Face mask packaging, dispensing system, and method

Abstract

Methods and systems of packaging and dispensing face masks. The method includes providing a package unit including a plurality of stacked face masks contained in a containment body having a top wall forming a passage. The package unit is inserted into compartment of a dispenser housing that otherwise includes a front panel forming a slot corresponding with the compartment. The passage of the containment body is accessible via the slot in the front panel. A top-most face mask is dispensed from the package unit through the slot and the passage. Two or more different face mask package units can be stored in corresponding compartments, with the method further including visually discerning one stored package unit from another. Other embodiments include a flexible or “soft” face mask packaging.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 719,298, filed Sep. 21, 2005, and entitled “Face Mask Dispensing System,” the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Disposable face masks are widely used in the medical field. Healthcare personnel and patients alike benefit from the protection afforded by face masks. As such, face masks are commonly worn by healthcare personnel as well as patients in connection with a multitude of procedures ranging from surgery to non-surgical examinations. [0003] In light of the above, substantial efforts have been made to improve upon face mask material(s) as well as overall construction or structure. As a result, a plethora of differently-configured face masks are currently available, many of which are specifically designed to address requirement(s) of a particular procedure and / or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Yet other aspects in accordance with principles of the present disclosure relate to a package unit of face masks including a plurality of stacked face masks and a flexible containment body containing the face masks. The containment body includes top, side, and bottom walls each formed of a flexible film. Further, the top wall includes a passage through which a top-most face mask is accessible. With this configuration, the flexible containment body facilitates use of the package unit within a dispenser housing that otherwise includes a biasing device acting upon the bottom wall; for example, the flexible nature of the containment body pro

Problems solved by technology

While well accepted, the above approach can be problematic for the healthcare facility and its personnel.

For example, where a number of boxes of different face mask styles are randomly placed in a temporary storage area, healthcare personnel oftentimes are required to waste time searching through all of the boxes when looking for the desired face mask style.

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