Apparatus and method for dispensing elongated items
AssigneeDenbur, Inc.
InventorFari Maissami
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for singularly dispensing elongated items. Specifically, this invention may include an elongated body forming a channel and a baffle to separate at least one elongated item from a plurality of elongated items. The width of the channel is preferably less than twice a thickness of the elongated item so that an elongated item may align under an aperture. The elongated item may then pass one at a time through the aperture to minimize potential cross-contamination. This apparatus and method may be particularly useful for dispensing dental applicators or other tooth cleaning devices.
Claims20
An apparatus for singularly dispensing an elongated item comprising:
- an elongated body having a top, an inner wall, and an interior volume;
- a baffle disposed on the inner wall within the interior volume and oriented relative to the inner wall;
- the baffle forming a channel to receive at least one elongated item, the channel having a width less than twice a thickness of an elongated item;
- and
- an aperture in the top above the channel and adapted to permit passage of a single item.
An apparatus for singularly dispensing an item comprising:
- an elongated, semi-cylindrical, hand-held, plastic body having a top, an inner wall, a flat side portion, and an interior volume;
- a baffle disposed on the inner wall within the interior volume and oriented relative to the inner wall;
- the baffle forming a channel to receive at least one elongated item, the channel having a width less than twice a thickness of an elongated item;
- a removable cap disposed on the top of and hingedly connecting to the body;
- an aperture in the cap above the channel and adapted to permit passage of a single item;
- and
- a removable cover over the aperture and hingedly connecting to the cap.
A method for singularly dispensing an item from a plurality of elongated items comprising:
- providing an apparatus having an elongated body having a top, an inner wall, and an interior volume, a baffle disposed on the inner wall within the interior volume and oriented relative to the inner wall, the baffle forming a channel to receive at least one elongated item, the channel having a width less than twice a thickness of an elongated item, an aperture in the top above the channel and adapted to permit passage of a single item, and a plurality of elongated items within the interior volume;
- rotating the apparatus;
- urging at least one elongated item around the baffle, along the inner wall and into the channel, the at least one elongated item aligned within the channel and separated from the remaining plurality of elongated items;
- and
- reciprocating the apparatus to pass one elongated item through the aperture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.