Patent Publication Number: US-2023145881-A1

Title: Dispenser for frangible food product

Description:
SUMMARY 
     Packaging for items such as food products can be inconvenient to use. They are often designed so that the entire food product must be consumed in a single sitting. 
     Packaging for products such as candy bars typically leaves more of the product exposed and ready for consumption than is desired by the user. For instance, a calorie conscious consumer may not want to consume the entirety of the food product in one sitting. 
     Conventional food packaging for items such as chocolate bars do not typically allow for resealing the container. In many situations a user is forced to choose between either consuming the entirety of the food product or disposing the remaining product with the food packaging. 
     Packaging that allows the user to reseal the container often does not include any indication as to the remaining product within the resealed container. A user must often reopen the container in order to determine the amount of product remaining in the container. 
     Furthermore, containers for food products such as chocolate can be messy and inconvenient. A user may inadvertently contact the product, thereby getting the product on their fingers, which must then be cleaned up. 
     Containers made out of foil, paper, cardstock, or cardboard can be torn into many small pieces. These small pieces turn into loose trash that, if not disposed of properly, can lead to additional loose waste in the environment. 
     Conventional packaging for products such as candy bars are typically not child-proof. It is easy for a child to tear open packaging and get access to the products within. This is especially important when the dispensed product contains a medication such as a laxative, pain reliever, digestive aid, antiemetic, or any other medication. 
     What is provided is a dispenser for a product, specifically a frangible food product. In some examples the dispenser is resealable so that a user does not have to consume the entire food product in a single sitting. In another example the dispenser is configured to dispense a portion of a frangible food product. The dispenser includes a motivator for dispensing a frangible food product from the dispenser. In some examples the motivator includes an indexer so that a single portion of the frangible food product is dispenser when the motivator is used. The dispenser can include user visible indexing to show the remaining frangible food product in the dispenser. In some examples the dispenser includes a breaker to help a user break a portion of the frangible food product. The breaker also serves to keep the user from having to directly contact the food product when breaking a portion of the frangible food product. In some examples the dispenser also includes a child-proof cap to prevent a child from dispensing the product. 
     In an aspect, there is disclosed a dispenser, comprising, a hollow housing with an open end and a base, the base for receiving a release button; a cap retaining projection; the release button with a biasing means for moving a pawl from a locked position to an open position; and a cap with a retaining slot and a tooth, the retaining slot cooperating with the cap retaining projection for retaining the cap over the open end, and the tooth cooperating with the pawl in the locked position for locking the cap to the base. The dispenser may further comprise, the hollow housing with a longitudinal slot and a dispensing projection; a sleeve with a helical slot and a detent, the sleeve rotatably mounted on the hollow housing, and the detent for cooperating with the dispensing projection; a shuttle for holding a dispensed item, the shuttle operatively connected to the longitudinal slot and the helical slot for raising the shuttle within the hollow base and the dispensed item by a discrete amount by rotating the sleeve so the dispensing projection engages the detent. The dispenser may further comprise, the tooth and pawl in the locked position prevent rotational motion of the cap. The dispenser may further comprise, the tooth and the pawl cooperate to provide an audible sound for user feedback. The dispenser may further comprise, the retaining slot has a vertical portion connected to a perpendicular horizontal portion. The dispenser may further comprise, the cap retaining projection is on the base. The dispenser may further comprise, the discrete amount corresponds with a single portion of the dispensed item. The dispenser may further comprise, the sleeve comprises at least 2 or more detents. The dispenser may further comprise, the detents are evenly spaced around the circumference of the sleeve. The dispenser may further comprise, the detent and the dispensing projection cooperate to provide an audible sound, a haptic response, or both for user feedback. The dispenser may further comprise, a flexible shield extending from the open end of the housing. The dispenser may further comprise, the flexible shield is for preventing contact with the dispensed item. The dispenser may further comprise, the dispensed item is frangible, and the flexible shield cooperates with the frangible dispensed item for dispensing a single portion. The dispenser may further comprise, the housing has a cylindrical shape. The dispenser may further comprise, a visual indicator for indicating the number of portions of the product remaining to be dispensed, or, for indicating the number of portions of the product dispensed. 
     In another aspect, there is disclosed a method, comprising, removing a safety cap that is releasably secured over a sleeve, a hollow housing, or both. The method may further comprise, rotating the sleeve by a discrete amount for dispensing a portion of a frangible product; dispensing the portion of the frangible product. The method may further comprise, the step of removing further comprises: simultaneously pressing a release button and rotating the safety cap for removing the releasably secured safety cap. The method may further comprise, the step of rotating further comprises: rotating the sleeve for raising a shuttle, the shuttle supporting the frangible product, and the shuttle for urging the frangible product towards an open end of the housing; and rotating the sleeve until a detent on the sleeve engages a dispensing projection on the housing for indicating that the portion of the frangible product has been urged outside the housing. The method may further comprise, the step of dispensing further comprises: pressing a flexible shield, the shield extending from an open end of the housing or the sleeve, for breaking off the portion of the frangible product without directly touching the portion or the frangible product. 
     In another aspect, there is disclosed a kit, comprising, a dispenser as described herein; and a frangible product for use with the dispenser. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG.  1    depicts a view in front elevation of an embodiment of the dispenser for a frangible food product. 
         FIG.  2    depicts a view in front elevation of the dispenser of  FIG.  1    showing a portion of the frangible food product dispensed from the dispenser. 
         FIG.  3    depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the dispenser. 
         FIG.  4    depicts a perspective cross sectional view of the motivator of the dispenser of  FIG.  3     
         FIG.  5    depicts a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the dispenser 
         FIG.  6    depicts a longitudinal cross section view of the dispenser of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    depicts a perspective cross sectional view of the motivator of the dispenser of  FIG.  5     
         FIG.  7 A  depicts a perspective view of a motivator of an alternate dispenser. 
         FIG.  8    depicts a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the dispenser 
         FIG.  9    depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dispenser of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    depicts a perspective cross sectional view of the motivator of the dispenser of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  11    depicts a longitudinal side view of the dispenser of  FIG.  3    showing an indexer. 
         FIG.  12    depicts an alternate side view of the dispenser of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  13    depicts a front view of the dispenser of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  14    depicts a side view of an alternate dispenser having a breaker. 
         FIG.  15    depicts a perspective view of the dispenser of  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  16    depicts a side view of an alternate dispenser where the breaker includes a stop. 
         FIG.  17    and  FIG.  18    depict a frangible food product being dispensed from an example dispenser and the food product being advanced. 
         FIG.  19    depicts a partial view of an example dispenser having a child-proof cap. 
         FIG.  20    depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate example dispenser having a child-proof cap. 
         FIG.  21    depicts an exploded view of the parts of an example dispenser. 
         FIG.  22    to  FIG.  24    depict a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate example dispenser having a child-proof cap. 
         FIG.  25    and  FIG.  26    depict a cross section of an example dispenser using the parts depicted in  FIG.  21   . 
         FIG.  27    and  FIG.  28    depict the lock and unlock sequence of an example dispenser using the parts depicted in  FIG.  21   . 
         FIG.  29    and  FIG.  30    depict a sequence for dispensing several portions of product from an example dispenser using the parts depicted in  FIG.  21   . 
     
    
    
     FIGURE NUMBERS 
     
         
           100  Dispenser 
           102  frangible Product 
           104  Motivator—move product 
           106  Portion of product 
           108  body/hollow housing 
           110  opening defined in body 
           112  frangible line 
           200  base 
           300  detent 
           302  ball/projection 
           502  helical groove/slot 
           504  crenel 
           500  sleeve 
           600  Shuttle 
           602  longitudinal slot 
           800  helical post 
           900  flexible arm 
           300  detent 
           1100  visual indicator 
           1102  indicator window 
           1400  breaker/guard/flexible shield 
           1402  stop 
           1900  cap/safety cap 
           1902  latch 
           1904  cap retaining projection 
           1906  spring 
           1908  retaining slot 
           2100  Release Button 
           2102  Biasing means 
           2104  locking tab/pawl 
           2106  tooth/ratchet 
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , an example of a dispenser  100  for a frangible product  102  is depicted. 
     In the example depicted in  FIG.  1    the dispenser has a body  108  that contains a dispensable product, or in this case a frangible product  102 . The body  108  defines an opening  110  through which the frangible product  102  can be dispensed. 
     The dispenser also has a motivator  104  connected to the body  108 . Once activated, the motivator  104  advances the frangible product  102  from the body  108  of the dispenser  100  through the opening  110  so that a portion of the product  106  is extended beyond the opening  110 . The motivator  104  may also be activated in a reverse direction so as to retract the frangible food product  102  into the body  108  of the dispenser  100  through the opening  110 . In this way the frangible product  102  can be substantially protected within the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . 
     In the example depicted in  FIG.  1    the motivator  104  is twisted in a counterclockwise direction to dispense the frangible food product  102  through the opening  110 . 
     The motivator  104  is twisted in a clockwise direction to retract the frangible food product  102  through the opening  110  into the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . 
     As depicted in  FIG.  2   , once the frangible product  102  has been extended so that a frangible line  112  of the frangible product  102  extends beyond the body  108  of the dispenser, a user can apply a force to the portion of product  106  so that the portion of product  106  is separated from the frangible product  102  substantially along the frangible line  112  thereby dispensing a portion of the product  106  from the dispenser  100 . In another embodiment, the portion of product  106  is a single portion of the product. In another embodiment, the portion of product  106  is a single dose of the product. 
     In the example depicted in  FIG.  1    the frangible product  102  is a food product. Examples of a food product include, but are not limited to, chocolate, hard candy, toffee, or any food product that can be processed and/or molded into a shape that allows for the definition of frangible lines in the food product. It will be appreciated that the dispenser can be used with any product, food or otherwise, that can be processed and/or molded into a shape that allows for the definition of frangible lines in the product. Examples include, but are not limited to, medicaments, paints and/or pigments, cosmetics, wax, fire-starters, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , an alternate example of a dispenser  100  is depicted. In this example the motivator  104  is activated by pushing the motivator  104  towards the opening  110  of the body  108  along a length of the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . As a user pushes the motivator  104  towards the opening  110  along the length of the body  108 , the frangible product  102  extends beyond the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . The user can then apply a force to the portion of product  106  so that the portion of product  106  is separated from the frangible product  102  substantially along the frangible line  112 , thereby dispensing a portion of the product  106  from the dispenser  100 . 
     The frangible product  102  can be retracted into the body  108  of the dispenser  100  by reversing the direction of the motivator  104 . In this example, as the user pushes the motivator  104  towards a base  200  of the dispenser  100  the frangible product  102  is retracted into the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . 
     In the example depicted in  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4    the motivator  104  is separate from the base  200  of the dispenser  100 . In this example the motivator  104  is configured to move away from the base  200  of the dispenser  100  when extending the frangible product  102  beyond the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . Alternately, the motivator is configured to move towards the base  200  of the dispenser  100  when retracting the frangible product  102  into the body  108  of the dispenser. 
     In other examples (such as the one depicted in  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   ) the motivator  104  may be integral with the base  200  of the dispenser  100 . In the example depicted in  FIG.  1    the motivator  104  is configured to rotate around a longitudinal axis of the body of the dispenser  100 . In the example depicted in  FIG.  1    a clockwise rotation will cause the frangible product  102  to be extended beyond the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . Similarly, a counterclockwise rotation will cause the frangible product  102  to be retracted into the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . 
     In yet another example the motivator  104  and the base  200  of the dispenser  100  may be constructed as a single unit. For instance, the example dispenser depicted in  FIG.  5    to  FIG.  7    has a motivator  104  that is integral to the body  108  of the dispenser. In this example the motivator  104  (and body  108 ) rotates relative to a sleeve  500  in order to move a shuttle  600  to which the frangible product  102  is attached. 
     In the example depicted in  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4    the dispenser  100  is configured to dispense a controlled amount of the frangible product  102  when the motivator  104  is activated. In the example depicted in  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4    the motivator  104  engages one or more detents  300  defined along the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . As the motivator  104  is activated the motivator  104  disengages the detent  300 , moves along the body  108  of the dispenser  100 , and engages the next detent  300  defined on the body of the dispenser  100 . In this case as a force is applied to the motivator  104  a flexible tab (not shown) on the motivator  104  disengages the detent  300  on the body  108 . As the motivator is pushed along the body  108  the flexible tab slides along the body  108 . The flexible tab (not shown) of the motivator  104  then engages the next detent  300  defined on the body  108  once the motivator  104  has been pushed at or near the next detent  300 . In this example the distance between the original detent and the next detent  300  corresponds to the length of a portion  106  of the frangible product. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5    to  FIG.  7   , an alternate example of a dispenser  100  is depicted. In this example the motivator  104  is integral to the base  200  and the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . 
     A sleeve  500  covers at least a portion of the body  108 . The body  108  of the dispenser  100  and the sleeve  500  are configured so that the body  108  and the sleeve  500  can be rotated relative to each other. A helical groove  502  is defined along an inner surface of the sleeve  500 . 
     A shuttle  600  engages a portion of the helical groove  502  through an opening defined along the length of the body  108 . 
     The top of the shuttle  600  contacts and secures a bottom of the frangible product  102  so that the frangible product  102  moves as the shuttle  600  moves. In an embodiment, the shuttle  600  has a flat surface, a substantially flat surface, or, has an inverted cup shape for allowing the last portion of the product to be easily removed. That is, after dispensing the last portion of the product, the shuttle  600  does not retain any undispensed product thereby reducing or eliminating waste of the product to be dispensed. 
     As the motivator  104  is rotated counterclockwise the shuttle  600  is urged towards the top of the body  108  by the helical groove  502  of the sleeve  500 . As the motivator is rotated clockwise the shuttle  600  is urged towards the base  200  of the body  108  by the helical groove  502  of the sleeve  500 . 
     In some embodiments the dispenser also includes an indexer so that a user can quickly determine when a portion  106  of product has been dispensed from the dispenser  100 . The indexer provides haptic feedback that indicates that a portion  106  of the product has been dispensed from the dispenser  100 . 
     In the example depicted in  FIG.  5    to  FIG.  7    the sleeve  500  further defines crenels  504 . These crenels  504  engage a ball (or projection)  302  defined on the motivator  104 . The crenels  504  of the sleeve  500  and the ball (or projection)  302  of the motivator cooperate so as to provide feedback (such as visual, feel, sound, or any combination) once the motivator  104  has been sufficiently rotated so that the shuttle  600  has travelled a length of the body  108  corresponding to a portion  106  of the frangible product  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7 A , an alternate dispenser having an indexer is depicted. In this example the sleeve  500  includes detents  300  instead of the crenels  504  of  FIG.  5    to  FIG.  7   . Furthermore, in this example the body  108  includes a ball (or projection)  302  that cooperates with the detent  300  in the sleeve to provide feedback that a portion of frangible product  102  has been dispensed. In some examples the portion of the sleeve  500  comprising the detents  300  are transparent or translucent so that a user can visually see the ball  302  in the detent  300 , thereby providing a visual indication. 
     In some embodiments the detents  300  or crenels  504  are spaced in discrete amounts around the sleeve  500 . These crenels  504  or detents  300  correspond to a single piece of the dispensed item. For example, in the case of a dispenser containing five servings of a product, the crenels  504  or detents  300  would be separated by 360 degrees/5 servings=72 degrees. So, for every 72 degrees the motivator  104  is turned a serving is dispensed from the dispenser  100 . 
     In an embodiment, when the dispenser is assembled the sleeve  500  must be aligned with the body  108  so that the shuttle  600  reaches the bottom of the body  108  and the index indicates the correct number of servings remaining, or indicates the first serving (i.e., the index and shuttle line up with “1”). Referring now to  FIGS.  22 - 24   , part of the visual indicator ( 1100 ) is shown in this embodiment as the numbers 3 and 4 on the sleeve. Referring to  FIGS.  29  and  30   , the visual indicator ( 1100 ) is shown in this embodiment as the numbers 1 to 5 shown on the sleeve. In another embodiment, the visual indicator may indicate the number of portions of the product that have been dispensed, or, the number of portions that remain to be dispensed. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8    to  FIG.  10   , an alternate example of a dispenser  100  is depicted. In this example the motivator  104  is separate from the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . The motivator  104 , however, forms the base  200  of the dispenser  100  on which the body  108  is affixed. In this example the motivator  104  (and the base  200 ) is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the body  108 . 
     In this example a helical post  800  extends perpendicularly from the base  200 . The helical post  800  is roughly the length of the body  108 . 
     In this example a shuttle  600  is situated on the helical post  800 . Similar to the example of  FIG.  5    to  FIG.  7   , the top of the shuttle  600  contacts and secures a bottom of the frangible product  102  so that the frangible product  102  moves as the shuttle  600  moves. 
     In this example the frangible product  102  is molded in such a way to accommodate the helical post  800 . 
     A groove (not shown) is defined on the shuttle  600  that interfaces with a corresponding tongue (not shown) on the body  108 . As the motivator  104  is rotated in a counterclockwise direction the helical post  800  rotates, causing the shuttle  600  to move towards the top of the body  108 . Similarly, as the motivator  104  is rotated in a clockwise direction the shuttle  600  moves towards the base  200 . 
     The example of  FIG.  8    to  FIG.  10    also includes an indexer. In this example the indexer includes a flexible arm  900  in the base  200  that engages with a corresponding detent  300  in the body  108 . As the base is rotated the flexible arm  900  disengages with the detent  300  in the body  108  and slides along an inner surface of the body  108 . Once the motivator  104  has been sufficiently rotated the flexible arm  900  engages the next detent  300  defined on the inner surface of the body. It will be appreciated that the positioning of the next detent  300  is such that the amount the motivator  104  is rotated corresponds to the distance the shuttle  600  will need to travel along the helical post  800  so that a portion of the product  106  is dispensed. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  11   , an alternate example of the dispenser  100  of  FIG.  3    having a visual indicator  1100  is depicted  100 . In this embodiment the motivator  104  is configured to visually indicate to the user the number of portions  106  remaining in the dispenser  100 . 
     In this example indicator windows  1102  are defined along the wall of the body  108 . As the motivator  104  is used to dispense the frangible product  102  the motivator  104  aligns with the indicator window  1102  corresponding to the number of portions  106  of frangible product  102  remaining in the dispenser  100 , In this example the motivator  104  is a different color than the body  102  of the dispenser so that a part of the motivator  104  (and hence the color of the motivator  104 ) is visible through the indicator window  1102 . 
       FIG.  12    and  FIG.  13    depict a front view and a side view of the dispenser of  FIG.  3   . In this example the motivator  104  also acts as a visual indicator to indicate to the user the number of portions  106  remaining in the dispenser  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  14    to  FIG.  18    an alternate example of the dispenser  100  is depicted. In this example the dispenser  100  includes a breaker (or guard, or flexible shield)  1400  that allows the user to dispense a portion  106  of the frangible product  102  without directly contacting the portion  106  of the frangible product  102 . 
     As depicted in  FIG.  17    and  FIG.  18   , a force applied directly to the breaker (or guard, or flexible shield)  1400  by the user is transferred from the breaker (or guard)  1400  to the portion  106  of the frangible product  102 . This force, applied indirectly by the user via the breaker (or guard  1400 ), is used to separate the portion  106  from the frangible product  102  along a frangible line  112  defined in the frangible product  106 . 
     The example breaker (or guard, or flexible shield)  1400  depicted in  FIG.  14    to  FIG.  18    further includes a stop  1402  for preventing more than a single portion  106  of the frangible product  102  from being dispensed from the dispenser  100 . As the user uses the motivator  104  to advance the frangible product  102  from the body  108  the frangible product  102  will not be able to advance further than the stop  1402 . 
     In some examples the stop  1402  is able to extend from and retract into the body  108  as the frangible product  102  is advanced from or retracted into the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . For instance, in the example depicted in  FIG.  14    to  FIG.  18    the stop  1402  is a sleeve (not shown) configured in the body  108  that advances outward as the frangible product  102  is dispensed. Once a portion  106  of the frangible product  102  is advanced from the body  108  then the stop  1402  is restricted from advancing further. 
     If the user continues to advance the frangible product  102  then the user will experience increased resistance from the motivator  104  due to the stop  1402  resisting the advancement of the frangible product  102 . 
     In the example depicted in  FIG.  14    to  FIG.  18    the stop  1402  can be retracted by applying a force on the stop  1402  inwardly towards the body  108  of the dispenser  100 . This force can be applied directly by the user or by a protective cap (not shown) that covers, at least in part, the opening defined by the body  108  when the dispenser  100  is not in use. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  19    an example cap  1900  for a dispenser  100  is depicted. The cap  1900  is used to cover the opening defined in the body  110 . By covering the opening defined in the body  110  the dispenser  100  with the cover  1900  protects, at least in part, the frangible product  102 . In the example depicted in  FIG.  19    the cap is configured to be secured near at or near the top of the body  108 , near the opening defined in the body  110 . 
     In this example the cap  1900  and the body  108  includes a locking mechanism to reversibly secure the cap  1900  to the body  108 . The locking mechanism secures the cap  1900  to the body  108  in order to prevent children from removing the cap  1900  and accessing the frangible product  102  within. 
     In this example the cap  1900  includes one or more cap retaining projections  1904 . These cap retaining projections  1904  interact with a corresponding latch  1902  defined on the body  108  of the dispenser  100  to reversibly lock the cap  1900  to the body  108 . In this example the cap  1900  further includes a spring  1906 . The spring  1906  requires that an additional, “downwards” force be applied to the cap  1900  in order to engage (or disengage) the one or more cap retaining projections  1904  from the latch  1902 . It will be appreciated that other methods and structures to secure the cap  1900  to the body  108  can be contemplated without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  20   , another example cap  1900  for a dispenser  100  is depicted. In this example the cap  1900  covers, at least in part, the body  108  of the dispenser  100  and is configured to be secured to the base  200  of the dispenser. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  21    an exploded view of the components of an example dispenser is depicted. 
     In this example the dispenser includes a cap  1900  that is configured to cover, at least in part, the body  108  of the dispenser so that the open end of the body  108  is covered by the cap  1900 . 
     The body  108  includes a base  200  that is integral to the body  108 . The body  108  also includes a breaker (or flexible shield, or guard)  1400 . 
     The release button  2100  includes a biasing means for moving a pawl  2104  from a locked position to an open position. The pawl  2104  interacts with a tooth  2106  that, in this example, is configured in the cap  1900 . The tooth  2106  and pawl  2104  are configured to prevent the rotational motion of the cap  1900  when the cap  1900  is secured to the body  108  and the cap  1900  is in the locked position, as will be discussed in  FIG.  22    to  FIG.  24   . The pawl  2104  may be a locking tab in another embodiment. The tooth  2106  may be a ratchet in another embodiment. 
     In this example the biasing means  2102 , when in a locked position, causes the pawl  2104  to extend and cooperate with the tooth to prevent rotation motion. The biasing means  2102  is in the locked position when no pressure is applied to the release button  2100 . 
     A user, by applying pressure on the release button  2100 , causes the biasing means  2102  to move into the unlocked position. In the unlocked position the pawl  2104  retracts away from the tooth  2106  and into the base  200 . 
     In this example the cap  1900  also includes a retaining slot  1908 . The retaining slot  1908  is configured to cooperate with the retaining projection  1904  on the body  108  for retaining the cap  1900  over the open end when the cap  1900  is in the locked position. 
     In this example a helical sleeve  500  with a helical groove  502  is depicted. In this example the helical sleeve  500  is rotatably mounted on the hollow housing  108 . 
     In this example the shuttle  600  holds a frangible product (or dispensed item)  102 . In this example, the shuttle  600  is operatively connected to the longitudinal slot  602  and the helical slot  502  for raising the shuttle  600  within the hollow base  108  and the dispensed item  102  by a discrete amount by rotating the helical sleeve  500  so the ball engages the detent. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  22    to  FIG.  24   , another example dispenser with a child-proof cap is depicted.  FIG.  22    to  FIG.  24    depicts a partial perspective view of a portion of the base of the dispenser.  FIG.  22    to  FIG.  24    also depict a semi-transparent view of the cap. 
     The cap has a retaining slot  1908  for receiving both a cap retaining projection  1904  and a pawl  2104 . 
     In this example the cap retaining projection  1904  is a part of the body  108 . When in the locked position with the cap  1900 , the cap retaining projection  1904  cooperates with the retaining slot  1908  to prevent the cap  1900  from being removed. That is, it is used to keep the cap over the open end. 
     In this example the retaining slot  1908  and cap retaining projection  1904  retain the cap  1900 . When securing the cap  1900  to the body  108 , the cap retaining projection  1904  first travels the vertical portion of the retaining slot  1908  when the cap  1900  is being inserted onto the body  108  so that the opening defined in the body  108  is covered. Then, in order to secure the cap  1900  to the body  108 , a rotational force (or twist) is applied to the cap  1900  so that the cap retaining projection  1904  travels along the horizontal portion of the retaining slot  1908 , thereby securing the cap onto the base. 
     Once the cap is secured the cap retaining projection  1904  will be in the horizontal portion of the retaining slot  1908 . When the cap retaining projection  1904  is in the horizontal portion of the retaining slot  1908  the cap  1900  cannot be removed because the cap retaining projection  1904  and horizontal portion of the retaining slot  1908  will prevent the cap  1900  from being moved vertically (i.e., removed from the body). 
     The cap also has a tooth. When in the locked position, the tooth cooperates with the pawl  2104  to keep the cap locked to the base. In this example, when in a locked position the tooth  2106  and the pawl  2104  prevents the cap from being twisted into an open position when no pressure is applied to the release button ( 2100 , but not shown in  FIG.  22    to  FIG.  24   ). 
     In this example the tooth  2106  is configured to cooperate with the pawl  2104  (of the release button  2100 ) in the locked position for locking the cap  1900  to the base  200 . In an embodiment the tooth  2106  is sloped in the direction towards the locked position so that as the cap  1900  is rotated towards a locked position the pawl  2104  is pushed back into the body  108  of the dispenser  100 , thereby allowing the cap  1900  to rotate relative to the body  108 . 
     Once the cap  1900  is in the locked position the pawl  2104  no longer contacts in the tooth  2106 . The pawl  2104  springs (or extends) away from the body  108  and towards the retaining slot  1908  of the cap  1900 . The tooth  2106  is shaped so that the pawl  2104  remains extended towards the retaining slot  1908  when a user attempts to rotate the cap  1900  towards the unlocked position when not applying pressure to the release button  2100 . That is, the tooth  2106  is not sloped in the direction towards the unlocked position. Thus, in order to unlock the cap  1900 , the pawl  2104  must be retracted back into the base  200  of the body  108  (by pressing on the release button  2100 ) so that the cap  108  can be rotated towards the unlocked position. 
     Referring now to the sequence of  FIG.  27    and  FIG.  28   , when locking the cap  1900  to the base  108 , the rotation of the cap  1900  causes the tooth  2106  and pawl  2104  to engage and simultaneously causes the cap retaining projection  1904  to travel along the horizontal portion of the retaining slot  1908 . Once fully locked, the cap retaining projection  1904  is in the horizontal portion of the retaining slot  1908  (thereby securing the cap  1900  to the body  108 ) while the pawl  2104  and tooth  2106  prevent the cap from being rotated in the unlock direction. 
     In order to unlock the cap  1900 , the user will need to apply pressure to the release button  2100 . This causes the pawl  2104  to retract into the base  200 . This allows for the cap  1900  to be rotated in the opposite direction (since the tooth  2106  and the pawl  2104  no longer interact). While unlocking the cap retaining projection  1904  travels along the horizontal portion of the retaining slot  1908  until it is aligned with the vertical portion of the retaining slot. Then the cap  1900  can be removed by lifting the cap  1900  vertically. 
       FIG.  25    and  FIG.  26    depict a cross section of an example dispenser as assembled using the parts depicted in  FIG.  21   . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  29  and  30   , there is shown a sequence for dispensing several portions of product from an example dispenser using the parts depicted in  FIG.  21   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  22 - 23  and  28   , in an embodiment, the method for operating the dispenser, starts with removing a safety cap (or cap  1900 ) that is releasably secured over a sleeve, a hollow housing, or both. Then, in another embodiment, the step of removing further comprises: simultaneously pressing a release button and rotating the safety cap for removing the releasably secured safety cap. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  29  and  30   , in an embodiment, rotating the sleeve by a discrete amount for dispensing a portion of a frangible product, and, dispensing the portion of the frangible product. Then, in another embodiment, the step of rotating further comprises: rotating the sleeve for raising a shuttle, the shuttle supporting the frangible product, and the shuttle for urging the frangible product towards an open end of the housing; and rotating the sleeve until a detent on the sleeve engages a dispensing projection on the housing for indicating that the portion of the frangible product has been urged outside the housing. Then, in another embodiment, the step of dispensing further comprises: pressing a flexible shield, the shield extending from an open end of the housing or the sleeve, for breaking off the portion of the frangible product without directly touching the portion or the frangible product. 
     In another embodiment, the first portion to be dispensed may extend from the housing and may be dispensed without rotating the sleeve. 
     The examples described herein may be described using any one of or a combination of the clauses provided. These clauses are not to be construed as limiting. These clauses may be combined or modified with any of the details described in the present application. Clause 1: A dispenser including a hollow housing  108  with an open end and a base  200 , the base  200  for receiving a release button  2100 ; a cap retaining projection  1904 ; the release button  2100  with a biasing means  2100  for moving a pawl  2104  (a locking tab) from a locked position to an open position; and a cap  1900  with a retaining slot  1908  and a tooth  2106  (a ratchet), the retaining slot  1908  cooperating with the retaining projection  1904  for retaining the cap  1900  over the open end, and the tooth  2106  cooperating with the pawl  2104  in the locked position for locking the cap  1900  to the base  200 . Clause 2: The dispenser wherein the tooth and pawl in the locked position prevent rotational motion of the cap. Clause 3: The dispenser wherein, the tooth and the pawl cooperate to provide an audible sound, a haptic response, or both for user feedback. Clause 4: The dispenser wherein, the retaining slot has a vertical portion connected to a perpendicular horizontal portion. Clause 5: The dispenser wherein, the cap retaining projection is on the base. Clause 6: A dispenser, comprising: a hollow housing  108  with a longitudinal slot  602  and a ball  302 ; a helical sleeve  500  with a helical slot  502  and a detent, the helical sleeve  500  rotatably mounted on the hollow housing  108 , and the detent for cooperating with the ball; a shuttle  600  for holding a dispensed item  102 , the shuttle  600  operatively connected to the longitudinal slot  602  and the helical slot  502  for raising the shuttle  600  within the hollow base  108  and the dispensed item  102  by a discrete amount by rotating the helical sleeve  500  so the ball  302  engages the detent  300 . Clause 7: The dispenser wherein, the discrete amount corresponds with a single portion (a single dose) of the dispensed item. Clause 8: The dispenser wherein, the helical sleeve comprises at least 2 or more detents. Clause 9: The dispenser wherein, the detents are evenly spaced around the circumference of the helical sleeve. Clause 10: The dispenser wherein the detent and the ball cooperate to provide an audible sound, a haptic response, or both for user feedback. Clause 11: A dispenser, comprising: a hollow housing with an open end, a longitudinal slot, a ball, and a base, the base for receiving a release button; a helical sleeve with a helical slot and a detent, the helical sleeve rotatably mounted on the hollow base, and the detent for cooperating with the ball; a cap retaining projection; the release button with a biasing means for moving a pawl (a locking tab) from a locked position to an open position; a cap with a retaining slot and a tooth (a ratchet), the retaining slot cooperating with the retaining projection for retaining the cap over the open end, and the tooth cooperating with the pawl in the locked position for locking the cap to the base; and a shuttle for holding a dispensed item, the shuttle operatively connected to the longitudinal slot and the helical slot for raising the shuttle within the hollow base and the dispensed item by a discrete amount by rotating the helical sleeve so the ball engages the detent. Clause 12: The dispenser further comprising: a flexible shield extending from the open end of the housing. Clause 13: The dispenser wherein, the flexible shield is for preventing contact with the dispensed item. Clause 14: The dispenser wherein, the dispensed item is frangible, and the flexible shield cooperates with the frangible dispensed item for dispensing a single portion. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 
     It may be appreciated that the elements described above may be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly or component that may be superior to any of the equivalents available to the person skilled in the art. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for this document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising.” The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.