
Worcester
Dover |
NJ
MA
MA
NH
MA
MA |
US
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Union Street Brand
Packaging
Northborough
MA
|
Family ID: |
47555090 |
Appl. No.: |
13/491811 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61495622 |
Jun 10, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/135 ;
221/255 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/0876 20130101;
G01N 33/4875 20130101; B65D 83/0847 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/135 ;
221/255 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/08 20060101
B65D083/08 |
Claims
1. A strip dispenser for dispensing a strip from a plurality of
strips, comprising: a container that defines a perimeter, wherein
the container is constructed and arranged to hold a plurality of
strips; a first structure that defines one or more thin slots that
are generally parallel to the perimeter of the container, wherein
the slots have a smallest dimension that is greater than the
smallest dimension of the strip, and the slots are configured and
arranged to inhibit two strips that are stuck together back to back
from passing through the slot together; and strip sorting structure
that inhibits a strip that has at least partially passed through a
slot from fully leaving the container without manipulation of the
strip by the user.
2. The strip dispenser of claim 1 wherein the slots have a smallest
dimension that is greater than the smallest dimension of the strip
and less than two times the smallest dimension of the strip.
3. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the strip sorting
structure comprises a stopping piston.
4. The strip dispenser of claim 3 in which the stopping piston is
held in the container via an enlarged end.
5. The strip dispenser of claim 3 in which the enlarged end is held
by a series of flexible arms.
6. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the strip sorting
structure comprises an angled surface.
7. The strip dispenser of claim 6 in which the angled surface
projects inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the
dispenser.
8. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the strip sorting
structure comprises a series of channels.
9. The strip dispenser of claim 7 in which the channels are
narrowed at their ends such that the ends are slightly less wide
than the strips.
10. The strip dispenser of claim 8 in which the container has a
hollow post that defines an opening that accepts a portion of the
strip sorting structure.
11. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the strip sorting
structure is held in the container.
12. The strip dispenser of claim 10 in which the container
comprises desiccating material.
13. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the first structure
defines a generally conical structure with its vertex located near
the bottom of the container, to force the strips outward toward the
inner walls of the container.
14. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the first structure and
the strip sorting structure are integral.
15. The strip dispenser of claim 1 in which the container is open
at one end and the first structure is coupled to the open end.
16. The strip dispenser of claim 15 in which the strip sorting
structure is coupled to the first structure.
17. A strip dispenser for dispensing a strip from a plurality of
strips, comprising: an open-top container that is made from a
plastic that includes a desiccant material and that defines a
perimeter, wherein the container is constructed and arranged to
hold a plurality of strips; a first structure that is coupled to
the open top of the container and defines one or more thin slots
that are generally parallel to the perimeter of the container,
wherein the slots have a smallest dimension that is greater than
the smallest dimension of the strip and less than two times the
smallest dimension of the strip, and are configured and arranged to
inhibit two strips that are stuck together back to back from
passing through the slot together; and strip sorting structure that
inhibits a strip that has at least partially passed through a slot
from fully leaving the container without manipulation of the strip
by the user.
18. The strip dispenser of claim 17 in which the first structure
defines a generally conical structure with its vertex located near
the bottom of the container, to force the strips outward toward the
inner walls of the container.
19. The strip dispenser of claim 17 wherein the strip sorting
structure is coupled to the first structure.
20. A strip dispenser for dispensing a strip from a plurality of
strips, comprising: an open-top container that is made from a
plastic that includes a desiccant material and that defines a
perimeter, wherein the container is constructed and arranged to
hold a plurality of strips; a first structure that is coupled to
the open top of the container and defines one or more thin slots
that are generally parallel to the perimeter of the container,
wherein the slots have a smallest dimension that is greater than
the smallest dimension of the strip and less than two times the
smallest dimension of the strip, and are configured and arranged to
inhibit two strips that are stuck together back to back from
passing through the slot together, in which the first structure
defines a generally conical structure with its vertex located near
the bottom of the container to force the strips outward toward the
inner walls of the container; and a stopping piston that is held
relative to the container by an enlarged end that is held by a
series of flexible arms, wherein the stopping piston inhibits a
strip that has at least partially passed through a slot from fully
leaving the container without manipulation of the strip by the
user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority of Provisional Application
Ser. No. 61/495,622 filed on Jun. 10, 2011.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to a structure that stores strips
and allows them to be dispensed by a user.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Thin strips such as those used in blood glucose monitors
should be readily dispensable from the storage container one at a
time. However, the strips tend to stick together, making it
difficult to grasp and remove only one strip from the storage
container.
SUMMARY
[0004] This disclosure features a strip dispenser that is
constructed and arranged to dispense a single elongated strip from
a plurality of strips that are stored in the container. The strip
dispenser can be used in any situation in which it is desirable to
dispense a single strip. The examples describe dispensing a strip
of the type that is used in blood glucose monitors, but that is not
a limitation of the disclosure. Other examples of strips that can
be dispensed include pH strips, and other medical testing strips.
In most cases the strips are small, generally planar, thin, narrow,
elongated and somewhat flexible such that they can be slightly bent
along their length out of the plane in which they lie in the normal
unbent state.
[0005] The strip dispenser may include an open-top container, and a
first structure coupled to the open top and that defines one or
more slots. The slots are preferably generally parallel to the
perimeter of the container so that strips that are standing up
along the inside of the container can pass through a slot when the
container is turned upside down and shaken. The slots may be
configured to allow only one strip at a time to pass through a
slot. This strip sorting function can be accomplished by
configuring the slots such that they are just slightly wider than
the thickness of a strip, and not as wide as the thickness of two
strips, in which case if two or more strips are clumped together
back-to-back they cannot pass through the slot. There is also
structure that is constructed and arranged to inhibit a strip that
has at least partially passed through a slot from leaving the
container until the strip is grasped and pulled out by the user;
this structure may include a stopping piston. The stopping piston
may be held in the container by an enlarged end. The enlarged end
may be held by a series of flexible arms.
[0006] Alternatively, the structure that is constructed and
arranged to inhibit a strip from leaving the container may include
an angled or ramped surface; this surface may project inwardly
toward the longitudinal axis of the dispenser. As another
alternative the structure that is constructed and arranged to
inhibit a strip from leaving the container may include a series of
channels; the channels may be narrowed at their ends such that the
ends are slightly less wide than the width of the strips. The
channels may be defined by a unitary structure that is held in the
container.
[0007] The strip sorting structure may be held in a container that
itself is located in the canister. The container may have a hollow
post that defines an opening that accepts a portion of the strip
sorting structure. The first structure may define a generally
conical structure oriented such that its vertex is located near the
bottom of the container, to force the strips outward toward the
inner walls of the container. The first structure and the strip
sorting structure may or may not be integral. The container may be
open at one end and the first structure may be coupled to the open
end. The strip sorting structure may be coupled to the first
structure.
[0008] Featured in another example is a strip dispenser for
dispensing a strip from a plurality of strips, comprising an
open-top container that is made from a plastic that includes a
desiccant material and that defines a perimeter, wherein the
container is constructed and arranged to hold a plurality of
strips, a first structure that is coupled to the open top of the
container and defines one or more thin slots that are generally
parallel to the perimeter of the container, wherein the slots have
a smallest dimension that is greater than the smallest dimension of
the strip and less than two times the smallest dimension of the
strip and are configured and arranged to inhibit two strips that
are stuck together back to back from passing through the slot
together, and strip sorting structure that inhibits a strip that
has at least partially passed through a slot from fully leaving the
container without manipulation of the strip by the user. The first
structure may define a generally conical structure with its vertex
located near the bottom of the container, to force the strips
outward toward the inner walls of the container. The strip sorting
structure may be coupled to the first structure.
[0009] In yet another example the disclosure features a strip
dispenser for dispensing a strip from a plurality of strips,
comprising an open-top container that is made from a plastic that
includes a desiccant material and that defines a perimeter, wherein
the container is constructed and arranged to hold a plurality of
strips, a first structure that is coupled to the open top of the
container and defines one or more thin slots that are generally
parallel to the perimeter of the container, wherein the slots have
a smallest dimension that is greater than the smallest dimension of
the strip and less than two times the smallest dimension of the
strip, and are configured and arranged to inhibit two strips that
are stuck together back to back from passing through the slot
together, in which the first structure defines a generally conical
structure with its vertex located near the bottom of the container
to force the strips outward toward the inner walls of the
container, and a stopping piston that is held relative to the
container by an enlarged end that is held by a series of flexible
arms, wherein the stopping piston inhibits a strip that has at
least partially passed through a slot from fully leaving the
container without manipulation of the strip by the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is a disassembled view of a strip dispenser, and
FIG. 1B a cross-sectional view thereof. FIGS. 1C and 1D are
cross-sectional and top views of a strip guide of the dispenser.
FIGS. 1E and 1F are side and top views of the strip guide. FIG. 1G
is a cross-sectional view of the assembled strip dispenser, and
FIG. 1H is a top view thereof. FIGS. 1I and 1J show the strip
dispenser in use.
[0011] FIG. 2A is a disassembled view of another strip dispenser,
and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view thereof. FIG. 2C is a
cross-sectional view of the assembled strip dispenser, and FIG. 2D
a top view thereof. FIGS. 2E and 2F show the strip dispenser in
use.
[0012] FIG. 3A is a disassembled view of yet another strip
dispenser. FIGS. 3B-3E are side, top perspective, top and bottom
views, respectively, of a strip guide of the dispenser. FIGS. 3F-3H
are perspective, cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of
the strip container. FIGS. 3I-3K are cross-sectional, top,
perspective and cross-sectional in-use views of the assembled strip
dispenser, with FIG. 3L a cross-sectional view of the strip
dispenser of FIG. 3K.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES
[0013] Following are descriptions of three examples of the strip
dispenser. The examples illustrate the disclosure but do not limit
its scope, which is established by the claims. In each of the
examples, the preferred construction is to make all of the parts
from molded plastic.
Example 1
"Moving Positive Stop Version"--FIGS. 1A-1J
[0014] FIG. 1A is a disassembled view of a strip dispenser, and
FIG. 1B a cross-sectional view thereof. FIGS. 1C and 1D are
cross-sectional and top views of the strip guide of strip dispenser
70. FIGS. 1E and 1F are side and top views of the strip guide. FIG.
1G is a cross-sectional view of the assembled strip dispenser, and
FIG. 1H is a top view thereof. FIGS. 1I and 1J show the strip
dispenser in use.
[0015] In this example of strip dispenser 70, a plurality of strips
S are located standing upright in container 2. Container 2 is an
open-top molded plastic container in which the plastic from which
the container is made includes a desiccant material, which helps to
reduce moisture within canister 1. Container 2 and strip guide 3
can be held together via friction fit, or in another mechanical
fashion such as with a connector. Engagement members 12 are small
fingers created via small slots or openings in cone 13 to create
enough give or play to allow enlarged engagement tip 14 to be
inserted and also prevent piston 4 from falling out when the strip
dispenser is turned upside down and shaken.
[0016] When dispenser 70 is turned upside down and shaken, strips S
encounter directing cone 11, which serves to separate the strips
and direct them toward gap 8. Gaps or slots 8 are generally
parallel to the perimeter of container 2. The slots have a smallest
dimension (width in this case) that is greater than the thickness
of a strip but less than the thickness of two strips; if two or
more strip are stuck or clumped together back to back they cannot
fit through the slot. The slot location, size and shape thus
prohibits clumped strips from being dispensed. With a round
container such as this, the slots are generally arc-shaped, follow
the perimeter contour of the container, and have a thickness in the
radial direction (i.e., along a radius of the container) that is
less than two times the thickness of a strip.
[0017] Stopping piston 4 is constructed and arranged to extend out
from dispenser 3 a distance that is slightly less than the length
of the strips, so that any strips that exit container 2 through
slot 8 hit piston 4, which prevents the strips from falling out of
container 2. The user can then grasp a single strip and pull it out
of container 2 by flexing the strip sufficiently to bend it away
from and around the enlarged plate at the distal end of the
stopping piston.
[0018] Following is a description of numbered parts shown in the
drawings and their function. Strip canister 1 is a containment unit
for the strip container 2, strip guide 3, stopping piston 4 and
strips S. There is a snap fit lid for canister 1 (not shown), to
provide a seal. Strip container 2 is located in canister 1.
Container 2 holds the strips and provides absorption of moisture
from the atmosphere, in order to help ensure the efficacy of the
strips. Strip guide engagement surface 5 has the same shape as the
portion of strip guide 3 with which it mates, to create a smooth
continual outer wall.
[0019] Strip guide 3 dispenses strips in a directionally limited
fashion. It has lower container engagement surface 6 and a friction
fit area 7 that holds the strip guide 3 and strip container 2
within the strip canister 1. Strip guide 3 also defines a specific
radially sized slot or gap 8 that is sized so as to allow a single
layer of strips to dispense through gap 8. Spreading cone 13 sits
near the bottom of the container and thus forces the strips outward
toward the inner walls of the container, such that the strips sit
upright in the container, with their leading ends generally aligned
with the slots. Directing spines 9 help to direct strips through
gap 8. Repeating open arc lengths 10 are created in gap 8 via
spaced spines 9. Integral directing cone 11 directs strips S
outward and thus into and through gap 8. Integral flexible
engagement members 12 help to accomplish a connection to the
stopping piston 4.
[0020] Stopping piston 4 is held within strip guide 3 and can move
in and out relative to it. Piston 4 has at its distal end a flat
transverse blocking plate or surface 4a which strips contact and
cannot extend beyond without being forced to do so by the user.
Piston 4 also has a conical engagement tip 14 that is wider than
the un-flexed diameter of the central opening that is located
between members 12, to attach piston 4 to strip guide 3 via the
flexible engagement members 12.
Example 2
"Friction Positive Stop Version"--FIGS. 2A-2F
[0021] FIG. 2A is a disassembled view of another strip dispenser,
and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view thereof. FIG. 2C is a
cross-sectional view of the assembled strip dispenser, and FIG. 2D
a top view thereof. FIGS. 2E and 2F show the strip dispenser in
use.
[0022] In this example of strip dispenser 80, the strips S are
located inside of container 16. Container 16 is a molded plastic
container that comprises a desiccant to help reduce humidity within
canister 15. Strips that pass through gap or slot 21 contact one or
two spines 27. Spines 27 guide strips into a channel 26 located
between spines 27. The strip will then contact inwardly-sloped
ramped wall 33 of strip flexing unit 18. Wall 33 will force the
leading end of the strip toward the central longitudinal axis of
the strip dispenser. Since the strip is flexible, this will cause
the strip to begin to bend toward the central longitudinal axis of
the dispenser. As the strip bends it will eventually bend enough
that it will bind in slot 21, channel 26 and against wall 33, with
the end of the strip projecting out beyond wall 33. The user can
then grasp the projecting end of the strip and pull it from the
strip dispenser.
[0023] Following is a description of numbered parts shown in the
drawings and their function. Strip canister 15 holds strip
container 16, strip sorting unit 17, strip flexing unit 18, and
strips S. A snap-fit canister lid (not shown) is used to provide
seal. Strip container 16 holds the strips and comprises a
desiccating material to provide for absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere. Integral friction fit ribs 19 engage with the canister
inner walls to hold the container in the canister. Integral strip
sorting engagement surface 20 creates a smooth continual wall for
strips to travel upon. Slot 21 with a radial width that is greater
than the thickness of one strip but less than the thickness of two
strips only allows a single layer of strips to dispense through the
gap. Integral directing spines 22 direct strips through gap 21.
Open arcs 23 are defined in slot 21 by spaced directing spines 22.
Hyperbolically tipped spreading cone 24 directs strips to the inner
circumference of container 16. Directing cone 25 aids in directing
strips through gap 21.
[0024] Strip sorting unit 17 directionally sorts the strips into
channels 26 between directing spines 27. Unit 17 includes directing
spines 27 which guide the strips into channels 26. Channels 26
guide the strips into the strip flexing unit 18. Friction fit ribs
28 hold unit 17 within the strip canister 15. Engagement surface 29
creates a smooth continual wall for strips to travel upon. Strip
flexing unit engagement surface 30 creates a smooth continual wall
for strips to travel upon.
[0025] Strip flexing unit 18 engages strips sorted into the
channels 26 of the strip sorting unit 17 through friction and a
flexing force. This is in order to stop strips from becoming
expelled from the assembly. Friction fit ribs 31 hold unit 18
within strip canister 15. Strip sorting unit engagement surface 32
creates a smooth continual wall for strips to travel upon.
Inwardly-sloped ramped strip flexing wall 33 forces the leading tip
of the strip to bend and thus accomplishes frictional resistance
and a flexing force upon strips as they are dispensed. This is in
order to impede the strip from escaping the canister until pulled
out by a user.
Example 3
"Stationary Positive Stop Version"--FIGS. 3A-3L
[0026] FIG. 3A is a disassembled view of another strip dispenser.
FIGS. 3B-3E are side, top perspective, top and bottom views,
respectively, of the strip guide. FIGS. 3F-3H are perspective,
cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of the strip
container. FIGS. 3I-3K are cross-sectional, top, perspective and
cross-sectional in-use views of the assembled strip dispenser, with
FIG. 3L a cross-sectional view of the strip dispenser of FIG.
3K.
[0027] In this example of strip dispenser 90, the strips S are
located in container 35, which is a molded plastic container that
comprises a desiccant to help reduce humidity within canister 34.
Strip dispenser 90 is particularly constructed and arranged to
dispense strips S that have narrow leading end 51 and intermediate
wider shoulder 50.
[0028] Strip guide 36 is held in post 38 via engagement of cone end
39 in opening 47 that is located in engaging structure 40 at the
top end of post 38. Flared cone 45 directs strips into gap 42.
Structures 46 define gaps 44 between them that are of increasingly
narrow width from bottom to top such that at their top ends they
are not as wide as a shoulder of the strip, but gaps 44 are wider
than the narrow end of the strip so that the narrow end projects
through the gap and thus can be grasped by a user. This
construction prevents a strip from fully passing through the gap.
The user can grasp the protruding end of a strip and pull it from
the device by slightly bending it over one or two structures 46.
The bar on the top of guide 36 that lies along a diameter is
optionally included to allow the guide to be grasped so that it can
be removed, to allow access to the inside of container 35.
[0029] Following is a description of numbered parts shown in the
drawings and their function. Strip canister 34 contains strip
container 35, strip guide 36 and strips S. There is a snap fit lid
(not shown) that seals the canister. Strip container 35 holds the
strips. It includes a desiccant to absorb moisture from the
atmosphere, in order to ensure the efficacy of the strips.
Engagement surface 37 creates a smooth continual wall with strip
guide 36. Engagement post 38 accomplishes connection with
engagement cone end 39, which fits into opening 47 in engaging
structure 40.
[0030] Strip guide 36 dispenses strips in a directionally limited
fashion and contains the strips' momentum. Engagement surface 41
creates a smooth continual wall with container 35. Directing cone
45 aids in directing strips through gaps 42. Specific radially
sized gap 42 is wide enough to allow a single layer of strips to
dispense. Directing spines 43 direct the strips through the
radially sized gap(s) 42. Open arcs 44 are sized to allow a
calculated volume of radially sized gaps 42 and directing spines
43. Arcs 44 have a width that is greater than the width of narrow
end 51 of strip S but narrower than the width of shoulder 50. Thus,
strip stopping apparatus 46 prevents the strips from escaping the
canister until pulled out by a user.
[0031] The specific features described are not limiting. For
example, the dispenser could be made of more or fewer parts. Also,
the container does not need to be round. For example the container
could be rectangular or oval, or virtually any other perimeter
shape. If the slots are generally parallel to the perimeter and
located just above the open top of the container, and have a width
less than two times the thickness of a strip, only one layer of
strips at a time can pass through the slot. The slot width
limitation prevents two strips that are stuck together but
generally longitudinally aligned from passing through the slot
together; this assists with dispensing only one strip at a time.
The slots have a length that is at least as great as the width of a
strip, so that a strip can pass through the slot with its
longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
dispenser, as shown in the drawings. If the slot has a length
dimension at least twice the width of a strip, a single thickness
layer comprising two (or more) side-by-side strips can pass through
a single slot.
[0032] Although some features are shown in some drawings but not
others that is not a limitation, as the scope of the invention
herein is defined by the claims. What is claimed is:
* * * * *