Dispenser
First Claim
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1. An item dispensing device for controllably dispensing a predefined number of items or a predefined volume of a substance at a time, said device comprising:
- an outer container configured to contain a plurality of the items;
a capture portion contained within the outer container and dividing the outer container between a reservoir space, where the plurality of items are stored, and a capture space where individual items or predefined volumes of substances are captured for controlled dispensing, said capture portion defining the capture space to have a size and shape adapted to receive a particularly sized and shaped item or predefined volume of the substance;
a connector contained within the outer container and defining a delivery channel from said capture portion to an opening in the outer container from which items are dispensed;
a first end portion of said connector extending into an opening in said capture portion and defining a predetermined gap dimension through which only the predetermined number of items may pass at one time; and
a barrier connecting with a second end portion of said connector and preventing release of the plurality of items from the reservoir space when the predetermined number of items is dispensed from said connector.
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Abstract
Dispensing devices and assemblies for controllably dispensing a predefined number of items, or predefined volume of a flowable substance, at a time. Dispensation is accomplished by a simple tilting motion that can be effected with a single hand of a user.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An item dispensing device for controllably dispensing a predefined number of items or a predefined volume of a substance at a time, said device comprising:
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an outer container configured to contain a plurality of the items;
a capture portion contained within the outer container and dividing the outer container between a reservoir space, where the plurality of items are stored, and a capture space where individual items or predefined volumes of substances are captured for controlled dispensing, said capture portion defining the capture space to have a size and shape adapted to receive a particularly sized and shaped item or predefined volume of the substance;
a connector contained within the outer container and defining a delivery channel from said capture portion to an opening in the outer container from which items are dispensed;
a first end portion of said connector extending into an opening in said capture portion and defining a predetermined gap dimension through which only the predetermined number of items may pass at one time; and
a barrier connecting with a second end portion of said connector and preventing release of the plurality of items from the reservoir space when the predetermined number of items is dispensed from said connector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An item dispensing assembly for controllably dispensing a predefined number of items at a time, said assembly adapted to be completely received within an item container, said assembly comprising:
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a capture portion adapted to be contained within the item container and positioned to divide the item container between a reservoir space, where a plurality of items can be stored, and a capture space, where individual items are captured for controlled dispensing;
a connector adapted to be contained within the item container and configured to define a delivery channel from said capture portion to an opening in the item container from which items are dispensed;
a first end portion of said connector extending into an opening in said capture portion and defining a predetermined gap dimension through which only the predetermined number of items may pass at one time; and
a barrier connecting with a second end portion of said connector and adapted to interface with inner walls of the item container to prevent release of the plurality of items from the reservoir space when the predetermined number of items is dispensed from said connector. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of dispensing items controllably, so that a predefined number of items is released at one time, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing a dispensing device having a reservoir space, where a plurality of items are stored, and a capture space, where individual items are captured for dispensing;
capturing an item by the force of gravity; and
dispensing the item by a single tilting motion, while preventing items in the reservoir space from being dispensed. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification