Abstract:
A product dispenser comprising a cover, a slidable push element, a base and a landing is provided. The cover and the base are rotatable with respect to each other about a common axis. The cover comprises a roof opening in which the push element slides in opposing directions, advancing product from the interior of the cover onto the landing. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser houses miniature zinc air batteries, secured to the base using an adhesive platform. When a cell is advanced from the interior of the cover onto the landing, the cell is separated from the adhesive platform, allowing air to pass into the cell and the cell to be activated. The landing preferably comprises a magnet for releasably securing product. The dispenser is then used as an inserter for orienting and placing the product in position in a device. The product is not directly handled during its removal from the dispenser or during its insertion into a device. In the case of a zinc air cell, the cell is untabbed without any direct handling of tab material by the user, and the material functioning as a tab stays with the dispenser upon separation from the cell.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a dispenser for housing and dispensing product, such as miniature batteries including zinc air cells used in hearing aids. As used herein, “battery” means one or more cells.  
           [0002]    Handling of miniature batteries is difficult because of their small size. Handling of miniature batteries is typically required in order to remove the batteries from their packaging, to insert the batteries in the proper orientation into a device, and, in the case of air cells, to remove any individual tabbing associated with the cell prior to use. Tabbing is normally associated with metal air cells such as zinc air cells, to limit the ingress of oxygen into the cell until such time as the cell is placed into service. The tab also functions to limit the transport of water vapor in or out of the cell and limits the ingress of carbon dioxide into the cell. Typically, the tab comprises an adhesive material covering one or more air ports. Upon removal of the tab, the ports are exposed to the oxygen of the ambient environment, thereby enabling the cell to be activated. The challenge of handling miniature batteries is exacerbated in the event the user suffers from reduced dexterity, poor vision or other physical infirmity.  
           [0003]    Efforts to address some of these issues are found in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,185 discloses a device for inserting a hearing aid battery into a hearing aid. The device comprises so-called “petals” with an air cell residing on each petal. The cells are individually tabbed, and each tab is then adhered to the petal. The cell is inserted into the hearing aid by gripping the inserter and bringing the appropriate petal up close to the hearing aid battery door to enable the cell to be engaged within the door. The cell is then separated from the inserter using a wiping motion, purportedly leaving the tab adhered to the petal. The method of separating the cell from its associated tab and the inserter as disclosed in the &#39;185 patent places stresses on the hearing aid device, presenting the potential for damage to the device.  
           [0004]    Typical packaging for miniature zinc air cells presents further problems. Common packaging for miniature zinc air cells is disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,700. The packaging disclosed therein consists of a thermoformed or molded blister rotatably attached to a paperboard card. The blister comprises multiple compartments each containing a battery. A battery is dispensed from the package by rotating the blister to align a loaded compartment with a trap door accessible in the back of the card. The trap door can come open during transport and batteries will fall out. The trap door becomes weak and ineffective after multiple uses. The base of the dial can also separate or pull away from the card allowing batteries to fall out. Finally, the consumer must still handle the battery to remove the tab, properly orient the cell in connection with the device terminals and insert the cell into the device once the battery has been removed from the package.  
           [0005]    Some consumers use a separate tool to assist them in loading miniature batteries into devices. This tool consists of a magnet on the end of a wand. The tool can be easily misplaced and provides little aid in removing the individual tabbing associated with common zinc air cells.  
           [0006]    Handling of other small products including but not limited to pharmaceuticals such as pills, foodstuff such as candy, hardware such as screws, and the like can be equally difficult because of their size, particularly for those users suffering from reduced dexterity, poor vision or other physical infirmity. While the within invention is illustrated in connection with miniature cells, and in particular in connection with miniature zinc air cells, it will be appreciated that the within invention can also be utilized in connection with the transport, storage and dispensing of such other small products. As used herein, the term “product” is not limited to miniature cells or batteries, and fully comprehends such other small products as those identified above.  
           [0007]    It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide a product dispenser that acts as both a structural package for housing and transporting product and a dispenser for removing product from the package and an inserter for manipulating and orienting product into a device or other end use location.  
           [0008]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide a product dispenser that removes any direct handling of product prior to its insertion into a device or other end use location.  
           [0009]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a product dispenser that obviates the need for direct handling of tab material in the case of a metal air cell such as a zinc air cell.  
           [0010]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a product dispenser that both activates and dispenses air cells such that the user does not have to handle the cells either before or after insertion into a device.  
           [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a product dispenser that eliminates the need for additional tools to handle and orient product for insertion or placement for end use.  
           [0012]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a product dispenser that avoids unintended dispensing from the dispenser.  
           [0013]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a refill base cartridge for a product dispenser.  
           [0014]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a product dispenser that optionally allows the user to attach a refill base after removal of a spent base cartridge.  
           [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a product dispenser that allows the consumer to store used product for disposal or material recovery purposes.  
           [0016]    The foregoing and additional objects of this invention will become fully apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0017]    The present invention provides for a product dispenser that is easy to use for storing and dispensing product, such as miniature batteries. The dispenser of the within invention obviates the need to handle the product at any point during the dispensing process or during the insertion or placement process of the product for its end use. To achieve this and other advantages, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as embodied and described herein, the present invention provides for a product dispenser comprising a cover and a base, each rotatable with respect to the other about a common axis, a retractable push element slidably engaged along an opening in the roof of the cover, and a landing. The cover further comprises a wall and a wall opening. The roof opening, wall opening and landing are aligned to enable product to be advanced from the interior of the cover, through the wall opening and onto the landing by the push element. The landing is designed to accept and removably retain individual product. The push element slides in opposing directions along the roof opening to engage product and advance product from the interior of the cover onto the landing. The base cooperates with the cover assembly to house the product and provides locations for securing product prior to dispensing.  
           [0018]    In another embodiment, the cover further comprises a rib. The rib is secured to the inner surface of the roof such that when the cover is assembled with the base, the product is under pressure from the rib allowing the rib to further secure the product to the base during transport and storage. In another embodiment, the rib functions to apply pressure so as to seal an air cell to a gasket prior to dispensing.  
           [0019]    In another embodiment, the cover is removably attached to the base allowing the base to be disposed of and a replacement base with additional product to be joined with the cover.  
           [0020]    In another embodiment the bottom side of the base comprises a storage area for storing used product for disposal or material recovery purposes. The entire dispenser could be processed for material recovery or otherwise recycled. In the event the cover and the base are separable, the base alone could be processed for material recovery or otherwise recycled.  
           [0021]    In another embodiment the cover is made of see-through material and the push element or base or both can be color coded to indicate various product characteristics, such as size.  
           [0022]    These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is a view of a product dispenser according to the within invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2A is a view of a cover of a product dispenser according to the within invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2B is another view of the cover of. FIG. 2A.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2C is a view of an alternate cover of a product dispenser according to the within invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3A is a view of a push element of a product dispenser according to the within invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3B is another view of the push element of FIG. 3A.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3C is a side view of the push element of FIGS. 3A and 3B.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4A is a front view of a cover and push element of a product dispenser according to the within invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 4B is a section view of the cover and push element of FIG. 4A.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 5A is a view of a base of a product dispenser according to the within invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 5B is a side view of the base of FIG. 5A.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 5C is a section view of the base of FIG. 5B.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 5D is another view of the base of FIG. 5A.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 6A is a view of a platform of a product dispenser according to the within invention.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 6B is a side view of a platform of a product dispenser according to the within invention.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIGS. 7A, 7B and  7 C illustrate an alternate base of a product dispenser according to the within invention.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 8 illustrates another alternate base of a product dispenser according to the within invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]    The specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and physical characteristics relating to specific embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.  
         [0041]    The dispenser  10  of the within invention comprises a cover  12 , a retractable push element  14 , and a base  16 . The cover  12  and the base  16  are connected such that each can be rotated about a common axis with respect to the other. That is, the cover can be rotated while maintaining the base in a stationary position, or, conversely, the base can be rotated while maintaining the cover in a stationary position.  
         [0042]    The rotatable cover  12  comprises a roof  121 , roof ramps  122 , a roof opening  123 , a wall  124 , a wall opening  125 , a landing  126 , and flexible snap-hook connectors  127   a ,  127   b  and  127   c . In a preferred embodiment, the cover  12  is made from a readily-available, polycarbonate-based material such as Lexan® 143R resin manufactured by GE Plastics and available from Polymerland Service Center, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15264. It should be appreciated that other durable materials may be used in producing the cover  12 . In addition, the cover  12  may further include a rib  128  as shown in FIG. 2C.  
         [0043]    The roof ramps  122  protrude from the outer surface  129  of the roof  121  adjacent to the roof opening  123 . The roof ramps  122  are angled protrusions that frictionally engage the push element  14  and create a transitional stopping action for the push element as it is extended. The ramps  122  aid in providing a fluid and controlled motion for the push element  14  that encourages controlled movement of product toward the landing  126 . The ramps  122  also aid in maintaining the push element in a fully extended position. Alternatively, a third roof ramp  122   a  may be positioned on the outer surface  129  of the roof  121  such that the third roof ramp aids in keeping the push element in place while fully retracted. It will be appreciated that-a wide variety of shapes and locations can be utilized for the roof ramps without departing from the teachings of the within invention.  
         [0044]    The roof opening  123  is coincidental with the wall opening  125  and the landing  126  is secured to the cover  12  at a location adjacent to the wall opening  125 . Product passes through the wall opening  125  from the interior of the cover  12  onto the landing  126 . Product aligned at the wall opening  125  for such transition is said to be located in the product dispensing position.  
         [0045]    The landing  126  is preferably inclined as shown in FIG. 4B to further aid in transitioning the product from the interior of the cover  12  to the landing  126 . The landing  126  optionally comprises a magnetic component  130  secured to the landing  126  via a pressure sensitive adhesive. The magnetic component  130  aids in controlling and removably maintaining metallic products such as miniature batteries on the landing  126 . Alternatively, as dictated by the product, other surfaces or materials, such as velcro or adhesives, may be utilized for controlling and removably maintaining products on the landing  126  as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. These alternate surfaces or materials may comprise the entire landing  126  or may be secured to the landing  126  via an adhesive or other securing method. Further, the magnetic component  130  can be planar or otherwise shaped, and may be exposed or embedded within the landing. Where product use and placement permit, the landing  126  may further include a stop wall (not shown) at its distal end to further control the forward motion of the product as it transitions from the interior of the cover  12  to the landing  126 . It should be appreciated that the landing  126  may be integral to the cover  12  or the base  16  or may be a separate component connected to either the cover  12  or the base  16 .  
         [0046]    The snap hook connectors  127   a ,  127   b  and  127   c  extend from the inner surface of the roof  121  and are positioned at 90 degree intervals around the roof opening  123 . The connectors further comprise flexible angled lead-in surfaces  131  and flexible tension-providing surfaces  132 . The lead-in surfaces  131  interact with the inner surface of the base opening during connection of the base with the cover, causing the snap hook connectors to flex inwardly, as will be more fully explained below. The tension-providing surfaces  132  maintain tension contact with the base upon completion of the connection process and the outward return flex of the snap hook connectors  127   a ,  127   b  and  127   c . The number and positioning of the snap hook connectors is a matter of design choice and can be varied without departing from the scope of the within invention.  
         [0047]    One of the snap hook connectors further comprises a rib.  133 . The rib  133  is positioned such that when the cover  12  or the base  16  is rotated, a stop point is created once the rib  133  engages a base turret groove  173 . Each such stop point aligns a product and/or a product dispensing position with the wall opening  125  of the cover  12 .  
         [0048]    The outer surface of the cover wall  124  may be all or partially ribbed as illustrated or otherwise textured to provide a grip for the cover  12  during relative motion between the cover  12  and base  16 . Additional gripping can be provided by extending the upper surface of the cover  12  outwardly beyond the cover wall  124  at one or more locations.  
         [0049]    The push element  14  comprises a thumbpiece  141  having gripping ribs  142  or alternatively a textured surface secured to the upper surface of the thumbpiece  141  for gripping the push element  14 . In a preferred embodiment, the push element is molded from a polystyrene material such as Styron 6075 manufactured by Dow Plastics and available from General Polymers, Columbus, Ohio 43216.  
         [0050]    The push element  14  further comprises a projection  143 . The projection  143  extends over at least a portion of the product located in the product dispensing position during transport and storage of the dispenser  10 , to aid in maintaining the product in this position. The projection  143  further aids in controlling the movement of product during transition from the interior of the cover  12  onto the landing  126 , and in maintaining the position of individual product on the landing  126 . Optionally, a lip  144  is located on the bottom surface of the projection  143  which aids in securing individual product in the product dispensing position and in position on the landing  126 .  
         [0051]    The push element  14  further comprises two slide rails  145  and a center rudder  146 , both secured to the lower surface of the thumbpiece  141 . The rudder  146  is aligned with a base turret opening  172  whenever the snap hook connector rib  133  is engaged with a base turret groove  173  to create a stop position for relative motion between the cover  12  and the base  16 . Such alignment is required to allow the push element to be extended. When the push element  14  is fully retracted, the rudder  146  does not occupy the aligned base turret opening  172  and the base  16  and the cover  12  are free to move with respect to each other between stop positions. This fully retracted position will be referred to herein as the first position of the push element  14 . At a stop position the push element  14  can be partially or fully extended, causing the rudder  146  to occupy the aligned base turret opening  172  thereby preventing motion between the base  16  and the cover  12  to an alternate stop position. This partial or full extension position will be referred to herein as the second position of the push element  14 .  
         [0052]    The rudder  146  further comprises a scraper  147  positioned at the front of the rudder. The scraper  147  is designed to separate individual product from the product dispensing position by interposing the scraper  147  between the product and the product dispensing position upon extension of the thumbpiece  141 . In the case of an air cell, interposing the scraper  147  between the cell and the product dispensing position untabs the cell, allowing air ingress and cell activation.  
         [0053]    It should be appreciated that the projection  143 , the lip  144  and the scraper  147  may all be contoured to shape according to the product contained within the dispenser without departing from the teachings herein.  
         [0054]    The slide rails  145  of the thumbpiece  141  comprise snap hooks having angled surfaces  148   a  and flat surfaces  148   b . The angled surfaces  148   a  allow a portion of the push element  14  to pass through the roof opening  123  for snap connection of the push element with the cover  12 . The angled surfaces  148   a  contact the sides of the roof opening during connection causing the snap hooks to flex inwardly. Once the angled surfaces  148   a  have cleared the roof opening  123 , the snap hooks retract, thereby engaging the inner surface of the cover and the flat surfaces  148   b  of the snap hooks, enabling the push element to slidably extend and retract along the roof opening  123 .  
         [0055]    The push element  14  further comprises two stop walls  149  positioned on the lower surface of the thumbpiece  141 . The stop walls  149  define a stop position for the fully extended push element  14  upon contacting the inside surface of the cover wall  124 . In an alternative embodiment, the stop position for the fully extended push element  14  can be provided by extending the slide rails  145  so that they contact the inside surface of the cover wall  124  when the push element  14  is fully extended.  
         [0056]    The base  16  comprises a lower tier  161 , an upper tier  162  and a hollow center  163 . The lower tier comprises an outer wall  164  and an upper surface  165 . The upper tier further comprises an outer wall  166  and an upper surface  167 . In a preferred embodiment, the base is molded from Styron 6075 as described above.  
         [0057]    The lower tier upper surface  165  is sized to accommodate the width of the cover wall  124 . When joined, the bottom surface of the cover wall  124  is in contact with the lower tier upper surface  165  and a portion of the inner surface of the cover wall  124  is in contact with the upper tier outer wall  166 .  
         [0058]    All or a portion of the lower tier outer wall  164  may be partially ribbed as shown or otherwise textured to provide a grip for the base  16  during relative motion between the cover  12  and base  16 . Extensions (not shown) from the base may be included to provide handles to aid in separating the base  16  from the cover  12 . The lower tier outer wall  164  may optionally include an indicator such as an arrow (not shown). Aligning the landing  126  with the indicator during connection of the cover and base also aligns the snap hook connector rib  133  of the cover  12  with a base turret groove  173 , facilitating the connection.  
         [0059]    The hollow center  163  further comprises a turret partition  169  defined by a beveled edge  170  and turret structures  171  extending above the upper tier upper surface  167 . The turret structures  171  are separated by turret openings  172 . The openings  172  are sized to permit the rudder  146  to occupy an opening during extension of the push element  14  in its second position. The lead in surfaces  131  of the cover snap hook connectors  127   a - c  contact the turret partition  169  during connection of the cover and base, causing the cover snap hook connectors to flex inwardly. Upon encountering the beveled edge  170  of the base hollow center  163 , the snap hook connectors retract, allowing the tension-providing surfaces  132  of the cover snap hook connectors to contact the beveled edge and thereby secure the cover and base together.  
         [0060]    The turrets  171  further comprise grooves  173  extending along the length of the partition  169 . Insertion of the snap hook rib  133  of the cover into one of the turret grooves  173  defines a stop position whereby product located at the product dispensing position is aligned with the cover wall opening  125  and the landing  126 .  
         [0061]    Product is affixed to the upper tier upper surface  167  via adhesive or other suitable means. In a preferred embodiment of the within invention, zinc air miniature cells  174  are exemplified as the product, and are adhered to the base using an adhesive platform  175 . The platform comprises at least one adhesive layer. In a preferred embodiment, the platform comprises a lower adhesive layer  176 , a mid adhesive layer  177 , an upper adhesive layer  178 , a foam tape layer  179  sandwiched between the lower and mid adhesive layers, a mylar film layer  180  sandwiched between the mid and upper adhesive layers, and a polyester overcoat layer  181  located atop the upper adhesive layer. The lower and mid adhesive layers with a foam layer sandwiched in between are available as a single product, from Label Technologies Inc., Spec. #4105 (double sided closed cell foam with acrylic adhesive), Suwanee, Ga. The mylar film layer and upper adhesive layer are also available as a single product from Label Technologies Inc., Spec. #72907 (polyolefin with R-143 adhesive). The polyester overcoat layer is available from Label Technologies Inc., Spec. #2216 (interfilm metalized polyester). Alternating cutouts  175   a  are provided in the overcoat layer  181  to expose portions of the underlying adhesive layer  178 . The air cells  174  are placed upon the exposed adhesive portions to seal their associated air ports until such time as the cell is transferred from the interior of the cover to the landing. In a preferred embodiment, the cutouts are larger than the diameter of the cells, such that the cells do not come into direct contact with the overcoat layer. It will be appreciated that the overcoat layer  181  is an optional feature designed primarily to prevent the accumulation of dust and other debris on the upper adhesive layer  178  and to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. As such, it will be appreciated that other materials with an aesthetically appealing appearance, adequate adhesion to the underlying adhesive layer, and a surface that will avoid the accumulation of dust and debris could be used in place of the polyester overcoat layer  181 .  
         [0062]    In this embodiment, the air cells are not individually tabbed, thereby obviating the expense associated with such an operation. Further, the tabbing material remains with the dispenser when the cell is dispensed, avoiding the need to handle or otherwise dispose of an individual tab. It will be appreciated, however, that the dispenser of the within invention can be utilized with individually tabbed air cells. In such an embodiment, the tab is mechanically or adhesively joined to the base. The cell is then separated from the tab when the thumbpiece scraper is inserted between the tab and the cell. The cell is then advanced from the interior of the cover onto the landing while the tab remains attached to the dispenser base.  
         [0063]    Individual tabbing of air cells can also be avoided using the within invention where one surface of a gasket sealing material is affixed with an appropriate adhesive to the upper tier surface  165  of the base. The opposing gasket surface then directly contacts the bottom of the cell. The cells are then sealed by placing sufficient downward pressure on the top of the cell from the cover rib  128  to effectively limit the amount of air ingress until such time as the cell is advanced to the product dispensing position. The pressure also secures the cells in position on the base until dispensed.  
         [0064]    Other techniques and methods for adhering product to the base may also be used without departing from the teachings of the within invention. Adhesive to secure product may be applied as a surface coating to the upper tier upper surface  165 , or alternatively, may be applied in discrete locations to coincide with the number and spacing of product on the upper surface of the upper tier. Adhesives appropriate to the type of product can be selected as is known in the art.  
         [0065]    The underside of the base  16  optionally comprises a series of support ribs  182 . In an alternate embodiment, the ribs define one or more storage compartments  183  for spent product. Where individual compartments are defined by such ribs, spent product can be secured in position using an interference fit between the product and the storage compartment. Alternatively, spent product can be secured into position by sealing the compartments with a rotatable covering  184  having an opening  185 , as illustrated in FIGS. 7 a - c . The opening  185  could be aligned with an individual storage compartment to allow the spent air cells to pass through the opening into the compartment  183 . In the event support ribs are not utilized, the void volume of the base can still function as a repository for spent product as illustrated in FIG. 8.  
         [0066]    To operate the dispenser from the starting position, the push element  14  is placed in the first position, the fully retracted position. The cover  12  and base  16  are then rotated with respect to each other until a stop position is reached where product is located in the product dispensing position. The push element is then advanced to the fully extended position, causing the product to transition from the product dispensing position to the landing. At this point, the dispenser  10  may be used as a handle to orient the product and insert it correctly into a device.