Small item dispenser
View Patent ↗A dispenser for dispensing small items such as pieces of candy is disclosed herein. The dispenser includes a container having a first major side, a second major side, and a storage volume positioned between the first and second major sides. The dispenser includes a dispensing opening defined through the first major side. A dispensing member for carrying the items from the storage volume to the dispensing opening carries the items along a path of travel aligned along a plane, the dispensing opening having an axis aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane.
1. A dispenser comprising:
a container including a first major side, a second major side parallel to the first major side, and a storage volume positioned between the first and second major sides, the container including a dispensing opening defined through the first major side, the dispensing opening fully enclosed by the first major side; and
a dispensing member that is rotatably disposed with respect to the container, the dispensing member being rotatable for carrying items from the storage volume to the dispensing opening, the dispensing member configured to carry the items along a path of travel aligned along a plane, the dispensing opening having an axis aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane, the dispensing member including a pocket for receiving items from the storage volume, wherein the dispensing member is configured to dispense the items out of the pocket in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane when the pocket aligns with the dispensing opening, the dispensing member being positioned at a corner of the container, wherein the dispensing member includes portions protruding out of both sides that intersect to define the corner of the container at which the dispensing member is positioned, the portions of the dispensing member protruding out of the container defining a continuous gripping surface without any pockets thereon, wherein the pocket of the dispensing member is defined at an end of the continuous gripping surface, the dispensing member being rotatable with respect to the container between only a first position and a second position, the first position being an item receiving position wherein the item is received into the pocket and the second position being an item dispensing position wherein the item is dispensed from the container, wherein the dispensing member is rotatable an angle of less than 90 degrees to move between the first position and the second position, wherein the container includes positive stops for stopping the dispensing member at the first and second positions.
2. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the container includes a first half-shell defining the first major side and a second half-shell defining the second major side that is parallel to the first major side, wherein the first and second half-shells are mounted together to assemble the container.