A dispensing device for solid objects

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to dispensing devices for solid objects. A preferred embodiment comprising: a container, arranged to contain a plurality of dispensable objects; an inlet for insertion of dispensable objects into said container; an outlet, providing passage for dispensable objects out of said container; a dispensing mechanism, comprising at least two rotatable elements: a first rotatable element and a second rotatable element rotatably disposed therein; and an actuator, configured to activate said dispensing mechanism; wherein said second rotatable element is slidably disposed along a sliding axis perpendicular to rotation axis of said second rotatable element, and urged by at least one spring toward said first rotatable element to block passage of dispensable objects through said dispensing mechanism when idle; and wherein activation of said dispensing mechanism triggers rotation of at least one of said at least two rotatable elements toward the other of said at least two rotatable elements, causing at least one dispensable object in said container to be pulled between said at least two rotatable elements while pushing said second rotatable element along said sliding axis away from said first rotatable element, thereby forming a gap allowing said at least one dispensable object to pass through said outlet.

Description

A DISPENSING DEVICE FOR SOLID OBJECTSFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to dispensing devices, and specifically, to dispensing devices for solid objects that may vary in their dimensions, shapes, rigidities and other attributes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Dispensing devices for solid objects are useful in plurality of applications, such as food, medicine, construction, agriculture, manufacturing and assembly lines. While there are many types of dispensing devices that fit different purposes, most of them has very limited functionality that prevents them from being compatible with more than one type of dispensable objects. Dispensing devices are particularly limited when they are intended to dispense a single obj ect or a small number of obj ects with each activation, rather than a specific weight or volume of small unassorted solid objects such as pills, screws or grains.

[0003] While these kinds of dispensing devices may be customized to dispense objects with specific dimensions and shapes, they are mostly incapable of dispensing objects with varying dimensions and shapes, especially if these objects are contained in an unassorted manner. This is because the structure of the dispensing mechanism needs to be adapted to specific dimensions and shapes of objects passing through it.

[0004] Trying to dispense objects with different dimensions or shapes through the same dispensing mechanism, or even the same sized and shaped objects when fed into the dispensing mechanism in varying positions, is likely to fail or jam the dispensing mechanism.

[0005] Due to these challenges, there is a need in dispensing mechanisms that would be capable of dispensing solid objects with varying attributes, one-by-one or very few with each activation, and specifically, dispensing mechanisms that would be capable of doing that while the dispensable objects are contained in an unassorted manner.

[0006] Such dispensing mechanisms could be very useful for a plurality of applications, such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, assembly lines, medicine, food, assistive tech and even dog training.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention discloses a novel dispensing mechanism for solid objects that may vary in dimensions, shapes, rigidities, textures and other attributes.

[0008] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a dispensing device for solid objects, comprising: a container, arranged to contain a plurality of dispensable objects; an inlet for insertion of dispensable objects into said container; an outlet, providing passage for dispensable objects out of said container; a dispensing mechanism, comprising at least two rotatable elements: a first rotatable element and a second rotatable element rotatably disposed therein; and an actuator, configured to activate said dispensing mechanism; wherein said second rotatable element is slidably disposed along a sliding axis perpendicular to rotation axis of said second rotatable element, and urged by at least one spring toward said first rotatable element to block passage of dispensable objects through said dispensing mechanism when idle; and wherein activation of said dispensing mechanism triggers rotation of at least one of said at least two rotatable elements toward the other of said at least two rotatable elements, causing at least one dispensable obj ect in said container to be pulled between said at least two rotatable elements while pushing said second rotatable element along said sliding axis away from said first rotatable element, thereby forming a gap allowing said at least one dispensable object to passthrough said outlet.

[0009] The term “spring” in this disclosure may refer to any kind of spring or equivalent force applying element, such as expansion spring, compression spring, torsion spring, gas spring, hydraulic spring, leaf spring, torsion bar and the like.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, said spring is configured to urge said second rotatable element back toward said first rotatable element after said at least one dispensable object passes through said gap.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, said first rotatable element comprises a first gear and said second rotatable element comprises a second gear, said first gear is configured to engage with said second gear to cause said first rotatable element and said second rotatable element to rotate in opposite directions when said dispensing mechanism is activated.

[0012] According to another embodiment, at least one of said first gear and said second gear is a ratchet gear. Since the rotatable elements may lose synchronicity when their gears disengage when the second rotatable element slides away from the first rotatable element, their gears may not reengage properly when the second rotatable element is urged back toward the first rotatable element. Using a ratchet gear may facilitate the reengaging of the first and second gears, as the teeth of the regular gear will slide over the sloped edges of the teeth of the ratchet gear until they fall into place, interlocking the gears once again.

[0013] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the rotation axis of said first rotatable element being a first rotation axis and rotation axis of said second rotatable element being a second rotation axis are parallel.

[0014] According to another embodiment., said second rotatable element is configured to slide away from said first rotatable element while said first rotation axis and said second rotation axis remain parallel.

[0015] According to another embodiment, said dispensing device is wearable on a wrist or forearm and configured to be activated by the hand on which it is worn and eject dispensable objects into the same hand.

[0016] In another embodiment, said dispensable objects in said container are unassorted.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, said dispensable objects in said container are arranged to be dispensed by said dispensing mechanism one at a time.

[0018] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, said at least two rotatable elements being three rotatable elements: a first rotatable element, a second rotatable element and a third rotatable element; wherein at least one of said three rotatable elements is slidably disposed along a sliding axis perpendicular to rotation axis of said rotatable element, and urged by at least one spring toward the remaining of said three rotatable elements to block passage of dispensable objects through said dispensing mechanism when idle; and wherein activation of said dispensing mechanism triggers rotation of at least one of said three rotatable elements toward the other of said at least two rotatable elements, causing at least one dispensable object in said container to be pulled between said three rotatable elements while pushing at least one of said three rotatable elements along said sliding axis away from the remaining of said three rotatable elements, thereby forming a gap allowing said at least one dispensable object to pass through said outlet.

[0019] In another embodiment, the surface area of at least one of said at least two rotatable elements comprises a plurality of protrusions protruding therefrom. The protrusions may be configured to improve the grip with at least one dispensable object.

[0020] In another embodiment, the surface area of at least one of said at least two rotatable elements comprises a non-smooth surface. The non-smooth surface may be rugged, grainy, coarse or bumpy.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the device of the present invention further comprising a slidable ramp attached to said rotation axis of said second rotatable element and configured to slide therewith along said sliding axis.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the device of the present invention further comprising a sliding track corresponding to said sliding axis configured to guide sliding of said second rotatable element along said sliding axis.

[0023] According to another embodiment, said sliding track comprises a linear gear and said second rotatable element comprises a circular gear, said linear gear engages said circular gear such that said second rotatable element rotates in one direction when sliding on said sliding track away from said first rotatable element and rotates in an opposite direction when sliding back toward said first rotatable element.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing mechanism for solid objects is provided, comprising at least two rotatable elements: a first rotatable element and a second rotatable element rotatably disposed therein; wherein said second rotatable element is slidably disposed along a sliding axis perpendicular to rotation axis of said second rotatable element, and urged by at least one spring toward said first rotatable element to block passage of dispensable objects through said dispensing mechanism when idle; and wherein activation of said dispensing mechanism triggers rotation of at least one of said at least two rotatable elements toward the other of said at least two rotatable elements, causing at least one dispensable object in said container to be pulled between said at least two rotatable elements while pushing said second rotatable element along said sliding axis away from said first rotatable element, thereby forming a gap allowing said at least one dispensable object to pass through said outlet.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments and features of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings:Fig. 1 depicts a dispensing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 2c and Fig. 2d illustrate a single cycle of operation of a dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 3 depicts an embodiment of a dispensing device with a lever configured to rotate a rotatable element via a secondary gear.Fig. 4 depicts an embodiment of a dispensing device with a removable front enclosure installed thereon.Fig. 5 depicts an embodiment of a dispensing device with removable front and rear enclosures installed thereon.Fig. 6 depicts an embodiment of a dispensing device with linear gear disposed along a sliding track.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, and so on, are not described in detail. A person skilled in the art will be able to utilize said mechanism or other mechanisms known from prior art to execute the present invention.

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 1. A dispensing device for solid objects 100 is shown with its covering (not shown) removed, making the dispensingmechanism 102 visible. The device 100 is positioned in a largely upright position, such that the container 101 where the dispensable objects are stored is positioned generally above the dispensing mechanism 102, which would be the optimal position to allow dispensable objects stored in the container 101 to be drawn by gravity toward the dispensing mechanism 102 and pile up on top of it. It will be understood that the covering includes an inlet opening for loading dispensable objects into the container 101. The dispensable objects in the configuration presented herein may be stored unassortedly in the container 101 and may have different shapes, dimensions, attributes, rigidities and textures. The device 100 further comprises handle 103, serving as an actuator for activating the dispensing mechanism 102.

[0028] The dispensing mechanism 102 comprises two rotatable elements: first rotatable element 104 and second rotatable element 105, both rotatably disposed therein with their rotation axes parallel to one another. While the first rotatable element 104 is rotatably disposed in a fix position, the second rotatable element 105 is slidably disposed within sliding tracks 106a, 106b along a sliding axis perpendicular to rotation axis of the second rotatable element 105. To keep both rotatable elements held closely together, second rotatable element 105 is connected from both sides of its rotation axis to anchoring points on the body of device 100 in proximity to first rotatable element 104 via a couple of springs 107 (only one shown). Springs 107 are configured to urge second rotatable element 105 toward first rotatable element 104, thereby blocking passage of dispensable objects through dispensing mechanism 102 when idle. Notably, the springs 107 are connected to the second rotatable element 105 around its axis of rotation, allowing the second rotatable element 105 to keep rotating at all times regardless of its position along the sliding tracks 106a 106b and the state of the springs 107.

[0029] First rotatable element 104 and second rotatable element 105 each have a pair of gears, 114 and 115 respectively (only one gear is shown for each rotatable element), fixed on bothends of rotatable elements 104 105, externally to the pathway of dispensable objects from container 101 through dispensing mechanism 102. It will be understood that while gears 114 115 of rotatable elements 104 105 are in contact when dispensing mechanism 102 is idle, the surfaces of rotatable elements 104 105 may not necessarily be in contact with each other at any point, but only positioned closely enough to each other to block passage of dispensable objects in the container 101. In the configuration shown here, the surfaces of rotatable element 104 105 are covered with protrusions to enhance their grip on dispensable objects intended to pass between them. It will be understood that the decision whether to include such protrusions or non-smooth textures on the surfaces of the rotatable elements, and how to configure them, in terms of profile, length, shape, rigidity and density, may vary depending on the characteristics of the dispensable objects.

[0030] In the present configuration, pressing handle 103 would activate dispensing mechanism 102, triggering rotation of first rotatable element 104 inwardly toward second rotatable element 105. Since the gears 114 115 of both rotatable elements 104 105 are engaged, the rotation of first rotatable element 104 causes second rotatable element 105 to rotate in the opposite direction toward first rotatable element 104. Since the dispensable objects in the container 102 are piled up on top of rotatable elements 104 105, their rotation inward in opposite directions causes the dispensable object positioned in the bottom part of the container 102 resting on rotatable elements 104 105, to be drawn in between them by their rotation. At the same time, while being pulled downwards by rotatable elements 104 105, the dispensable object is pushing second rotatable element 105 through sliding tracks 106a 106b along the sliding axis away from first rotatable element 104, thereby forming a gap allowing said at least one dispensable object to pass through the dispensing mechanism 102 and out of the device 100 through its outlet (not shown).

[0031] Ramp 111 is fixed at the bottom part of container 101, to lead dispensable element toward the contact point of (or gap between) the surfaces of rotatable element 104 105. Since the edge of ramp 111 facing the dispensing mechanism 102 partially covers second rotatable element 105, it prevents dispensable objects from falling into and getting caught in the space between second rotatable element 105 and base platform of the device 100.

[0032] Notably, when the dispensable object pushes the second rotatable element 105 away from first rotatable element 104, it causes their gears 114 115 to disengage. However, while this appears to disconnect second rotatable element 105 from the initial force that drives the dispensing mechanism 102 through the pressing of handle 103, the second rotatable element 105 continues rotating in the same direction after disengaging from first rotatable element 104 as the rotational force of first rotatable element 104 is transferred to second rotatable element 105 through the dispensable object that is gripped between them.

[0033] Consequently, as soon as the dispensable object is ejected through the gap that was formed between rotatable elements 104 105, springs 107 urge second rotatable element 105 back toward first rotatable element 104, which blocks the passage of the remaining dispensable objects through the dispensing mechanism 102, and causes gears 114 115 to reengage, bringing them back to their starting position where the next activation of dispensing mechanism 102 by pressing handle 103 is set to trigger simultaneous rotation of rotatable elements 104 105 in opposite directions.

[0034] It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the gears 114 115 are not mandatory since the rotational force may be transferred from first rotatable element 104 to second rotatable element 105 through the dispensable object that is gripped between them during rotation of first rotatable element 104. However, the simultaneous rotation of rotatable elements 104 105 obtained through the interlocking of their gears 114 115 would substantiallyimprove their grip on the dispensable objects and efficiency of their combined pulling action.

[0035] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the dispensing mechanism 102 may be operated mechanically or electromechanically. For example, instead of handle 103, the actuator may be an electronic button, switch or a button on a touch screen, that would send an electronic signal that would cause an electromechanical motor to rotate first rotatable element 104, or perhaps also second rotatable element 105, thereby achieving the same functionality described herein.

[0036] Referring now to Figs. 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d, illustrating a cycle of operation of the dispensing device shown in previous drawing. Fig. 2a shows the device when the dispensing mechanism is idle, where an oddly shaped dispensable object in the bottom of the container (not shown) rests on the rotatable elements of the dispensing mechanism. In Fig. 2b, the handle is pressed to activate the dispensing mechanism, triggering rotation of the rotatable elements inwardly in opposite directions, which makes them form grip with the dispensable object. In Fig. 2c, the dispensable object is pulled between the rotatable elements due to their rotation, while pushing the second rotatable element along the sliding track away from the first rotatable element, thereby forming a gap through which the dispensable object passes. Finally, in Fig. 2d, the dispensable object is ejected from the gap between the rotatable elements and out of the device through its outlet (not shown). Once the dispensable object disengages from the rotatable elements, the springs that hold the second rotatable element urge it back toward the first rotatable element, thereby closing the gap that was formed between the rotatable elements to prevent passage of remaining dispensable objects through the dispensing mechanism, and causing the gears of the rotatable elements to reengage, returning to their initial position, ready for the next cycle of operation.

[0037] In reference to Fig. 3, another embodiment of a dispensing device 300 of the present invention is shown. The device 300 here comprises a removable concave enclosure (not shown)that defines the container 301 along with its base part shown herein, and forms the housing of the dispensing mechanism 302. Similarly to previously shown embodiments, dispensing mechanism 302 is activated by a handle 303, and comprises first rotatable element 304 and second rotatable element 305. Here as well, while first rotatable element 304 has a fixed rotation axis, second rotatable element 305 is slidably disposed within sliding tracks 306 (only one thereof shown). This allows the second rotatable element 305 to slide along sliding axis perpendicular to its rotation axis, away from and back toward first rotatable element 304, all the same while rotating.

[0038] First rotatable element 304 and second rotatable element 305 each have a pair of gears, 314 and 315 respectively (only one gear is shown for each rotatable element), fixed on both ends of rotatable elements 304 305, externally to the pathway of dispensable objects from container 301 through dispensing mechanism 302. Since gears 314 315 are interlocked when the dispensing mechanism 302 is idle, the rotation of first rotatable element 304 causes second rotatable element 305 to rotate in the opposite direction toward first rotatable element 304. Since the dispensable objects in the container 302 are piled up on top of rotatable elements 304 305, their rotation inward in opposite directions causes the dispensable object positioned in the bottom part of the container 302 resting on rotatable elements 304 305, to be drawn in between them by their rotation. At the same time, while being pulled downwards by rotatable elements304 305, the dispensable object pushes second rotatable element 305 through sliding tracks 306 away from first rotatable element 304, thereby forming a gap between rotatable elements 304305 through which the dispensable object is drawn and ejected out of device 300.

[0039] Slidable ramp 310 is installed around second rotatable element 305, and both are attached to an anchoring point on the body of device 300 via springs 307 (only one shown), which are configured to urge them toward first rotatable element 304. Thus, slidable ramp 310and second rotatable element 305 are configured to slide uniformly along sliding tracks 306. It should be understood that slidable ramp 310 partially covers second rotatable element 305, thereby preventing dispensable objects from falling into or getting caught between second rotatable element 305 and the base part of device 300. Since sliding ramp 310 slides into the space of container 301 each time a dispensable object passes through the dispensing mechanism 302, it also causes dispensable objects stored in container 301 to move around, which may assist in releasing dispensable objects that clog the container 301 and pathway toward dispensing mechanism 302 and thus improve the efficiency of the mechanism.

[0040] In the configuration shown here, first rotatable element 304 is configured to rotate by 180 degrees with each press of handle 303. When pressed, handle 303 is configured to push levers 308 (only one of two shown), whose path is guided by guiding grooves 309 (only one of two shown) into which levers 309 are slidably hooked via pins. This causes levers 308 to be pushed through the path of sliding grooves 309 closer to rotatable elements 304 305, which in turn, causes the teeth on levers 308 to interlock with a secondary gear 324 on first rotatable element 304 having a diameter smaller than that of gear 314, and rotate first rotatable gear 304 by 180 degrees. Levers 308 are connected to an anchoring point on body of device 300 through springs 311 (only one of two shown), which urges levers 308 back to their starting position. Due to the shape of guiding grooves 309, when handle 303 is released, levers 308 are drawn back to their starting position by springs 311 through the path of sliding grooves 309 farther from rotatable elements 304 305, which causes levers 308 to disengage from secondary gear 324 and return to their starting position without rotating first rotatable element 304 in the opposite direction.

[0041] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show the device shown in previous drawing, with its covering parts installed thereon. Fig- 4 shows the dispensing device 400 with a removable front enclosure 412installed thereon, housing the dispensing mechanism (not shown) underneath. Fig. 5 shows a similar dispensing device 500, with both front enclosure 512 covering the dispensing mechanism (not shown) and rear enclosure 513 covering the container portion of the device 500 installed thereon. Rear enclosure 513 comprises a hatch with lid 514, serving as an inlet for dispensable objects into the container. This illustration also shows outlet 520 through which dispensable objects are ejected out of device 500. Furthermore, lugs 521 (only one of two shown) are also provided on bottom part of dispensing device 500, through which straps may be inserted to allow the dispensing device to be worn on the wrist or forearm, as disclosed in WO2023 / 112019. It will be understood that removal of front enclosure 512 and rear enclosure 513 may be useful for cleaning the device and dispensing mechanism, and releasing obstacles that may interfere with the operation of the dispensing mechanism.

[0042] In Fig. 6, another embodiment of a dispensing device 600 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The dispensing mechanism 602 comprises first rotatable element 604 and second rotatable element 605, both in contact through their interlocked gears 614 and 615 (only one of two shown for each rotatable element), respectively. Second rotatable element 605 is slidably disposed within sliding tracks 606a 606b, and held by springs 607 (only one of two shown), which are configured to pull second rotatable element 605 toward first rotatable element 604. When pressed, handle 603 triggers rotation of first rotatable element 604 in clockwise direction, which in turn, triggers rotation of second rotatable element 605 in counterclockwise direction through their interlocked gears 614 615. This causes dispensable object in the bottom of the container (not shown), being in contact with one or two of rotatable elements 604 605, to be drawn into the area between rotatable elements 604 605, while pushing second rotatable element 605 away from first rotatable element 604 through sliding tracks 606a 606b, thereby forming a gap allowing dispensable objects to pass through dispensing mechanism 602 and eject through the outlet (not shown) of device 600.While second rotatable element 605 is being pushed by the dispensable object, its gears 615 disengage from gears 614, and interlock with linear gears 618 (only one of two shown) which extend along sliding tracks 606a 606b. This forces second rotatable element 605 to continue rotating in the same direction when being pushed by the dispensable object, which may assist in maintaining the coordinated rotation of rotatable elements 604 605 while being disengaged, and thereby enhance their grip on the dispensable object and efficiency of the dispensing mechanism 602.

[0043] When the dispensable object is ejected, second rotatable element 605 is drawn back toward first rotatable element 604 by springs 607. As gears 615 are interlocked with linear gears 618, this forces second rotatable element 605 to rotate in the opposite direction when pulled back through sliding tracks 606a 606b toward first rotatable element 604. The rotation of second rotatable element 605 in the opposite direction pushes any additional dispensable objects in contact therewith away from the gap that was formed between rotatable elements 604 605, which may allow the gap to close, the second rotatable element 605 to return to its initial position, and gears 614615 to reengage. It will be understood, that the rotational force of second rotatable element 605 during its path back toward first rotatable element 604, may be transferred to first rotatable element 604 through dispensable objects caught between them, which may enhance their grip on the dispensable objects and improve the efficiency of the backward action of the dispensing mechanism 602 for clearance of the gap between rotatable elements 604 605.

[0044] The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above description in any form. Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should be interpreted per this definition.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A dispensing device for solid objects, comprising: a container, arranged to contain a plurality of dispensable objects; an inlet for insertion of dispensable objects into said container; an outlet, providing passage for dispensable objects out of said container; a dispensing mechanism, comprising at least two rotatable elements: a first rotatable element and a second rotatable element rotatably disposed therein; and an actuator, configured to activate said dispensing mechanism; wherein said second rotatable element is slidably disposed along a sliding axis perpendicular to rotation axis of said second rotatable element, and urged by at least one spring toward said first rotatable element to block passage of dispensable objects through said dispensing mechanism when idle; and wherein activation of said dispensing mechanism triggers rotation of at least one of said at least two rotatable elements toward the other of said at least two rotatable elements, causing at least one dispensable object in said container to be pulled between said at least two rotatable elements while pushing said second rotatable element along said sliding axis away from said first rotatable element, thereby forming a gap allowing said at least one dispensable object to pass through said outlet.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said spring is configured to urge said second rotatable element back toward said first rotatable element after said at least onedispensable object passes through said gap.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said first rotatable element comprises a first gear and said second rotatable element comprises a second gear, said first gear is configured to engage with said second gear to cause said first rotatable element and said second rotatable element to rotate in opposite directions when said dispensing mechanism is activated.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein at least one of said first gear and said second gear is a ratchet gear.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein rotation axis of said first rotatable element being a first rotation axis and rotation axis of said second rotatable element being a second rotation axis are parallel.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said second rotatable element is configured to slide away from said first rotatable element while said first rotation axis and said second rotation axis remain parallel.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said dispensing device is wearable on a wrist or forearm and configured to be activated by the hand on which it is worn and eject dispensable objects into the same hand.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said dispensable objects in said container are unassorted.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said dispensable objects in said container are arranged to be dispensed by said dispensing mechanism one at a time.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least two rotatable elements being threerotatable elements: a first rotatable element, a second rotatable element and a third rotatable element; wherein at least one of said three rotatable elements is slidably disposed along a sliding axis perpendicular to rotation axis of said rotatable element, and urged by at least one spring toward the remaining of said three rotatable elements to block passage of dispensable objects through said dispensing mechanism when idle; and wherein activation of said dispensing mechanism triggers rotation of at least one of said three rotatable elements toward the other of said at least two rotatable elements, causing at least one dispensable object in said container to be pulled between said three rotatable elements while pushing at least one of said three rotatable elements along said sliding axis away from the remaining of said three rotatable elements, thereby forming a gap allowing said at least one dispensable object to pass through said outlet.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the surface area of at least one of said at least two rotatable elements comprises a plurality of protrusions protruding therefrom.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface area of at least one of said at least two rotatable elements comprises a non-smooth surface.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a slidable ramp attached to said rotation axis of said second rotatable element and configured to slide therewith along said sliding axis.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a sliding track corresponding to said sliding axis configured to guide sliding of said second rotatable element along saidsliding axis.

15. The device of claim 15, wherein said sliding track comprises a linear gear and said second rotatable element comprises a circular gear, said linear gear engages said circular gear such that said second rotatable element rotates in one direction when sliding on said sliding track away from said first rotatable element and rotates in an opposite direction when sliding back toward said first rotatable element.

16. A dispensing mechanism for solid objects, comprising at least two rotatable elements: a first rotatable element and a second rotatable element rotatably disposed therein; wherein said second rotatable element is slidably disposed along a sliding axis perpendicular to rotation axis of said second rotatable element, and urged by at least one spring toward said first rotatable element to block passage of dispensable objects through said dispensing mechanism when idle; and wherein activation of said dispensing mechanism triggers rotation of at least one of said at least two rotatable elements toward the other of said at least two rotatable elements, causing at least one dispensable object in said container to be pulled between said at least two rotatable elements while pushing said second rotatable element along said sliding axis away from said first rotatable element, thereby forming a gap allowing said at least one dispensable object to pass through said outlet.

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