dispenser

Abstract

A dispenser (10) for holding and dispensing consumables (300). The dispenser can include a first assembly (100) having a storage cavity (103) that houses a plurality of consumables, a closure member (150) that closes an open end (104) of the storage cavity, and a second assembly (200) pivotally coupled to the first assembly for dispensing one of the consumables at a time. The closure member has a dispensing aperture (160) such that one of the consumables can fit therethrough and pass to a cup member (250) of the second assembly. The closure member can then be changed from a closed state to an open state so that a user can remove one of the consumables from the cup member of the second assembly. A blocking arm (260) protrudes from the cup member to prevent another one of the consumables from being dispensed when the second assembly is in the open state.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 157,155, filed March 5, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 162,663, filed March 18, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] People appreciate the convenience of carrying breath fresheners or other oral or personal care products with them when they're busy. For example, many different types of small hard mints exist that can be carried in a pocket and used as needed. Existing packaging for such products consists of simple containers with openable lids that, once opened, allow the user to grab the desired amount of product, or require the user to invert the container to pour out its contents. Containers used for dispensing by inversion don't allow for precise dosing, and containers that require the user to grab the product from the container aren't useful for everyone, depending on flexibility and the product's slipperiness. Furthermore, hygiene issues arise when more product than expected is taken from the container and then put back in after being taken by the user. Therefore, a dispenser that overcomes these shortcomings is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates to a dispenser for storing and dispensing consumables. The dispenser may include a first component having a storage cavity accommodating a plurality of consumables, a closure member sealing the opening of the storage cavity, and a second component pivotally connected to the first component for dispensing one of the consumables at a time. The closure member has a dispensing orifice through which one of the consumables can fit and be passed into a cup-shaped member of the second component. The closure member can then be changed from a closed state to an open state, allowing a user to remove one of the consumables from the cup-shaped member of the second component. A stop arm protrudes from the cup-shaped member to prevent another consumable from being dispensed when the second component is in the open state.

[0005] In one aspect, the invention can be a dispenser comprising: a first component including a storage cavity having an open end, the storage cavity containing a plurality of consumables; a closing member coupled to the first component and closing the open end of the storage cavity, the closing member including a dispensing orifice configured to allow one of the consumables to pass through it at a time; and a second component pivotally coupled to the first component, the second component including a cup-shaped member configured to hold one of the consumables and a blocking arm; wherein the second component is pivotable relative to the first component between a (1) closed state and an (2) open state, wherein in the closed state the cup-shaped member of the second component is at least partially located within the dispensing orifice of the closing member for loading one of the consumables onto the cup-shaped member; in the open state the cup-shaped member pivots away from the dispensing orifice to allow one of the consumables to be removed from the cup-shaped member, and the blocking arm prevents any remaining consumables in the storage cavity from being dispensed through the dispensing orifice.

[0006] In another aspect, the invention can be a dispenser comprising: a storage assembly including a storage cavity for accommodating a plurality of consumables and a dispensing orifice configured to dispense one of the consumables at a time; and a dispensing assembly pivotally coupled to the storage assembly, the dispensing assembly including a retaining member configured to hold one of the consumables; wherein the dispensing assembly is pivotable relative to the storage assembly between a (1) closed state and an (2) open state, wherein in the closed state the retaining member of the dispensing assembly is loaded with one of the consumables; in the open state an opening is created between the front portion of the storage assembly and the front portion of the dispensing assembly, while the retaining member of the dispensing assembly continues to hold one of the consumables, and wherein one of the consumables is visible through the opening and is not dispensed from the dispenser.

[0007] In another aspect, the invention can be a dispenser comprising: a storage assembly including a storage cavity for accommodating a plurality of consumables and a dispensing orifice configured to dispense one of the consumables at a time; and a dispensing assembly pivotally coupled to the storage assembly, the dispensing assembly including a retaining member configured to hold one of the consumables and a blocking arm; wherein the dispensing assembly is pivotable relative to the storage assembly between a (1) closed state and an (2) open state, wherein in the closed state the retaining member of the dispensing assembly is loaded with one of the consumables; in the open state one of the consumables becomes accessible to the user, and the blocking arm prevents any of the remaining consumables in the storage cavity from being dispensed through the dispensing orifice.

[0008] This invention relates to a dispenser for holding and dispensing consumables. The dispenser may be small enough to fit inside a pocket of a user's clothing. The dispenser may include a housing having an inner cavity containing a plurality of consumables, the inner cavity including a main compartment and a dispensing compartment. A cover member closes the top opening of the inner cavity. The cover member is slidably coupled to the housing between a (1) closed state and a (2) open state, wherein in the closed state one or more consumables are allowed to move from the main compartment into the dispensing compartment while preventing one or more consumables from being dispensed from the dispensing compartment; and in the open state conserves consumables from moving between the main compartment and the dispensing compartment and one or more consumables located in the dispensing compartment are configured to be dispensed.

[0009] In one aspect, the invention can be a dispenser comprising: a housing including an inner cavity having an open top, the inner cavity accommodating a plurality of consumables and including a main compartment and a dispensing compartment; a cover member closing the open top of the inner cavity, the cover member being slidably coupled to the housing between a (1) closed state and a (2) open state, wherein in the closed state one or more of the consumables is allowed to move from the main compartment to the dispensing compartment while preventing one or more of the consumables from being dispensed from the dispensing compartment to the external environment; in the open state the consumables are prevented from moving between the main compartment and the dispensing compartment, and one or more of the consumables located in the dispensing compartment are configured to be dispensed to the external environment.

[0010] In another aspect, the invention can be a dispenser comprising: a housing including an inner cavity for receiving a plurality of consumables and a partition wall dividing the inner cavity into a main compartment and a dispensing compartment, the partition wall including an opening forming a passage from the main compartment to the dispensing compartment; a cover member slidably coupled to the housing between an open state and a closed state, the cover member including a stop wall that, when the cover member is in the open state, at least partially blocks the opening of the partition wall to prevent consumables from moving from the main compartment to the dispensing compartment, and when the cover member is in the closed state, does not block the opening of the partition wall to allow consumables to move from the main compartment to the dispensing compartment; and wherein, when the cover member is in the open state, consumables located in the dispensing compartment are configured to be dispensed from the inner cavity, and wherein, when the cover member is in the closed state, consumables located in the dispensing compartment are prevented from being dispensed from the inner cavity.

[0011] In another aspect, the invention can be a dispenser comprising: a housing; a cover member slidably coupled to the housing; the housing and the cover member together defining an interior cavity for receiving a plurality of consumables, the interior cavity being divided by a partitioning assembly into a main compartment and a dispensing compartment, the dispensing compartment being configured to hold no more than one of the consumables at a time; and wherein the housing and the cover member are slidable relative to each other between a (1) closed state and an (2) open state, wherein in the closed state, a single one of the plurality of consumables is allowed to move from the main compartment to the dispensing compartment through an opening in the partitioning assembly while preventing a single one of the plurality of consumables from leaving the interior cavity; and in the open state, a single one of the plurality of consumables is allowed to leave the interior cavity while preventing another of the plurality of consumables from moving from the main compartment to the dispensing compartment.

[0012] In another aspect, the invention can be a dispenser comprising: a housing including an inner cavity for receiving a plurality of consumables and a partition wall dividing the inner cavity into a main compartment and a dispensing compartment, the partition wall including an opening forming a passage from the main compartment into the dispensing compartment; a cover member including an outlet wall having a dispensing opening and a stop wall having a through opening, wherein the cover member is slidably coupled to the housing, wherein the stop wall of the cover member is adjacent to the partition wall of the housing, and wherein the cover member is slidable relative to the housing between (1) a closed state and (2) an open state, wherein in the closed state: (a) the cover is closed. The through opening of the stop wall of the component is aligned with the opening of the partition wall of the housing to allow at least one of the plurality of consumables to move from the main compartment to the dispensing compartment; and (b) the dispensing opening of the outlet wall is blocked by the housing to prevent any of the consumables from being dispensed from the inner cavity; in the open state: (a) the dispensing opening of the outlet wall is exposed to allow at least one of the plurality of consumables located in the dispensing compartment to be dispensed from the inner cavity; and (b) the through opening of the cover component is not aligned with the opening of the partition component, thereby preventing any other of the plurality of consumables from moving from the main compartment to the dispensing compartment when the cover component is in the open state.

[0013] Further applicability of the invention will become apparent from the specific embodiments provided below. It should be understood that while the specific embodiments and examples indicate preferred embodiments of the invention, they are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The invention will be more fully understood from the specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second component of the dispenser is in a closed state;

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1The front perspective view of the dispenser, with the second component in the open state;

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The top front perspective of the distributor's breakdown;

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The distributor's breakdown bottom front perspective;

[0019] Figure 5A Is it through Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line VA-VA;

[0020] Figure 5B Is it through Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the line VB-VB;

[0021] Figure 5C Is it through Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line VC-VC;

[0022] Figure 6A yes Figure 5A A cross-sectional view showing the dispenser filled with consumables;

[0023] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A cross-sectional view, wherein one of the consumables is held by a cup-shaped member of a second component and wherein the second component is in a closed state;

[0024] Figure 6C yes Figure 6B The cross-sectional view shows that the second component has changed from a closed state to an open state, allowing the consumables inside the cup-shaped component to be distributed to the external environment;

[0025] Figure 6D yes Figure 6C The cross-sectional view shows the consumables being distributed to the external environment;

[0026] Figure 6E yes Figure 6D A cross-sectional view, in which the second component has changed from an open state to a closed state, allowing another consumable to move from the storage cavity of the first cavity of the first component to the cup-shaped component of the second component;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a front perspective view of a dispenser according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Exploded view of the distributor;

[0029] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8A cross-sectional view taken from line IX-IX;

[0030] Figure 10 is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of line XX;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a front perspective view of a dispenser according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cover member of the dispenser is in a closed state relative to the housing of the dispenser;

[0032] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A front perspective view of the dispenser, with the cover component in the open position;

[0033] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 Top front perspective view of the dispenser, showing the cover assembly separated from the housing;

[0034] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 Bottom front perspective view of the dispenser, showing the cover assembly separated from the housing;

[0035] Figure 15 Is it through Figure 11 A cross-sectional view taken from line XV-XV;

[0036] Figure 16A yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view showing the dispenser filled with consumables, all of which are located in the main compartment of the dispenser's inner cavity.

[0037] Figure 16B yes Figure 16A A cross-sectional view showing the dispenser rotated 180° so that one of the consumables can be moved into the dispensing compartment inside the dispenser.

[0038] Figure 16C yes Figure 16B A cross-sectional view of the cover component, which has been changed from a closed state to an open state, allowing consumables in the dispensing compartment to be dispensed from the inner cavity to the external environment.

[0039] Figure 16D yes Figure 16C A cross-sectional view showing consumables leaving the dispensing compartment and entering the external environment; and

[0040] Figure 16E yes Figure 16D A cross-sectional view showing that the cover component has changed from an open state to a closed state, allowing another consumable to be moved from the main compartment to the distribution compartment. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or its use.

[0042] The description of illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are considered an integral part of the entire written description. Any references to direction or orientation in the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are intended merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “top,” and “bottom,” and their derivatives (e.g., “horizontally,” “downward,” “upward,” etc.) should be understood to refer to the orientation as described subsequently or shown in the drawings discussed. These relative terms are merely for ease of description and, unless explicitly stated otherwise, do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, terms such as “attach,” “connect,” “join,” “link,” “interconnect,” and similar words refer to a relationship in which structures are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other through intermediate structures, and where both are movable or fixed attachments or relationships. Furthermore, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments that describe some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0043] First refer to Figures 1 to 5B The diagram illustrates a dispenser 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The dispenser 10 typically includes a first component 100, a second component 200, and a closure member 150 cooperatingly connected together, such that the dispenser 10 is configured to dispense a consumable each time the second component 200 changes from a closed state to an open state, as further described herein. The first component 100 may also be referred to herein as a storage component, and the second component 200 may also be referred to herein as a dispenser component. Furthermore, although in the exemplary embodiment the closure member 150 is separate from the first component 100, the invention is not limited thereto, and in some embodiments the closure member 150 may be an integral part of the first component 100. Figure 1 and Figure 5A The second component 200 (or dispenser 10) is shown in a closed state, and Figure 2 and Figure 5BThe second component 200 (or dispenser 10) is shown in the open position. In some embodiments, the first component 100, the second component 200, and the closure member 150 may each be formed of a rigid plastic material. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first component 100 may be translucent or transparent, making the consumable held therein visible to the user. In some embodiments, both the first component 100 and the second component 200 may be translucent or transparent. In some embodiments, the closure member 150 may also be transparent or translucent.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the first component 100 is in the shape of a hemispherical object that has been cut by a plane extending through its main surface at its midpoint. The first component 100 includes an outer surface 101, an inner surface 102, and a storage cavity 103 defined by the inner surface 102. The storage cavity 103 has an open end 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the open end 104 is positioned along the bottom end of the first component 100 based on its orientation during normal use. The storage cavity 103 is configured to accommodate a plurality of consumables, which are then dispensed by the user from the storage cavity 103 as needed. Reference will be made below. Figures 6A to 6E The dispensing of consumables is described in more detail. In the assembled dispenser 10, the first component 100 is generally oriented such that the open end 104 of the storage cavity 103 faces downward during its use.

[0045] The first component 100 includes a first flat side portion 117, a second flat side portion 118, and a curved center portion 119 between the first flat side portion 117 and the second flat side portion 118. The bottom of the storage cavity 103 is formed along the inner surface 102 of the first component 100 and the curved center portion 119. The sidewalls of the storage cavity 103 are formed along the inner surfaces 102 of the first flat side portion 117 and the second flat side portion 118 of the first component 100.

[0046] The first component 100 includes a first pivoting feature 105 that facilitates pivoting of the first component 100 and the second component 200 relative to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the first pivoting feature 105 includes a first arcuate protrusion 106 projecting from a first side of the first component 100 and a second arcuate protrusion 107 projecting from a second side of the first component 100. Specifically, the first arcuate protrusion 106 is located on an outer surface 101 of the first component 100 along a first flat side portion 117, and the second arcuate protrusion 107 is located on an outer surface 101 of the first component 100 along a second flat side portion 118. In an exemplary embodiment, the first arcuate protrusion 106 and the second arcuate protrusion 107 have concave surfaces facing toward an opening end 104 of the storage cavity 103 and convex surfaces facing away from the opening end 104 of the storage cavity 103. Although the first pivoting feature 105 is described in the exemplary embodiment as including the first arcuate protrusion 106 and the second arcuate protrusion 107, other features may be used in other embodiments, which will be referred to below. Figures 7 to 10C One example is provided. In yet another embodiment, the first pivoting feature 105 may be one of a hole or a cylindrical protrusion nested within a hole (specifically, one of the first component 100 and the second component 200 may have a hole, while the other may have a protrusion nested within a hole) to allow relative pivoting / rotational movement between the first component 100 and the second component 200, as described herein.

[0047] The first component 100 includes a front end (or front portion) 108 and a rear end (or rear portion) 109. The front end 108 of the first component 100 is the end from which the consumable is dispensed from the dispenser 10, while the rear end 109 is the end opposite to the front end 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the first component 100 includes a ridge 110 projecting from an outer surface 101 on its rear end 109. Specifically, the ridge 110 is elongated and extends from a first end adjacent to the opening end 104 of the storage cavity 103 to a second end located at a distance from the opening end 104 of the storage cavity 103. As will be discussed in more detail below, the ridge 110 mates with a slot in the second component 200 to maintain the connection between the first component 100 and the second component 200 and to prevent excessive rotation of the second component 200 relative to the first component 100.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover member 150 is a separate and distinct component from each of the first component 100 and the second component 200. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the cover member 150 may be integrally formed with the first component 100 or the second component 200 as a single integral construction. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover member 150 is coupled to the first component 100 in such a way that the cover member 150 closes the opening front end 108 of the first component 100. The cover member 150 includes a body portion 151, which includes an inner surface 152, an outer surface 153, and a peripheral surface 154 extending between the inner surface 152 and the outer surface 153. The cover member 150 also includes a flange portion 155 extending radially outward from the peripheral surface 154 at a location adjacent to the outer surface 153. The flange portion 155 includes an inner surface 156 and an outer surface 157. The inner surface 152 of the main body portion 151 is raised relative to the inner surface 156 of the flange portion 155, while the outer surface 153 of the main body portion 151 is recessed relative to the outer surface 157 of the flange portion 155. When the cover member 150 is coupled to the first assembly 100, the main body portion 151 of the cover member is nested within the storage cavity 103 and spans the entire length and width of the storage cavity 103 of the first assembly 100, and the flange portion 155 covers the distal end of the first assembly 100. More specifically, the inner surface 156 of the flange portion 155 abuts against the distal end of the first assembly 100.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover member 150 is friction-fitted to the first component 100 such that the outer peripheral surface 154 of the body portion 151 of the cover member 150 fits tightly against the inner surface 102 of the first component 100 to create a tight fit between the cover member 150 and the first component 100. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the cover member 150 may include a sealing member 159 projecting from the outer peripheral surface 154 to ensure active contact between the cover member 150 and the inner surface 102 of the first component 100, thereby achieving a sufficient seal between the two components. This tight fit or friction fit between the cover member 150 and the first component 100 creates a seal at the interface between the cover member 150 and the first component 100. A more permanent attachment between the first component 100 and the cover member 150 can be achieved using adhesives or hardware such as screws, nails, or bolts. However, in some embodiments, a tight-fitting or friction-fitting engagement as described herein may be desirable to allow the user to easily detach the cover member 150 from the first component 100 as needed to refill the storage cavity 103 with consumables. In some embodiments, the connection between the cover member 150 and the first component 100 may be a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0050] In some embodiments, a gasket or sealing ring may be coupled to the cover member 150 along one or both of the inner surface 156 of the flange portion 155 and the outer peripheral surface 154 of the body portion 151 to create an airtight and tight seal between the cover member 150 and the first assembly 100. In some embodiments, the cover member 150 and / or the first assembly 100 may include a spring-loaded feature or other connection features that facilitate the coupling between the cover member 150 and the first assembly 100. For example, one of the cover member 150 and the first assembly 100 may include a protrusion nested within a receiving aperture or recess formed in the other of the cover member 150 and the first assembly 100.

[0051] The cap member 150 includes a dispensing hole 160 extending from the upper surface 152 of the body portion 151 through the body portion 151 and to the lower surface 153 of the body portion 151. Thus, the dispensing hole 160 forms a channel allowing a consumable to exit the storage container 103 during dispensing, as described in more detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, the dispensing hole 160 is circular in shape, but the invention is not limited thereto in all embodiments. The dispensing hole 160 preferably has a size and shape (i.e., diameter or other size) that allows no more than one of the consumables to be dispensed from the storage container 103 at a time through the dispensing hole 160. This facilitates the operation of the dispenser 10 as a single-dose dispenser, allowing the dispenser 10 to dispense only one consumable at a time. Of course, the size and shape of the dispensing hole 160 or the size and shape of the consumables may be varied to allow more than one of the consumables to fit through it in some alternative embodiments, for example, where a single dose contains more than one of the consumables.

[0052] The cover member 150 also includes a third pivoting feature 170. In an exemplary embodiment, the third pivoting feature 170 includes: a first protrusion 171 that projects upward from a flange portion 155 of the cover member 150 on a first side of the cover member 150; and a second protrusion 172 that projects upward from a flange portion 155 of the cover member 150 on a second side of the cover member 150. In other words, the cover member 150 extends along a longitudinal axis AA and the first protrusion 171 and the second protrusion 172 are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis AA of the cover member 150. The first protrusion 171 terminates at a first arcuate distal surface 173, and the second protrusion 172 terminates at a second arcuate distal surface 174.

[0053] like Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs best shown, when the cover member 150 is coupled to the first component 100, the first protrusion 171 of the cover member 150 is aligned with the first arcuate protrusion 106 of the first component 100, and the second protrusion 172 of the cover member 150 is aligned with the second arcuate protrusion 107 of the first component 100. Only the second protrusion 172 and the second arcuate protrusion 107 are visible in the provided cross-sectional view; however, it should be understood that the same structural relationship existed prior to the first protrusion 171 and the first arcuate protrusion 106. The second protrusion 172 is positioned such that its distal arcuate surface 174 is spaced apart from the concave lower surface of the second arcuate protrusion 107 by a gap 180. The gap 180 is an arcuate shape having a downward-facing concave surface and an upward-facing convex surface. The gap 180 forms a track within which the pivoting feature of the second component 200 is nested and moved when the second component 200 transitions between an open and closed state, as discussed further below.

[0054] The second component 200 is coupled to the first component 100 and / or the cover member 150 to form a closed housing, the housing being configured to dispense one consumable item at a time, as described below. Figures 6A to 6E More detailed description. The second component 200 includes a bottom 201 and a sidewall 202 extending upward from the bottom 201 to a distal end 203. The sidewall 202 has a varying height such that the distal end 203 is not flat. Instead, along the rear of the second component 200, the sidewall 202 has a constant height, and then, moving from the central region of the second component 200 toward the front end of the second component 200, the height of the sidewall 202 decreases, causing the distal end 203 to slope downward. This allows the second component 200 to move from a closed state (… Figure 1 and Figure 5A Change to open state ( Figure 2 and Figure 5B An opening is formed between the first component 100 and the second component 200.

[0055] The inner surfaces 205 of the bottom 201 and the sidewall 202 together define the cavity 204 of the second component 200. (As follows) Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, when the dispenser 10 is assembled, at least a portion of the first component 100 and the cover member 150 are nested within the cavity 204 of the second component 200. The second component 200 includes an elongated slot 206 along its inner surface 205 for receiving the ridge 110 of the first component 100 as described above. Therefore, when the second component 200 changes between an open and closed state, the ridge 110 of the first component 100 slides within the elongated slot 206 of the second component 200 to prevent undesirable relative movement between the first component 100 and the second component 200. That is, although the first component 100 and the second component 200 can be positioned around a pivot axis PP (in... Figure 5A and 5B (marked in the middle) pivots relative to each other, but there is a minimum rotational movement between the first and second components along an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis PP.

[0056] The second component 200 includes a second pivot feature 210 that interacts with a first pivot feature 105 and a third pivot feature 170 of the first component 100 and the cover member 150 to facilitate pivoting movement of the second component 200 relative to the first component 100 and the cover member 150. Specifically, the second pivot feature 210 includes a first arcuate projection 211 protruding from the inner surface 205 of the sidewall 202 on the opposite side of the second component 200 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 5C The first and second arcuate protrusions 212 protrude from the inner surface 205 of the sidewall 202. The first and second arcuate protrusions 212 each include an upward-facing convex surface and a downward-facing concave surface. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, when the dispenser 10 is assembled, the second arcuate protrusion 212 of the second pivot feature 210 is nested within the gap 180 between the second arcuate protrusion 107 of the first pivot feature 105 and the arcuate distal end 174 of the second protrusion 172 of the third pivot feature 170 of the cover member 150. When the second assembly 200 pivots or rotates relative to the first assembly 100 and the cover member 150, the second pivot feature 210 moves within the gap 180 between the first pivot feature 105 and the third pivot feature 170. However, the second pivot feature 210 remains sandwiched between the first pivot feature 105 and the third pivot feature 170, which helps maintain the connection between the various components.

[0057] The second component 200 also includes a cup-shaped member (or retaining member) 250 projecting from the bottom 201. The cup-shaped member 250 is formed by an upright annular wall 251 extending from the bottom 201 to a distal end 252. It may be possible to have gaps in the upright annular wall 251, although in the exemplary embodiment it is a continuous annular wall. The cup-shaped member 250 extends along a cup axis CC. The upright annular wall 251 includes an inner surface 253 surrounding a retaining cavity 254. Furthermore, a post 255 extends upward from the bottom 201 along the cup axis CC. The post 255 terminates at a distal end 256 recessed relative to the distal end 252 of the upright annular wall 251. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the distal end 256 of the upright annular wall 251 is wavy or undulating, and the distal end 256 of the post 255 is recessed relative to the lowest point of the distal end 252 of the upright annular wall 251. Figures 6A to 6EAs shown and discussed below, one of the consumables captured within the holding cavity 254 is located at the top of the distal end 256 of the column 255 to allow the user to easily grasp the consumable for removal and consumption.

[0058] The second component 200 includes a stop arm 260 extending upward from the distal end 252 of the upright annular wall 251 in a direction remote from the bottom 201 of the second component 200. The stop arm 260 extends only a portion of, rather than entirely, the distal end 252 of the upright annular wall 251. That is, if the distal end 252 of the upright annular wall 251 spans 360°, the stop arm 260 may extend over 10° to 20° of the 360° (of course, in other embodiments, the stop arm 260 may extend over more or less of the distal end 252). The stop arm 260 extends upward from the distal end 252 of the upright annular wall 251 and inwardly in a direction toward the cup axis CC, such that the stop arm 260 extends above the retaining cavity 254. Thus, the stop arm 260 hovers or cantileveres above the retaining cavity 254, such that an axis parallel to the cup axis CC exists, intersecting both the stop arm 260 and the retaining cavity 254. The blocking arm 260 terminates at the distal end 261, which is aligned with the retaining cavity 254.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the stop arm 260 is curved as it extends from the distal end 252 of the upright annular wall 251. Specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the stop arm 260 is curved such that it has a concave surface facing downward toward the retaining cavity 254 and a convex surface facing upward away from the retaining cavity 254. In other embodiments, the stop arm 260 may be straight and non-curved.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover member 150 includes a connecting post 190 projecting from the outer surface 153 of the body portion 151 at a location spaced apart from the dispensing hole 160. Specifically, the connecting post 190 and the dispensing hole 160 are located on opposite sides of the lateral centerline DD of the cover member 150. Similarly, the second assembly 200 includes a connecting post 290 projecting upward from the bottom 201 of the second assembly 200. In an exemplary embodiment, a spring 140 is coupled to the connecting post 190 of the cover member 150 and to the connecting post 290 of the second assembly 200. The purpose of the spring 140 is to bias the second assembly 200 as... Figure 5A The closed state shown. That is, when the second component 200 changes to the closed state as shown. Figure 5BIn the open state, as shown, spring 140 is compressed, and when the second component 200 is released, spring 140 applies a force as it returns to its original length. While in the exemplary embodiment spring 140 is a compression spring, in other embodiments spring 140 may be a tension spring, a torsion spring, or even a plastic spring integrally manufactured with the second component 200 or the cover member 150. Furthermore, although spring 140 is depicted in the exemplary embodiment, it may be omitted in other embodiments. In particular, in other embodiments, the second component 200 may be manually changed from a closed state to an open state and then from an open state to a closed state without the assistance of a spring or other external components.

[0061] As mentioned above, Figure 1 and Figure 5A Dispenser 10 is shown with the second component 200 in a closed state. As can be seen, when the second component 200 is in a closed state, there is no opening for entering the dispenser. Figure 2 and Figure 5B Dispenser 10 is shown with the second component 200 in the open position. To change the second component 200 from the closed position to the open position, the second component 200 pivots about the pivot axis PP relative to the first component 100. In an exemplary embodiment, this is done manually by a user by holding the first component 100 in a fixed position and applying a pivoting force to the second component 200. After the second component 200 is in the open position, an opening for access to the interior of dispenser 10 is exposed. As should be understood, if a consumable (see below) is present on the cup-shaped member 250... Figures 6A to 6E (As discussed), then the user can then grab the consumable and remove it from the dispenser 10. Furthermore, as in Figure 5B As can be seen, when the second component 200 is in the open state, the blocking arm 160 is not located within the dispensing hole 160 or the storage cavity 103. Instead, the blocking arm 160 is positioned below the cover member 150. However, the blocking arm 160 still serves to prevent another consumable from being dispensed through the dispensing hole 160, as shown below. Figures 6A to 6E Detailed description.

[0062] Brief reference Figure 5CThe diagram shows a cross-section of the dispenser 10, through which cuts are made passing through the first pivot feature 105, the second pivot feature 210, and the third pivot feature 170. As discussed above, the first arcuate protrusion 211 of the second pivot feature 205 of the second assembly 200 is sandwiched between the first arcuate protrusion 106 of the first pivot feature 105 of the first assembly 100 and the first arcuate distal surface 173 of the first protrusion 171 of the third pivot feature 170 of the cover member 150. Similarly, the second arcuate protrusion 212 of the second pivot feature 205 of the second assembly 200 is sandwiched between the second arcuate protrusion 107 of the first pivot feature 105 of the first assembly 100 and the second arcuate distal surface 174 of the second protrusion 172 of the third pivot feature 170 of the cover member 150. The second component 200 can pivot about the pivot axis PP relative to the first component 100, which causes the first arched protrusion 211 and the second arched protrusion 212 of the second pivot feature 205 to slide / move within the gap 180 between the first pivot feature 105 and the third pivot feature 170 of the first component 100 and the cover member 150, respectively.

[0063] Refer in sequence Figures 6A to 6E The operation of the dispenser 10 will be described according to one embodiment of the invention. As described above, the dispenser 10 is configured to receive a plurality of consumables 300 in the storage cavity 103 of the first component 100, and to dispense one consumable 300 at a time for consumption by a user. The consumables 300 may take various forms, shapes, sizes, properties, formulations, etc.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, consumable 300 includes a soluble shell surrounding the active agent. The soluble shell may be formed of polyvinyl alcohol or other soluble film materials. Furthermore, when consumable 300 is intended for oral care, the active agent may be a mouthwash or toothpaste product. Thus, consumable 300 may be an oral care product, dispensed one at a time from dispenser 10 and then inserted into the user's mouth to provide benefits such as breath freshening, antibacterial properties, saliva irritation, sensitivity treatment, etc. When consumable 300 is a toothpaste product, it may be dispensed and then placed on a toothbrush for use. Furthermore, while consumable 300 is described herein as being for oral care, the invention is not limited thereto, and consumable 300 may take other forms, including soap products (single-use or reusable), acne treatment products, skin moisturizers, disinfectant products, etc. Additionally, consumables may include bath bombs, etc. In yet another embodiment, consumable 300 may be chewing gum, mints, etc. As used herein, the term consumable refers to any product that is used up and diminishes in size over time, and there is no specific requirement that the product be ingested. Furthermore, the term "product" is intended only to refer to small quantities of material intended to provide benefit to its user (medicinal products, mouthwash products, toothpaste products, moisturizing products, acne treatment products, disinfectant products, etc.).

[0065] exist Figure 6A In this configuration, all consumables 300 are located within the storage cavity 103 of the first component 100. Before changing the second component 200 from a closed state to an open state, the user should ensure that one of the consumables 300 is held by or otherwise located within the cup-shaped member 250 of the second component 200. Otherwise, if all consumables 300 are located within the storage cavity 103, none will be dispensed when the dispenser 10 (or its second component 200) is changed to an open state.

[0066] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B In order to manipulate the consumables 300 to ensure that one of the consumables 300 is held by the cup-shaped member 250, it may be necessary for the user to tilt, gently shake, or rotate the dispenser 10. In some cases, simply holding the dispenser 10 in place may be necessary. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The orientation shown will cause one of the consumables 300 to be held by the cup-shaped member 250. Figure 6BA dispenser 10 is shown in which multiple consumables 300 are located within the storage cavity 103 of a first component 100, and one of the consumables 301 is held by the cup-shaped member 250 of a second component 200. When one of the consumables 301 is located within the cup-shaped member 250, a post 255 ensures that one of the consumables 301 is raised within the holding cavity 254 of the cup-shaped member 250. Furthermore, a stop arm 260 partially surrounds one of the consumables 301 to hold it in position within the holding cavity 254 of the cup-shaped member 250. The holding cavity 254 of the cup-shaped member 250 is only large enough to hold one of the consumables 300 therein, and thus... Figure 6B As shown, another of the consumables 300 is still located in the storage cavity 103 of the first component 100 of the dispenser 10.

[0067] As discussed above, when the second component 200 is in the closed state, a portion of the cup-shaped member 250 is nested within the dispensing hole 160 of the cover member 150. Therefore, the consumable 300 cannot simply fall through the dispensing hole 160; instead, it may only enter the holding cavity 254 of the cup-shaped member 250. Furthermore, a blocking arm 260 is attached to the cup-shaped member 250 along its furthest point from the front end 108 of the first component 100 (which is also the front end of the dispenser 10). The blocking arm 260 extends upward from the distal end 252 of the cup-shaped member 250 and inward toward the cup axis CC, and also toward the front end 108 of the first component 100. The blocking arm 250 covers or wraps around a portion of one of the consumables 301 held by the cup-shaped member 250. The space between the distal end 261 of the blocking arm 260 and the inner surface 102 of the first component 100 is small enough that one of the disposable items 300 can fit between the distal end 261 of the blocking arm 260 and the inner surface 102 of the first component 100.

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 6B and Figure 6C The user can manually move the second component 200 from the closed state. Figure 6B Change to open state ( Figure 6C This is achieved by pivoting or rotating the second dispenser 200 about a pivot axis relative to the first dispenser 100. In doing so, in an exemplary embodiment, the spring 140 is compressed. As described above, the spring 140 may be omitted in other embodiments. Pivoting the second component 200 relative to the first component 100 to an open position causes the front end or front portion of the second component 200 to pivot away from the front end or front portion of the first component 100, creating an opening at the front end of the dispenser 10 through which the user can grasp one of the consumables 301 to remove it from the cup-shaped member 250.

[0069] After the dispenser 10 or its second component 200 has been changed to the open state, the user can insert his or her finger into the opening of the dispenser 10 to grasp one of the consumables 301 to remove it from the cup-shaped member 250 and take one of the consumables 301 out of the dispenser 10 for use. Specifically, the user can grasp one of the consumables 301 and remove it from the cup-shaped member 250 for dispensing. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, after the second component 200 is changed to the open state, one of the consumables 301 remains in the holding cavity of the cup-shaped member 250. That is, one of the consumables 301 is not simply dispensed from the dispenser 10 by changing the dispenser 10 to the open state, but rather this only exposes the cup-shaped member and one of the consumables 301 to the user, allowing the user to grasp one of the consumables 301 for consumption. In other embodiments, the action of changing the second component 200 from a closed state to an open state can cause one of the consumables 301 to be removed from the cup-shaped component 250 and automatically dispensed. However, this is not a preferred embodiment, as it may cause one of the consumables 301 to fall to the bottom or some other undesirable, unsanitary location.

[0070] As in Figure 6C As can be seen, when the second component 200 is in the open state, the cup-shaped member 250 and the blocking arm 260 are removed from the dispensing hole 160 of the cover assembly 150. Therefore, the second 302 of the consumable can enter the dispensing hole 160. However, the second 302 of the consumable cannot completely pass through the dispensing hole 160 to be removed from the storage cavity 103. That is, there is not enough space between the blocking arm 260 and the dispensing hole 160 for the second 302 of the consumable to fit through. Therefore, the blocking arm 260 prevents the second 302 of the consumable from being dispensed from the storage cavity 103. In other words, the diameter D1 of the second 302 of the consumable (and each of the consumables 300 in the storage cavity 103) is greater than the distance d1 between the distal end 262 of the blocking arm 260 and the inner surface 102 of the first component 100. The diameter D1 of consumable 300 is also greater than the distance d2 measured between the dispensing hole 160 and the back of the blocking arm 260, thereby preventing consumable 300 from entering the cavity 204 of the second component 200. Although the second 302 of the consumable can extend partially through the dispensing hole 160, it cannot be fully fitted for dispensing through the dispensing hole 160 due to the presence and positioning of the blocking arm 260.

[0071] Figure 6DOnly one of the consumables 301 is shown removed from the cup-shaped member 250 and thus also from the dispenser 10, so that one of the consumables 301 has been dispensed into the external environment. The user can then consume the consumable by inserting it into their mouth or for other uses depending on the type of product.

[0072] Next, refer to Figure 6D and Figure 6E Users can add the second component 200 (or the dispenser as a whole) from... Figure 6D The shown open state has changed to Figure 6E The closed state is shown. This can be achieved in various different ways depending on the structure and operation of the dispenser 10. For example, in an exemplary embodiment using spring 140, when the user releases his / her hold on the second component 200, spring 140 will apply an outward force, which will automatically cause the second component 200 to change from the open state to the closed state. In other embodiments, the interaction of spring 140 and the user with the force applied to the second component 200, or a combination of forces applied to the second component 200, is required to change the second component 200 from the open state to the closed state. In still other embodiments, spring 140 may be omitted, and the second component 200 may be changed from the open state to the closed state solely by the manual force applied by the user.

[0073] When the second component 200 changes from the second state to the first state, the blocking arm 260 pushes the second 302 in the consumable back into the inner cavity 103 of the first component 100, while continuing to prevent the second 302 in the consumable from being dispensed through the dispensing hole 160. Furthermore, after the second component 200 is in the closed state (or possibly some intermediate time during the change from the open state to the closed state), the second 302 in the consumable can enter the holding cavity 254 of the cup-shaped member 250. The dispenser 10 is now prepared for dispensing the second 302 in the consumable by changing the second component 200 back to the open state.

[0074] Reference Figures 7 to 10CThis illustration shows a second embodiment of a dispenser 20 according to one embodiment of the invention. Like dispenser 10, dispenser 20 generally includes a first component 400, a second component 500, and a cover member 450. Many features of dispenser 20 are similar to those of dispenser 10 described above, and for the sake of brevity, such features will not be described further herein. It should be understood that the description provided above is applicable. It should also be understood that the operation of dispenser 20 is substantially the same as that of dispenser 10 described above; therefore, a comprehensive and complete discussion of the operation of dispenser 20 will not be provided below. It should be understood that the description above relating to the operation of dispenser 10 is applicable. The focus of the description of dispenser 20 will be on features of dispenser 20 that differ from those of dispenser 10.

[0075] The first component 400 of dispenser 20 is very similar to the first component 100 of dispenser 10 described above, with the main difference being the construction of the pivot feature. Specifically, the first component 400 includes a first pivot feature 405, which includes a first U-shaped notch and a second U-shaped notch formed in the bottom edge 401 of the first component 400. This contrasts with the first pivot feature 105 of the first component 100, which is formed by a first arched protrusion 106 and a second arched protrusion 107. The first component 400 includes a storage cavity 403 defined by the inner surface 402 of the first component 400. The storage cavity 403 has an open end 404. Furthermore, the storage cavity 403 is configured to store a plurality of consumables 1300, such as... Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening 404 is located at the bottom edge 401 of the first component. The first component 400 is hemispherical in shape.

[0076] The cover member 450 is coupled to the first component 400 and covers the open end 404 of the first component 400. Similar to the previous embodiments, in other embodiments, the cover member 450 may be integrally formed with the first component 100 or the second component 200. See also... Figure 10C In an exemplary embodiment, the cover member 450 is connected to the first component 300 via a snap-fit ​​connection. Specifically, the cover member 450 includes a protrusion 479 nested within a recess 379 in the inner surface of the first component 300. In other embodiments, the first component 300 may include a protrusion nested within a recess in the cover member 450. In any case, the cover member 450 may be connected to the first component 300 via a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0077] The cover member 450 includes a dispensing hole 460 that provides a passage from the storage cavity 403 of the first component 400 to a location outside the storage cavity 403. However, in this embodiment, a guide wall 461 extends on a portion of the periphery of the dispensing hole 460. The guide wall 461 is an upright wall extending upward from the upper surface 451 of the cover member 450. In particular, the guide wall 461 is positioned along the portion of the dispensing hole 461 that is closest to the dispensing end of the dispenser 20 during assembly. The guide wall 461 includes an angled surface 462 oriented at an oblique angle relative to the axis of the dispensing hole 460. The guide wall 461 serves to feed consumables toward and into the dispensing hole 460 to facilitate loading one of the consumables onto the cup-shaped member or retaining member of the second component 500 described below. The dispensing orifice 460 may include a funnel-shaped portion 463 formed by angled outwards from the center of the dispensing orifice 460 by the upper portion of the wall surrounding the dispensing orifice 460. This is further used to guide consumables into and through the dispensing orifice 460.

[0078] The cover member 450 includes a third pivot feature 470, which includes a first protrusion 471 and a second protrusion 472 located on opposite sides thereon (one in... Figure 8 As shown in the image, another one is... Figure 9 (As shown in the figure). The first protrusion 471 and the second protrusion 472 each have convex upper surfaces 473 and 474.

[0079] The second component 500 includes a second pivot feature 510, which includes a first arched protrusion 511 and a second arched protrusion 512. When the dispenser 20 is assembled, the first arched protrusion 511 is nested between a first recess 405 of the first component 400 and a first protrusion 471 of the cover member 450, and the second arched protrusion 512 is nested between a second recess 405 of the first component 400 and a second protrusion 472 of the cover member 450. The relationship between the first recess 405 and the protrusions 472 and 512 is depicted in... Figure 10C This allows the second distributor 500 to pivot / rotate between the open and closed states in the same way as those described above for distributor 10.

[0080] The second component 500 also includes a cup-shaped member (or retaining member) 550 of the cup-shaped element 250, similar to that of the second component 200 of the dispenser 10. The cup-shaped member 550 includes an annular wall 551 defining a retaining cavity 554 configured to retain one of the consumable products for dispensing. In other embodiments, the annular wall 551 may be partially annular or may include a plurality of walls spaced apart to form an overall annular shape. The second component 500 also includes a stop arm 560 extending over a portion of the distal end of the annular wall 551 of the cup-shaped member 550. The stop arm 560 extends upward away from the cup-shaped member 550 and axially inward toward the cup-shaped member 550. The stop arm 560 is arcuate in its extension, but may be straight in other embodiments. The stop arm 560 extends in a direction generally toward the front dispensing end of the dispenser 20. When the dispenser 20 is in the closed state, the blocking arm 560 and the guide wall 461 together guide the consumables from the channel or chute into the dispensing opening 460 and through the dispensing opening 460.

[0081] The second component 500 includes a bottom 501, and a cup-shaped member 550 protrudes upward from the bottom 501. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second component 500 includes a spring element 540 integrally formed with the second component 500 and extending upward from the bottom 501. Therefore, the spring element 540 is formed of plastic, just like the remainder of the second component 500, rather than being a separate structure formed of metal or the like. The spring element 540 extends from the bottom 501 to a distal end 541 at an angle relative to the bottom 501. Furthermore, when the dispenser 20 is assembled, the spring element 540 extends along an axis inclined to the cover member 450. Although in the exemplary embodiment the distal end 541 is spaced apart from the cover member 450 in the closed state (see...). Figure 10A However, in some other embodiments, the distal end 541 may contact the cover member 450 in the closed state.

[0082] As described above, dispenser 20 operates in the same manner as dispenser 10, which will refer to Figure 10A and Figure 10BA brief description is provided. It should be noted that the above description of operation for dispenser 10 is equally applicable here because the dispensing function is the same between dispenser 10 and dispenser 20. Before use (and possibly before assembly), dispenser 20 is filled with consumable 600. When the second component 500 is closed, the cup-shaped member 550 is nested within the dispensing opening 460 of the cover member 450, and the stop arm 560 protrudes into the storage cavity 403 of the first component 400. When the second component 500 is closed, dispenser 20 can be shaken or tilted until one of the consumables 601 is loaded into the holding cavity 554 of the cup-shaped member 550.

[0083] Next, by pivoting / rotating the second component 500 relative to the first component 400, the second component 500 is moved from the closed state ( Figure 10A Change to open state ( Figure 10B This is achieved by applying a force to the rear portion of the bottom surface of the second component 500 in the direction toward the first component 400. When the second component 500 pivots relative to the first component 400, the rear portion 508 of the sidewall of the second component 500 wraps around the rear portion 408 of the sidewall of the first component 400, as compared... Figure 10B and Figure 10A What is depicted.

[0084] After the second component 500 is changed to the open state, the consumable in the holding cavity 554 can be removed by the user for use / consumption. Specifically, changing the second component 500 to the open state causes the front portion 509 of the second component 500 to pivot away from the front portion 409 of the first component 400, which creates an opening 570 in the dispenser 20. When the second component 500 is in the open state, one of the consumables 601 is still held by the cup-shaped member 550 and is not immediately dispensed from the dispenser 20. This prevents the consumable 600 from being dispensed to the bottom or other dirty spaces and ensures that the user intentionally removes the consumable 600 from the dispenser 20 when ready. When the second component 500 is in the open state, one of the consumables 601, and possibly a portion of the cup-shaped member 550, is visually exposed through the opening 570, making it accessible to the user. At this point, the user can insert his or her finger through the opening 570 to grasp one of the consumables 601 and remove it from the cup-shaped member 550 for use and / or consumption.

[0085] Furthermore, with the second component 500 in the open position, the blocking arm 560 prevents another of the consumables 600 located in the storage cavity 403 from being dispensed through the dispensing hole 460. (As in...) Figure 10BAs can be seen, the blocking arm 560 blocks the bottom of the dispensing hole 460, resulting in insufficient space for any of the consumables 600 to fit between the blocking arm 560 and the wall defining and defining the dispensing hole 460. Therefore, the dispenser 20 allows for the dispensing of a single consumable at a time for purposes such as dispensing, increased hygiene, etc.

[0086] First refer to Figures 11 to 15 The diagram illustrates a dispenser 1010 according to one embodiment of the invention. The dispenser 1010 generally includes a housing 1100 and a cover member 1200. The cover member 1200 is in a closed state ( Figure 11 ) and open state ( Figure 12 The dispenser 1010 is slidably connected to the housing 1100 between the two components. The dispenser 1010 is designed to hold multiple consumables, such as... Figure 16A As shown. Further details regarding the consumables will be provided below. As will be better understood from the detailed description below, when the cover member 1200 is in the open position, only those consumables located in the dedicated compartment will be dispensed, some of which have internal structures to prevent the dispensing of any remaining consumables. This allows for the appropriate dosage of consumables without requiring any additional effort from the user.

[0087] The housing 1100 of the dispenser 1010 extends along the longitudinal axis BB from the bottom end 1101 to the top end 1102. The housing 1100 includes a bottom wall 1103 and side walls 1104 extending from the bottom wall 1103 to the top end 1102. The side walls 1104 include a front wall portion 1105, a rear wall portion 1106, a first side wall portion 1107, and a second side wall portion 1108. The front wall portion 1105, the rear wall portion 1106, and the first side wall portion 1107 are all generally vertically oriented and have no shoulders or other protruding features. Of course, in other embodiments, protrusions or the like may be present on any of the walls to enhance the user's grip on the dispenser 1100 and make the dispenser 1100 easier to use. The second sidewall portion 1108 includes a first vertical portion 1109 connected to the bottom wall 1101, a second vertical wall portion 1110 extending to the top end 1102, and a recess 1111 extending between the first vertical wall portion 1109 and the second vertical wall portion 1110. The recess 1111 extends from the first vertical wall portion 1109 in a direction away from the longitudinal axis BB, thereby forming a downward-facing shoulder portion 1112.

[0088] The housing 1100 includes an inner surface 1113 defining an inner cavity 1114 having an open apex at its top end 1102. That is, the top end 1102 of the housing 1100 surrounds an opening into the inner cavity 1114. The housing 1100 includes a partition wall 1115 dividing the inner cavity 1114 into a main compartment 1116 and a distribution compartment 1117. The inner surface of the bottom wall 1103 of the housing 1100 forms the bottom 1118 of the main compartment 1116 of the inner cavity 1114. The inner surface of the recess 1111 of the second sidewall portion 1108 of the sidewall 1100 of the housing 1100 forms the bottom 1119 of the distribution compartment 1117 of the inner cavity 1114. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the bottom 1119 of the distribution compartment 1117 is convex, although this is not required in all embodiments. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the bottom 1119 of the dispensing compartment 1117 is axially offset from the bottom 1118 of the main compartment 1116, although the structure of the dispenser 1010 can be modified and this is not necessarily required in all embodiments. The shape and structure of the dispenser 1010 are designed to provide enhanced ergonomics and comfortable operation and use, but modifications are possible without affecting the functionality described herein.

[0089] The main compartment 1116 is defined by a bottom wall 1103, a front wall portion 1105, a rear wall portion 1106, a first side wall portion 1107, a first vertical portion 1109 of a second side wall portion 1108, and a partition wall 1115. The distribution compartment 1117 is defined by a recess 1111 of the second side wall portion 1108, a second vertical portion 1110 of the second side wall portion 1108, portions of the front wall 1105 and the rear wall 1106, and a partition wall 1115.

[0090] The partition wall 1115 includes a front surface 1120 facing the dispensing compartment 1117 and a rear surface 1121 facing the main compartment 1116. The partition wall 1115 includes an opening 1122 extending from the front surface 1120 to the rear surface 1121. The opening 1122 in the partition wall 1115 forms a passage between the main compartment 1116 and the dispensing compartment 1117. Furthermore, the opening 1122 is the only passage between the main compartment 1116 and the dispensing compartment 1117. In an exemplary embodiment, and as discussed in more detail below, the opening 1122 in the partition wall 1115 has a cross-sectional shape and area configured to allow one of the disposable items to fit through it. Therefore, the opening 1122 does not have a specific cross-sectional shape / area, but rather the cross-sectional dimensions and shape of the opening 1122 can be determined based on the size and shape of the disposable item to ensure that one of the disposable items can fit through the opening 1122 in the partition wall 1115.

[0091] Similarly, the dispensing compartment 1117 is configured to hold a single consumable at a time or otherwise accommodate a single consumable. That is, the size or volume of the dispensing compartment 1117 allows only one of the consumables at a time to fit within it. In some embodiments, the combination of the size / shape of the opening 1122 in the partition wall 1115 and the size / shape of the dispensing compartment 1117 ensures that only one of the consumables at a time can be arranged within the dispensing compartment 1117. This will be referred to below. Figure 16B Let's discuss this in more detail.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the partition wall 1115 includes a connecting protrusion 1123 projecting from the rear surface 1121 of the partition wall 1115. The connecting protrusion 1123 interacts with a connecting feature of the cover member 1200 to allow the cover member 1200 to be positioned as follows: Figure 11 The closed state shown and as Figure 12 The open state maintains the connection between the cover member 1200 and the housing 1100. While in the exemplary embodiment, the housing 1100 includes a connecting protrusion 1123 and the cover member 1200 includes a mating slot (described below), in other embodiments, the housing 1100 may include a slot that mates with the protrusion of the cover member 1200. Furthermore, other mechanisms may be used to ensure that the cover member 1200 remains attached to the housing 1100 in both the open and closed states. For example, the housing 1100 may include a ridge along its top end 1102 that engages a lip projecting inwardly from the sidewall of the cover member 1200, such that the engagement between the lip and the ridge prevents easy separation of the cover member 1200 from the housing 1100.

[0093] Also refer to Figures 11 to 15 The cover member 1200 will be described below. The cover member 1200 includes a top wall 1201 that covers the top end of an opening in the cavity 1114 of the housing 1100 when the cover member 1200 is attached to the housing 1100. The top wall 1201 has a lower surface 1202 and an upper surface 1203, wherein when the cover member 1200 is attached to the housing 1100, the lower surface 1202 faces the cavity 1114 of the housing 1100, and the upper surface 1203 forms the exposed top surface of the dispenser 1010.

[0094] The cover member 1200 includes an outer sidewall 1205 extending from the lower surface 1202 of the top wall 1201. The cover member 1200 also includes an inner sidewall 1206 extending from the lower surface 1202 of the top wall 1201. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner sidewall 1205 and the outer sidewall 1206 are spaced apart such that when the cover member 1200 is attached to the housing 1100, the upper portion of the sidewall 1104 of the housing 1100 is nested within the space between the inner sidewall 1205 and the outer sidewall 1206. In some embodiments, one of the inner sidewall 1205 and the outer sidewall 1206 may be omitted without affecting the attachment between the cover member 1200 and the housing 1100. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer sidewall 1205 and the inner sidewall 1206 of the cover member 1200 are collectively referred to as the sidewalls of the cover member 1200.

[0095] The sidewall of the cover member 1200 includes a distribution portion 1207. When the cover member 1200 is connected to the housing 1100, the distribution portion 1207 is located within the distribution compartment 1117 of the housing 1100, as shown in... Figure 15 As best seen in the example embodiment, the sidewall dispensing portion 1207 is formed as part of the inner sidewall 1206. The sidewall dispensing portion 1207 includes a dispensing opening 1208 that allows one or more consumables to access the external environment from the dispensing compartment 1117 when the cover member 1200 changes from a closed state to an open state, as referenced below. Figure 16C and Figure 16D More detailed description.

[0096] The top wall 1201 and the side walls 1205, 1206 together define the cover cavity 1209. Therefore, the lower surface 1202 of the top wall 1201 forms the bottom of the cover cavity 1209, and the side walls 1205, 1206 form the outer boundary of the cover cavity 1209. Furthermore, the cover member 1200 includes a stop wall 1210 extending from the lower surface 1202 of the top wall 201 into and through the cover cavity 1209. The stop wall 1210 divides the cover cavity 1209 into a first portion 1211 and a second portion 1212, wherein the second portion 1212 is located between the stop wall 1210 and the distribution portions 1207 of the side walls 1205, 1206. When the cover member 1200 is connected to the housing 1100, the first part 1211 of the cover cavity 1209 is aligned with the main compartment 1116 of the inner cavity 1114 of the housing 1100, and the second part 1212 of the cover cavity 1209 is aligned with the distribution compartment 1117 of the inner cavity 1114 of the housing 1100.

[0097] The stop wall 1210 includes a front surface 1213 facing the second portion 1212 of the cover cavity 1209 and a rear surface 1214 facing the first portion 1211 of the cover cavity 1209. Furthermore, the stop wall 1210 includes a through opening 1215 extending from the front surface 1213 to the rear surface 1214. (See the following reference...) Figures 16A to 16E As will be explained, when the cover member 1200 is in the open state, the stop wall 1210 blocks the opening 1122 in the partition wall 1115 of the housing 1100 to prevent consumables from entering the dispensing compartment 1117 from the main compartment 1116 when the cover member 1200 is in the open state. This ensures that only one of the consumables (those already located in the dispensing compartment 1117 when the cover member 1200 changes from the closed state to the open state) is dispensed from the dispenser 1010 at a time. When the cover member 1200 is in the closed state, the through opening 1215 in the stop wall 1210 aligns with the opening 1122 in the partition wall 1115, allowing one of the consumables to enter the dispensing compartment 1117 from the main compartment 1116 when the cover member 1200 is in the closed state. Figure 15 Dispenser 1010 is shown with cover member 1200 in a closed state, and as can be seen, through opening 1215 is aligned with opening 1122 in partition wall 1115, allowing consumables to move between main compartment 1116 and dispensing compartment 1117.

[0098] The stop wall 1210 further includes a vertically elongated connecting slot 1216. When the cover member 1200 is attached to the housing 1100, the stop wall 1210 is positioned adjacent to the rear surface 1121 of the partition wall 1115 of the housing 1100. Specifically, the front surface 1213 of the stop wall 1210 faces the rear surface 1121 of the partition wall 1115 of the housing 1100. When positioned in this way, the connecting protrusion 1123, protruding from the rear surface 1121 of the partition wall 1115 of the housing 1100, is nested within the connecting slot 1216 formed through the stop wall 1210. Therefore, when the cover member 1200 slides relative to the housing 1100, the connecting protrusion 1123 slides relative to the connecting slot 1216 (or vice versa), and the connecting protrusion 1123 remains within the connecting slot 1216. This prevents the cover member 1200 from easily separating from the housing 1100. As can be understood, when the cover member 1200 is in the fully open state, the connecting protrusion 1123 will abut against the inner surface of the stop wall 1210, which surrounds the connecting slot 1216 to prevent the cover member 200 from sliding further in the opening direction. Of course, the user can pull the connecting protrusion 1123 out of the connecting slot 1216 with considerable force, but as mentioned above, the user will realize that this is not desirable when the connecting protrusion 1123 abuts against the inner surface of the stop wall 1210.

[0099] The through opening 1215 in the stop wall 1210 is raised relative to the lower surface 1202 of the top wall 1201 of the cover member 1200. Therefore, to ensure that the consumable is aligned with the through opening 1215 during dispensing operations, the cover member 1200 includes a plurality of ribs 1230 projecting from the lower surface 1202 of the top wall 1201. The ribs 1230 terminate at distal ends 1231, which are aligned with or slightly recessed below the through opening 1215 in the stop wall 1210. Thus, when a user dispenses a consumable from the dispenser 1010, the consumable is raised by the ribs 1230 and fed through the through opening 1215 in the stop wall 1210, as referenced below. Figures 16A to 16E More detailed description.

[0100] As in Figure 15 As best seen, when the cover member 1200 is attached to the housing 1100, the distribution portions 1207 of the side walls 1205, 1206 of the cover member 1200 are located within the distribution compartment 1117 of the inner cavity 1114 of the housing 1100. Furthermore, the stop wall 1210 is located within the main compartment 1116 of the inner cavity 1114 of the housing 1100. In an alternative embodiment, the stop wall 1210 may also be located within the distribution compartment 1117 of the inner cavity 1114 of the housing 1100. When the cover member 1100 is in the closed state, the through opening 1215 in the stop wall 1215 aligns with the opening 1122 of the partition wall 1115 to allow consumables to pass freely between the main compartment 1116 and the distribution compartment 1117 one at a time. Furthermore, the dispensing opening 1208 in the dispensing portion 1207 of the side walls 1205 and 1206 of the cover member 1200 is blocked by the second vertical portion 1110 of the second side wall portion 1108 of the housing 1100. Therefore, when the cover member 1200 is in the closed state, it prevents the consumable from leaving the inner cavity 1114 of the housing 1100. In addition, in the closed state, the cover member 1200 seals the package to keep the product safe and fresh and to prevent accidental opening.

[0101] In one embodiment, when the cover member 1200 is closed, a plug seal feature is present, which engages with the periphery of the housing 1100 to keep the cover member 200 tightly closed when not in use, thereby protecting the consumable 1300 from any possible damage due to air, moisture, foreign matter, etc. Such a seal may be necessary to prevent the cover member 1200 from sliding freely up and down along the housing 1100. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner sidewall 1206 is a continuous wall extending to the periphery of the housing 1100 to perform the sealing function. Furthermore, the sealing feature can provide a tactile and audible cues of the packaging being closed (i.e., similar to the user feeling friction / force and possibly hearing a snap when the product is slammed shut).

[0102] In some embodiments, the housing 1100 may be formed of plastic and may be transparent. This allows the user the ability to visually inspect the contents of the dispenser 1010, including seeing how much consumable remains within the cavity 1114 of the dispenser 1010 for use. In some embodiments, the cap member 1200 may also be formed of plastic and may be transparent. In other embodiments, the cap member 1200 may be formed of a translucent or opaque material. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the housing 1100 may also be translucent or opaque. Therefore, variations in the degree of transparency of the various portions of the dispenser 1010 are possible within the scope of the invention described and claimed herein.

[0103] Now refer to in sequence Figures 16A to 16E This section will describe the operation of dispenser 1010 dispensing consumables 1300. As previously mentioned, Figures 16A to 16E A dispenser 1010 is shown in which a consumable 1300 is contained. The consumable 1300 can take many different forms. In some embodiments, the consumable 1300 may be referred to as a consumable bead. The consumable 1300 may be a tablet, capsule, soluble article, etc. Although in exemplary embodiments the consumable 1300 is circular or spherical in shape, the invention is not limited thereto, and the consumable 1300 may take any desired shape, including but not limited to cubes, pyramids, stars, irregular shapes, etc. The consumables 1300 may all have the same shape, or the individual consumables 1300 within the same dispenser 1010 may have different shapes.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, consumable 1300 includes a soluble shell surrounding the active agent. The soluble shell may be formed of polyvinyl alcohol or other soluble film materials. Furthermore, when consumable 1300 is intended for oral care, the active agent may be a mouthwash or toothpaste product. Thus, consumable 1300 may be an oral care product, dispensed one at a time from dispenser 1010 and then inserted into the user's mouth to provide benefits such as breath freshening, antibacterial properties, saliva irritation, sensitivity treatment, etc. When consumable 1300 is a toothpaste product, it may be dispensed and then placed on a toothbrush for use. Furthermore, while consumable 1300 is described herein as being for oral care, the invention is not limited thereto, and consumable 1300 may take other forms, including as a soap product (single-use or multiple-use), an acne treatment product, a skin moisturizer, a disinfectant, etc. Additionally, consumables may include bath salt balls, etc. In yet another embodiment, consumable 1300 may be chewing gum, mints, etc. As used herein, the term consumable refers to any product that is used up and diminishes in size over time, without specifically requiring that the product be ingested. Furthermore, the term product is intended only to refer to small quantities of material intended to provide benefit to its user (medicinal products, mouthwash products, toothpaste products, moisturizing products, acne treatment products, disinfectant products, etc.).

[0105] Figure 16A A dispenser 1010 filled with consumable 1300 is shown. Figure 16A In this configuration, the dispenser 1010 is in its upright orientation, with the bottom end 1101 of the housing 1100 facing downwards (e.g., towards the bottom of a space or a site facing the external environment). Figure 16A In this position, the cover member 1200 is in a closed state. Therefore, the dispensing opening 1208 is blocked by the second vertical portion 1110 of the second sidewall portion 1108 of the sidewall 1104 of the housing 1100. In this position, the through opening 1215 in the stop wall 1210 of the cover member 1200 is fully aligned with the opening 1122 of the partition wall 1115 of the housing 1100, allowing consumables 1300 to be moved one after another from the main compartment 1116 to the dispensing compartment 1117 via the through openings 1215 and 1122.

[0106] In order to dispense one of the consumables 1300 from dispenser 1010, it may be necessary to tilt dispenser 1010 in the direction of arrow T so that the dispensing hole 1208 faces downward. Alternatively, dispenser 1010 may be rotated so that it is inverted and oriented with the bottom wall 1101 facing upward. Figure 16B The distributor 1010 is shown after being rotated and inverted. It should be understood that the distributor 1010 does not need to be rotated and completely inverted to perform its dispensing function, but tilting the distributor 1010 can achieve the same result.

[0107] As in Figure 16B As can be seen, the dispenser 1010 has been rotated 180°, such that the bottom wall 1101 of the cover member 11200 faces upward and the upper surface 1203 of the top wall 1201 faces downward. When the dispenser 1010 is tilted or rotated in this manner, one of the consumables 1301 is fed through the through opening 1215 of the stop wall 1210 and the opening 1122 of the partition wall 1115. That is, one of the consumables 1301 moves from the main compartment 1116 located in the inner cavity 1114 to the dispensing compartment 1117 located in the inner cavity 1114. This is due to the fact that the distal end 1231 of the rib 1230 bends downward toward the through opening 1215 of the stop wall 1210 and the opening 1122 of the partition wall 1115. Therefore, the consumable 1301 travels along the curved distal end 1231 of the rib 1230 and is fed into and through the aforementioned openings 1215, 1122. This movement of one of the consumables 1301 can occur solely by gravity.

[0108] Furthermore, when the cover 1200 is in the closed state, since the openings 1215 and 1122 are substantially aligned, one of the consumables 1301 can pass through the openings 1215 and 1122. Therefore, the through opening 1215 of the stop wall 1210 is not significantly blocked by the partition wall 1115, and the opening 1122 of the partition wall 1115 is not significantly blocked by the stop wall 1210.

[0109] Although the inner cavity 1114 was previously described as part of the housing 1100, it is actually formed jointly by the housing 1100 and the cover member 1200. This distinction is important for understanding the position of the consumable 1300 within the dispenser 1010 during the dispensing process. In particular, when the cover member 1200 translates away from the housing 1100, as shown below... Figure 16B As discussed, one of the consumables 1301 remains within the second portion 1212 of the cover cavity 1209. However, as described herein, the second portion 1212 of the cover cavity 1209 and the dispensing compartment 1117 of the inner cavity 1114 of the housing 1100 together form the dispensing compartment 1050 of the dispenser 10.

[0110] The dispensing compartment 1050 of the dispenser 1010 is sized and shaped, and is therefore configured to hold only a single consumable 1300 at a time. In an exemplary embodiment, this is achieved by forming the dispensing compartment 1050 of the dispenser 1010 with a width W1 greater than the width or diameter of one of the consumables 1300 but less than the width or diameter of both of the consumables 1300. Specifically, while the dispensing compartment 1050 has a width W1, the consumables 1300 have a minimum width W2. The width W1 is greater than the width W2, allowing one of the consumables 1300 to fit within the dispensing compartment 1050, but the width W1 is less than twice the width W2, preventing both of the consumables 1300 from fitting within the dispensing compartment 1050. More specifically, the width W1 may not be greater than 1.5 times the width W2, or more specifically, not greater than 1.3 times the width W2.

[0111] like Figure 16B As shown, this is because while one of the consumables 1301 is entirely located within the dispensing compartment 1050, the second consumable 1302 is partially located within the dispensing compartment 1050. In some embodiments, it is desirable to ensure that no more than half the width of the second consumable 1302 enters the dispensing compartment 1050, such that when the cover member 1200 changes from a closed state to an open state, the stop wall 1210 and the partition wall 1115 force the second consumable 1302 to move back into the main compartment 1116 of the housing 1100. This ensures that each time the cover member 1200 changes from a closed state to an open state, only one of the consumables 1300 (specifically, one of the consumables 1301) is dispensed.

[0112] Now refer to Figure 16B and Figure 16C This will describe the allocation of one of the consumables, 1301. Figure 16B In the middle, the cover component 1200 is in a closed state, while... Figure 16C In the middle, the cover member 1200 is in the open state. In order to change the cover member 1200 from the closed state to the open state, the cover member 1200 is moved in a first axial direction away from the housing 1100 (i.e., in the direction of the housing 1100). Figure 16B (In the direction of the arrow marked D1) translation. When the cover member 1200 moves in the first axial direction D1, two important things happen. First, the dispensing hole 1208 in the dispensing section 1207 of the cover member 1200 becomes exposed, thereby allowing one of the consumables 1301 located in the dispensing compartment 1050 of the dispenser 1010 to be dispensed to the external environment. Second, as the cover member 1200 moves relative to the housing 1100, the stop wall 1210 of the cover member 1200 and the partition wall 1115 of the housing 1100 force the second 1302 in the consumable capsule to move back into the main compartment 1116 of the housing 1100.

[0113] Furthermore, when the cover member 1200 is in the open state, a portion of the partition wall 1115 of the housing 1100 extends over the through opening 1215 of the stop wall 1210 of the cover member 1200 and at least partially blocks the through opening 1215 of the stop wall 1210 of the cover member 1200. Similarly, the stop wall 1210 extends over the opening 1122 of the partition wall 1115 and at least partially blocks the opening 1122 of the partition wall 1115. Figure 16C In this configuration, the slot 1216 of the cover member 1200 is aligned with the opening 1122 of the partition wall 1115. However, the slot 1216 is much narrower than the opening 1122 of the partition wall 1115, so at this position, most of the stop wall 1210 still blocks the opening 1122 of the partition wall 1115. The key point is that when the cover member 1200 is in such a position... Figure 16C When the cover member 1200 is in the open state, it prevents the consumable 1300 located in the main compartment 1116 from entering the dispensing compartment 1117, and prevents one of the consumables 1301 located in the dispensing compartment 1117 from entering the main compartment 1116. Therefore, when the cover member 1200 is changed to the open state, one of the dispensing products 1301, and only one of the dispensing products 1301, can be dispensed from the dispenser 1010 to the external environment.

[0114] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the dispenser 1010 dispenses a single dose of consumable 1300 to the user each time the cap member 1200 changes from a closed state to an open state. In an exemplary embodiment, a single dose comprises a single consumable 1300. However, in other embodiments, the consumable 1300 may be smaller than the size of the dispensing compartment 1050 of the dispenser 1010, such that more than one of the consumables 1300 may fit into the dispensing compartment 1050 at a time. However, regardless of the specific or exact number, the number or amount of consumables 1300 that may fit into the dispensing compartment 1050 at a time may be equal to one dose of consumable 1300. Furthermore, some products that can be used as consumables 1300 do not have a specific dosage requirement (e.g., mints or chewing gum). However, it is desirable to dispense only a certain number of pieces or a certain amount at a time. Therefore, the dispenser 1010 described herein is also suitable for use with consumables that do not have a specific dosage requirement.

[0115] It should be understood that before changing the cover member 1200 from the closed state to the open state, it must be ensured that one of the consumables 1300 is located within the dispensing compartment 1050 of the dispenser 1010. This is because after the cover member 1200 is in the open state, the consumables 1300 in the main compartment 1116 cannot enter the dispensing compartment 1050 and therefore cannot be dispensed. If the cover member 1200 is changed to the open state and none of the consumables 1300 is located in the dispensing compartment 1050, the cover member 1200 must be changed back to the closed state by tilting, twisting, shaking, or holding it so that one of the consumables 1300 moves into the dispensing compartment 1050, and then changed back to the open state for dispensing.

[0116] Brief reference Figure 16D Distributor 1010 is shown in the position as follows Figure 16C The precise position shown is such that the cover member 1200 is in the open state, but one of the consumables 1301 is dispensed through the dispensing opening 1208. Specifically, after the cover member 1200 changes to the open state, one of the consumables 1301 located in the dispensing compartment 1050 of the dispenser 1010 can be dispensed through the dispensing opening 1208, which is exposed and no longer obstructed by any part of the sidewall of the housing 1100. Figure 16D It is also shown how the separation wall 1115 and the stop wall 1210 prevent another of the consumables 1300 from moving from the main compartment 1116 of the housing 1100 into the dispensing compartment 1050 of the dispenser 1010, due to the partition wall 1115 and the stop wall 1210 blocking each other's openings 1120, 1215. The openings 1120, 1215 do not need to be completely blocked, but are sufficiently blocked to ensure that the consumable 1300 cannot pass through them. Specifically, because the openings 1120, 1215 are misaligned, the consumable 1300 can enter the dispensing compartment 1050 through either opening 1120, 1215. However, when the cover member 1200 is in the open state, the structure of the dispenser 1010 ensures that both openings 1120, 1215 are sufficiently blocked to prevent this from happening.

[0117] When the distributor 1010 is in such a state Figure 16C and Figure 16D In the indicated position / state, the cover member 1200 is in the fully open position. In an exemplary embodiment, because the protrusion 1123 on the partition wall 1115 of the housing 1100 engages with the surface of the stop wall 1210 surrounding the slot 1216, the protrusion 1123 on the partition wall 1115 of the housing 1100 prevents the cover member 1200 from translating further in direction D1 beyond its position. Figure 16C and Figure 16D The situation is shown below. Based on observation... Figure 16C and Figure 16D It should be obvious that, due to the engagement between the protrusion 1123 of the housing 1100 and the slot 1216 of the stop wall 1210 of the cover member 1200, the cover member 1200 cannot move further axially away from the housing 1100.

[0118] Reference Figure 16D and Figure 16E This section describes what happens when the cover member 1200 changes from an open state to a closed state. To change the cover member 1200 from an open state to a closed state, the cover member 1200 moves in a second axial direction D2 opposite to the first axial direction D1 (see...). Figure 16D (The arrows and markings in the text) move. Specifically, the cover member 1200 is translated back toward the housing 1100. When the cover member 1200 is changed back to the closed state, the second 1302 in the consumable will pass through the openings 1215 and 1122 in the stop wall 1115 and the partition wall 1210, respectively, and enter the dispensing compartment 1050 of the dispenser 1010. Figure 16E The third consumable 1303 is shown partially positioned within openings 1215, 1122 and into dispensing compartment 1050, but when cover member 1200 is opened, the third consumable 1303 is forced back into main compartment 1116 of housing 1110, as described above. Therefore, the next time cover member 1200 is changed to the open state, the second consumable 1302 will be dispensed through dispensing opening 208.

[0119] Furthermore, when the cover member 1200 is in the closed state, the distributor can rotate back to its upright orientation (see [reference]). Figure 16A If one of the consumables is located within the dispensing compartment 1050, it will remain positioned in an upright orientation relative to the dispenser 1010 such that it will be easily dispensed the next time the user opens the cover member 1200, even if this is done without first tilting or rotating the cover member 1200. Furthermore, the dispenser 1010 can be rotated back to an upright orientation before the cover member 1200 is changed from an open to a closed state. In such a case, it is likely that all consumables 1300 will remain within the main compartment 1116 until the dispenser 1010 is rotated back to an inverted orientation.

[0120] In an exemplary embodiment, the movement of the cover member 1200 is entirely manual. Specifically, the user must manually pull the cover member 1200 away from the housing 1100 to change the cover member 1200 from a closed state to an open state, and the user must manually push the cover member 1200 back toward the housing 1100 to change the cover member 1200 from an open state to a closed state. In an alternative embodiment, a biasing member such as a spring may be used to control the opening / closing of the cover member 1200 relative to the housing 1100.

[0121] For example, in one embodiment, a tension spring may be present between the cover member 1200 and the housing 1100. The tension spring is a helically wound metal wire that resists tension. Therefore, such a tension spring will bias the cover member 1200 into a closed state by pulling the cover member 1200 toward the housing 1100. When the user applies a pulling force to the cover member 1200 to change it into an open state, the tension spring will apply a spring force to attempt to pull the cover member 1200 back to the closed state. Therefore, the user must maintain a pulling force on the cover member 1200 greater than the spring force of the tension spring to keep the cover member 1200 in the open state. After the user releases the pulling force on the cover member 1200, the tension spring pulls the cover member 1200 back toward the housing 1100 into the closed state. Therefore, the user will not need to manually change the cover member 1200 back to the closed state.

[0122] In another embodiment, a compression spring may be present between the cover member 1200 and the housing 1100. The compression spring is a helically wound metal wire that resists thrust. Therefore, such a compression spring can bias the cover member 1200 into an open state by pushing it away from the housing 1100. In this embodiment, the user would need to push the cover member 1200 towards the housing 1100 with a force exceeding that of the compression spring to change the cover member 200 into a closed state. Once in the closed state, consumables can be loaded into the dispensing compartment 1050 of the dispenser 1010. The user can then release the thrust, at which point the compression spring will push the cover member 1200 away from the housing 100 and return it to the open state, thereby dispensing the consumables loaded into the dispensing compartment 1050. These and other variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible and fall within the scope of the invention claimed herein.

[0123] In addition, other types of springs or elastic elements can be used to achieve spring-type action. For example, in some embodiments, the elastic element can be a plastic spring. Such a plastic spring can be a separate component or molded into a cap / cover component.

[0124] Ultimately, while the dispenser 1010 is a two-part construction in the exemplary embodiment, the invention is not limited to this in all embodiments. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the two parts are the housing 1100 and the cover member 1200. In other embodiments, there may be an additional internal portion forming a wall separating the main compartment 1116 from the dispensing compartment 1117. In such an embodiment, this additional internal portion may snap onto the cover member 1200.

[0125] As used throughout, a range is used as a shorthand to describe the individual values ​​within that range and each value. Any value within the range may be chosen as an end value of the range. Furthermore, all references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event of any conflict between definitions in this disclosure and definitions in the cited references, the definitions in this disclosure shall prevail.

[0126] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, including the currently preferred mode for implementing the invention, those skilled in the art will understand that various variations and arrangements of the above system and techniques exist. It should be understood that other embodiments can be utilized, and structural and functional modifications can be made, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should be interpreted broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

[0127] Collection of exemplary technical solutions

[0128] 1. A dispenser comprising: a first component including a storage cavity having an open end, the storage cavity containing a plurality of consumables; a closure member coupled to the first component and closing the open end of the storage cavity, the closure member including a dispensing orifice configured to allow one of the consumables to fit through therein at a time; and a second component pivotally coupled to the first component, the second component including a cup-shaped member configured to hold one of the consumables and a blocking arm; wherein the second component is pivotable relative to the first component between a (1) closed state and an (2) open state, wherein in the closed state the cup-shaped member of the second component is at least partially located within the dispensing orifice of the closure member for loading one of the consumables onto the cup-shaped member, and in the open state the cup-shaped member pivots away from the dispensing orifice to allow removal of the one of the consumables from the cup-shaped member, and the blocking arm prevents any remaining consumables in the storage cavity from being dispensed through the dispensing orifice.

[0129] 2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein when the second component is changed from the closed state to the open state, one of the consumables remains loaded into the cup-shaped member until it is removed by the user.

[0130] 3. The dispenser according to claim 2, wherein when the second component is in the open state, one of the cup-shaped member and the consumable is exposed and accessible, allowing the user to directly touch the consumable to remove it from the cup-shaped member.

[0131] 4. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second component further comprises a spring element integrally formed therewith, the spring element being used to bias the second component into the closed state.

[0132] 5. The dispenser according to item 4, wherein the spring element protrudes from the bottom of the second assembly along a spring axis that intersects the closing member at an inclined angle.

[0133] 6. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second component defines an inner cavity including a bottom, the cup-shaped member extending upward from the bottom, and wherein when the second component is in the closed state, the lower portion of the first component and the closing member are nested within the inner cavity of the second component.

[0134] 7. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first component includes a first pivot feature, the second component includes a second pivot feature, and the closure member includes a third pivot feature, the second pivot feature being sandwiched between the first pivot feature and the third pivot feature, and each of the first pivot feature, the second pivot feature and the third pivot feature is arcuate.

[0135] 8. The dispenser according to item 7, wherein the first pivot feature and the third pivot feature are spaced apart by a gap forming a track, and the second pivot feature is located within the track and moves along the track when the second component changes between the closed state and the open state.

[0136] 9. The dispenser according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first pivoting feature includes a pair of recesses formed in the sidewall of the first component at the distal end of the sidewall, the second pivoting feature includes a first pair of arcuate protrusions extending from the inner surface of the sidewall of the second component, and the third pivoting feature includes a second pair of arcuate protrusions extending from the outer surface of the closure member.

[0137] 10. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second component includes an inner surface having a slot, and the first component includes an outer surface having a ridge nested within the slot of the second component, the ridge moving within the slot when the second component changes between a first state and a second state.

[0138] 11. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the closing member includes a guide wall extending upward from the dispensing orifice for guiding one of the consumables into and through the dispensing orifice to be captured by the cup-shaped member.

[0139] 12. The dispenser according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the closing member is snap-fitted to the first component.

[0140] 13. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cover member is coupled to the first component to form a first seal, and the second component is coupled to at least one of the first component and the cover member to form a second seal, thereby storing the plurality of consumables located within the storage cavity.

[0141] 14. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cup-shaped member includes an upright annular wall extending from the bottom of the second component, the inner surface of the upright annular wall and the bottom together defining a holding cavity for holding one of the plurality of consumables.

[0142] 15. The dispenser according to item 14 further includes a post protruding from the bottom of the second component within the holding cavity, and wherein, when one of the plurality of consumables is held by the cup-shaped member, one of the plurality of consumables is located at the top of the distal end of the post.

[0143] 16. The dispenser according to item 14 or 15, wherein the blocking arm extends over the top of one of the plurality of consumables to retain one of the plurality of consumables within the retaining cavity of the cup-shaped member when the second component changes from the closed state to the open state.

[0144] 17. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising: wherein when the second component is in a closed state, the blocking arm extends into the storage cavity of the first component; and wherein when the second component is in the open state, the blocking arm is located outside the storage cavity of the first component, and a distal end of the blocking arm is positioned sufficiently close to or within the dispensing orifice to prevent the consumable in the storage cavity of the first component from being dispensed through the dispensing orifice.

[0145] 18. The dispenser according to item 17, wherein when the second component is in the open state, there is insufficient space between the blocking arm and the inner surface of the dispensing hole for the consumable to pass through.

[0146] 19. The dispenser according to any one of items 1 to 18, wherein changing the second component between the open state and the closed state includes pivoting or rotating the second component relative to the first component by a maximum pivot angle of 10° to 40°.

[0147] 20. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first component is transparent or translucent, such that the consumable within the storage cavity is at least partially visible.

[0148] 21. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the cup-shaped member defines a retaining cavity extending along an axis, the cup-shaped member being defined by an annular wall, and wherein the blocking arm is an extension of the annular arm and protrudes from the distal end of the annular wall in an inward direction toward the axis.

[0149] 22. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein when the second component changes from the closed state to the open state, the rear portion of the second component pivots away from the rear portion of the first component and the front portion of the second component to create an opening through which a user can grasp one of the consumables to remove it from the cup-shaped member.

[0150] 23. A dispenser comprising: a storage assembly including a storage cavity for receiving a plurality of consumables and a dispensing orifice configured to dispense one of the consumables at a time; and a dispensing assembly pivotally coupled to the storage assembly, the dispensing assembly including a retaining member configured to retain the one of the consumables; wherein the dispensing assembly is pivotable relative to the storage assembly between a (1) closed state and an (2) open state, wherein in the closed state the retaining member of the dispensing assembly is loaded with one of the consumables; and in the open state an opening is created between a front portion of the storage assembly and a front portion of the dispensing assembly while the retaining member of the dispensing assembly continues to retain the one of the consumables, and wherein the one of the consumables is visible through the opening and is not dispensed from the dispenser.

[0151] 24. The dispenser according to claim 23, wherein the dispensing component further includes a blocking arm, and wherein when the second component is in the open state, the blocking arm prevents any remaining consumable in the storage cavity from being dispensed through the dispensing orifice.

[0152] 25. The dispenser according to item 24, wherein the blocking arm extends directly from the retaining member of the dispensing assembly.

[0153] 25. The dispenser according to any one of items 23 to 25, wherein one of the consumables remains mounted on the retaining member of the dispensing assembly until it is physically removed by the user.

[0154] 26. A dispenser comprising: a storage assembly including a storage cavity for receiving a plurality of consumables and a dispensing orifice configured to dispense one of the consumables at a time; and a dispensing assembly pivotally coupled to the storage assembly, the dispensing assembly including a retaining member configured to hold one of the consumables and a blocking arm; wherein the dispensing assembly is pivotable relative to the storage assembly between a (1) closed state and an (2) open state, wherein in the closed state the retaining member of the dispensing assembly is loaded with one of the consumables; in the open state the one of the consumables becomes accessible to a user, and the blocking arm prevents any of the remaining consumables in the storage cavity from being dispensed through the dispensing orifice.

[0155] 27. The dispenser according to item 26, wherein the retaining member comprises an upright wall and the blocking arm extends directly from the upright wall.

[0156] 28. The dispenser according to item 27, wherein the upright wall defines a retaining cavity in which one of the consumables is nested, the retaining cavity having an axis, and wherein the blocking arm extends from the upright wall in a direction toward the axis.

[0157] 29. A dispenser comprising: a housing including an inner cavity having an open top, the inner cavity accommodating a plurality of consumables and including a main compartment and a dispensing compartment; a cover member closing the open top of the inner cavity, the cover member being slidably coupled to the housing between a (1) closed state and a (2) open state, wherein in the closed state one or more of the consumables are allowed to move from the main compartment into the dispensing compartment while preventing one or more of the consumables from being dispensed from the dispensing compartment to an external environment; in the open state the consumables are prevented from moving between the main compartment and the dispensing compartment, and one or more consumables located in the dispensing compartment are configured to be dispensed to the external environment.

[0158] 30. The dispenser according to claim 29, wherein the housing includes a partition wall separating the main compartment from the dispensing compartment, the partition wall including an opening forming a passage between the main compartment and the dispensing compartment, and the cover member including a stop wall that, when the cover member is in the open state, at least partially blocks the opening in the partition wall to prevent the consumable from passing through the opening in the partition wall.

[0159] 31. The dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the stop wall includes a through opening that is aligned with the opening in the partition wall when the cover member is in the closed state, and is not fully aligned with the opening in the partition wall when the cover member is in the open state.

[0160] 32. The dispenser according to item 30 or 31, wherein the stop wall of the cover member includes a slot, and the partition wall of the housing includes a protrusion nested in the slot to maintain the connection between the housing and the cover member when the cover member is in both the open and closed states, wherein the protrusion slides relative to the slot when the cover member changes between the open and closed states.

[0161] 33. The dispenser according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the cover member includes a top wall covering the top of the opening of the cavity when the cover member is in the closed state, and a side wall extending from the top wall, such that the top wall and the side wall together define a cover cavity, and a stop wall protrudes from the top wall and enters into the cover cavity to divide the cover cavity into a first portion aligned with the main compartment of the cavity of the housing and a second portion aligned with the dispensing compartment of the cavity of the housing.

[0162] 34. The dispenser according to claim 33, wherein the sidewall of the cover member includes a dispensing portion located within the dispensing compartment of the housing, the dispensing portion of the sidewall including a dispensing opening that allows one or more consumables to enter the external environment from the dispensing compartment when the cover member is in the open state.

[0163] 35. The dispenser according to claim 34, wherein when the cover member is in the closed state, the dispensing opening of the dispensing portion of the sidewall is blocked by the housing to prevent dispensing of the consumable when the cover member is in the closed state, and wherein when the cover member is in the open state, at least a portion of the dispensing opening of the dispensing portion of the sidewall is exposed to allow dispensing of the consumable when the cover member is in the open state.

[0164] 36. A dispenser according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein during the dispensing of one or more of the plurality of consumables from the inner cavity to the external environment, the dispenser is flipped upside down such that the cover member is vertically positioned below the bottom end of the housing, and one or more of the consumables are disposed within the second portion of the cover cavity of the cover member, and wherein when the cover member changes from the closed state to the open state, the one or more consumables pass through the dispensing opening in the dispensing portion of the sidewall of the cover member.

[0165] 37. The dispenser according to any one of items 29 to 36, wherein the dispensing compartment of the housing is configured to hold no more than one of the plurality of consumables at a time.

[0166] 38. The dispenser according to claim 29, wherein the housing includes a partition wall separating the main compartment from the dispensing compartment, the partition wall including an opening forming a passage between the main compartment and the dispensing compartment, and wherein the opening in the partition wall is configured to allow one of the consumables to pass through it at a time, and wherein the dispensing compartment is configured to accommodate no more than one of the plurality of consumables at a time.

[0167] 39. The dispenser according to claim 38, wherein when the cover member changes from the closed state to the open state, the dispensing orifice of the cover member becomes exposed, allowing one or more consumables to be dispensed from the dispensing compartment, and a stop wall of the cover member at least partially blocks the opening in the partition wall to prevent another of the consumables from entering the dispensing compartment from the main compartment through the opening in the partition wall.

[0168] 40. The dispenser according to any one of items 29 to 39, wherein the housing extends from the bottom end to the top end along a longitudinal axis, and wherein the cover portion of the cover member is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis to feed the consumable from the main compartment into the dispensing compartment by gravity.

[0169] 41. The dispenser according to claim 40, wherein the main compartment of the cavity includes a bottom, and the dispensing compartment of the cavity includes a bottom, the bottom of the dispensing compartment being axially offset from the bottom of the main compartment of the cavity.

[0170] 42. The dispenser according to any one of claims 29 to 41, wherein the housing comprises: a bottom wall; and a side wall extending from the bottom wall to a top edge of the housing, the side wall comprising: a front wall portion extending from the bottom wall of the housing to the top edge; a rear wall portion extending from the bottom wall of the housing to the top edge; a first side wall portion extending from the bottom wall of the housing to the top edge; and a second side wall portion extending from the bottom wall of the housing to the top edge, the second side wall portion comprising a first vertical portion, a second vertical portion, and a recess extending between the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion, the recess forming the bottom of the dispensing compartment.

[0171] 43. The dispenser according to any one of items 29 to 42, wherein the dispenser includes a longitudinal axis, and wherein changing the cover member from the closed state to the open state includes sliding the cover member in a first axial direction away from the housing, and changing the cover member from the open state to the closed state includes sliding the cover member in a second axial direction toward the housing.

[0172] 44. A dispenser comprising: a housing including an inner cavity for receiving a plurality of consumables and a partition wall dividing the inner cavity into a main compartment and a dispensing compartment, the partition wall including an opening forming a passage from the main compartment into the dispensing compartment; a cover member slidably coupled to the housing between an open state and a closed state, the cover member including a stop wall that, when the cover member is in the open state, at least partially blocks the opening of the partition wall to prevent the consumables from moving from the main compartment into the dispensing compartment, and, when the cover member is in the closed state, does not block the opening of the partition wall, thereby allowing the consumables to move from the main compartment into the dispensing compartment; and wherein, when the cover member is in the open state, the consumables located in the dispensing compartment are configured to be dispensed from the inner cavity, and wherein, when the cover member is in the closed state, the consumables located in the dispensing compartment are prevented from being dispensed from the inner cavity.

[0173] 45. The dispenser according to claim 44, wherein the cover member includes a cavity divided into a first portion and a second portion by the stop wall, the stop wall including a through opening forming a channel between the first portion and the second portion of the cavity of the cover member, and wherein when the cover member is in the open state, the through opening of the stop wall is sufficiently blocked by the partition wall of the housing to prevent the consumable from moving between the first portion and the second portion of the cavity of the cover member.

[0174] 46. ​​A dispenser comprising: a housing; a cover member slidably coupled to the housing; the housing and the cover member together defining a cavity for receiving a plurality of consumables, the cavity being divided by a partitioning assembly into a main compartment and a dispensing compartment, the dispensing compartment being configured to hold no more than one of the consumables at a time; and wherein the housing and the cover member are slidable relative to each other between a (1) closed state and an (2) open state, wherein in the closed state, a single one of the plurality of consumables is allowed to move from the main compartment into the dispensing compartment through an opening in the partitioning assembly while preventing the single one of the plurality of consumables from leaving the cavity; and in the open state, the single one of the plurality of consumables is allowed to leave the cavity and prevents another of the plurality of consumables from moving from the main compartment into the dispensing compartment.

[0175] 47. The dispenser according to claim 46, wherein the partition assembly includes a partition wall of the housing positioned adjacent to each other and a stop wall of the cover member, the partition wall having a first opening and the stop wall having a second opening, wherein in the closed state, the first opening and the second opening are aligned, and in the open state, the partition wall blocks the second opening of the stop wall and the stop wall blocks the first opening of the partition wall.

[0176] 48. A dispenser comprising: a housing including an inner cavity for receiving a plurality of consumables and a partition wall dividing the inner cavity into a main compartment and a dispensing compartment, the partition wall including an opening forming a passage from the main compartment into the dispensing compartment; a cover member including an outlet wall having a dispensing opening and a stop wall having a through opening, wherein the cover member is slidably coupled to the housing, wherein the stop wall of the cover member is adjacent to the partition wall of the housing, and wherein the cover member is slidable relative to the housing between (1) a closed state and (2) an open state, wherein in the closed state: (a) the through opening of the stop wall of the cover member is adjacent to the partition wall of the housing. The openings of the partition wall are aligned to allow at least one of the plurality of consumables to move from the main compartment to the dispensing compartment; and (b) the dispensing opening of the outlet wall is blocked by the housing to prevent any of the consumables from being dispensed from the cavity; in the open state: (a) the dispensing opening of the outlet wall is exposed to allow at least one of the plurality of consumables located in the dispensing compartment to be dispensed from the cavity; and (b) the through opening of the cover member is not aligned with the opening of the partition member, thereby preventing any other of the plurality of consumables from moving from the main compartment to the dispensing compartment when the cover member is in the open state.

Claims

1. A dispenser, comprising: A first component, the first component including a storage cavity having an open end, the storage cavity accommodating a plurality of consumables; A closure member, coupled to the first component and closing the opening end of the storage cavity, the closure member including a dispensing orifice configured to allow one of the consumables to pass through it at a time; and A second component, pivotally coupled to the first component, includes a cup-shaped member and a stop arm configured to hold one of the consumables; The second component is pivotable relative to the first component between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state, the cup-shaped member of the second component is at least partially located within the dispensing orifice of the closed component for loading one of the consumables onto the cup-shaped member; in the open state, the cup-shaped member pivots away from the dispensing orifice to allow removal of the one of the consumables from the cup-shaped member, and the blocking arm prevents any remaining consumables in the storage cavity from being dispensed through the dispensing orifice. The second component defines an inner cavity including a bottom, the cup-shaped member extending upward from the bottom, and wherein when the second component is in the closed state, the lower portion of the first component and the closing member are nested within the inner cavity of the second component.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein when the second component is switched from the closed state to the open state, one of the consumables remains loaded in the cup-shaped member until it is removed by the user.

3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein when the second component is in the open state, one of the cup-shaped member and the consumable is exposed and accessible, allowing the user to directly touch the consumable to remove it from the cup-shaped member.

4. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second component further comprises an integrally formed spring element therewith for biasing the second component into the closed state, wherein the spring element protrudes from the bottom of the second component along a spring axis intersecting the closing member at an inclined angle.

5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first component includes a first pivot feature, the second component includes a second pivot feature, and the closure member includes a third pivot feature, the second pivot feature being sandwiched between the first pivot feature and the third pivot feature, and each of the first pivot feature, the second pivot feature and the third pivot feature is arcuate.

6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the first pivoting feature includes a pair of recesses formed in the sidewall at the distal end of the sidewall of the first component, the second pivoting feature includes a first pair of arcuate protrusions extending from the inner surface of the sidewall of the second component, and the third pivoting feature includes a second pair of arcuate protrusions extending from the outer surface of the closure member.

7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the second component includes an inner surface having a slot, and the first component includes an outer surface having a ridge nested within the slot of the second component, the ridge moving within the slot as the second component changes between a first state and a second state.

8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the closure member includes a guide wall extending upward from the dispensing orifice for guiding one of the consumables into and through the dispensing orifice to be captured by the cup-shaped member.

9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cup-shaped member includes an upright annular wall extending from the bottom of the second component, the inner surface of the upright annular wall and the bottom together defining a holding cavity for holding one of the plurality of consumables.

10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the blocking arm extends from the distal end of the upright annular wall and over the top of one of the plurality of consumables to retain one of the plurality of consumables within the retaining cavity of the cup-shaped member when the second component changes from the closed state to the open state.

11. The dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising: When the second component is in the closed state, the blocking arm extends into the storage cavity of the first component; as well as When the second component is in the open state, the blocking arm is located outside the storage cavity of the first component, and the distal end of the blocking arm is positioned sufficiently close to or within the dispensing hole to prevent the consumable in the storage cavity of the first component from being dispensed through the dispensing hole.

12. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein changing the second component between the open state and the closed state comprises pivoting or rotating the second component relative to the first component by a maximum pivot angle of 10° to 40°.

13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first component is transparent or translucent, such that the consumable within the storage cavity is at least partially visible.

14. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cup-shaped member defines a retaining cavity extending along an axis, the cup-shaped member being defined by an annular wall, and wherein the blocking arm is an extension of the annular wall and projects from a distal end of the annular wall in an inward direction toward the axis.

15. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein when the second component changes from the closed state to the open state, the rear portion of the second component pivots away from the rear portion of the first component and the front portion of the second component to create an opening through which a user can grasp one of the consumables to remove it from the cup-shaped member.

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