Container adapted to function as a dispenser and method of dispensing articles therefrom

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for the dispensing of articles and, more specifically, for the dispensing of stacked articles. The apparatus may be a container including a housing having an upper surface, a lower surface, and at least one side wall. The housing defines an interior chamber; and includes a removable section, wherein removal of the removable section allows access to the interior chamber. A plurality of articles may be disposed within the interior chamber, such as in a stacked configuration. The plurality of articles including at least a first article and a second article, wherein each article has opposite first and second ends, and at least a portion of the second end of the first article is releasably attached to the second end of the second article.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 020,656, entitled “Dispenser and Method of Dispensing Articles,” filed on May 6, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for the dispensing of articles and, more specifically, for the dispensing of stacked articles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a container and method for dispensing articles that overcome the drawbacks of previous methods. The container has a housing with at least one removable section that allows access to the interior chamber where articles are stored and a removable section that allows for separation of individual sheets. Each sheet has edges and is partially disposed within the housing. The method involves removing the housing removable section, grasping the sheet and partially pulling it out of the housing, and separating it from other sheets. This design allows for easy dispensing of articles and reduces the likelihood of accidental removal of multiple sheets.

Problems solved by technology

Once opened by the end user, the targets are loose and unsupported and the potential for damage by mishandling and by curl created by varying humidity is ever-present.

These packs of targets can range in quantity from 4 targets up to well over 50 targets, and once opened can easily become a difficult to control the bunch, leading to damage and curl that may result in the targets being unusable.

Similar drawbacks may be present with other stacked or stackable articles.

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