CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application

Nos. 63/263,241 filed October 29, 2021, entitled TABLET DISPENSER, and 63/364,228 filed May 5, 2022, entitled CONTAINER, DISPENSER, AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING SAME, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The disclosed concept relates generally to a dispenser, and more specifically to a tablet or pill dispenser and/or a dispensing insert capable of being housed within a container for dispensing individual objects, such as but not limited to tablets or pills, from a stack configuration.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Products, such as tablets or pills containing, for example, pharmaceutical, food, or tobacco ingredients, often require storage in a moisture-tight environment. One common method of storing such products is in tightly sealed blister packs, in which each tablet is stored in an individual “blister” in which it is isolated from the outside environment until removed therefrom and used by the consumer. Blister packs have the further advantage of allowing for dispensing of a single tablet at a time, by peeling off the backing of a single blister or rupturing such backing to allow ejection of a single tablet therethrough. Blister packs have the disadvantage of taking up more space than would normally be required for storage of a given quantity of tables.

SUMMARY

[0004] There is a need for a container and/or dispensing system in which tablets can be stored in moisture-tight environment and dispensed therefrom individually.

[0005] The above needs, and others, are met by a dispenser for dispensing single tablets from a stack of tablets.

[0006] In one embodiment, the dispenser of the presently disclosed technology can include a storage chamber having an interior configured to house the stack of tablets. The storage chamber can have an outlet opening that leads to the interior, and a holding space configured to retain a single one of the tablets just outside of the outlet opening. A biasing member can drive the stack of tablets towards the outlet opening and into the holding space. A retainer retains the single tablet within the holding space until removed therefrom by a user.

[0007] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the dispenser is configured to be housed within a container.

[0008] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the container is a moisture-tight resealablevial.

[0009] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the container includes a body including a base wall and a tubular side wall that extends upward from the base wall about the perimeter thereof, the base wall and the side wall defining an interior that houses the dispenser.

[0010] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the container defines an opening and further includes a cap that removably closes the opening.

[0011] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the tablets are round and the stack has a cylindrical shape.

[0012] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the storage chamber includes an outer tubular wall shaped to slidably house the stack of tablets therein.

[0013] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the dispenser is configured to be housed within a reclosable container; a bottom edge of the tubular wall rests on a base wall of the container; and the biasing member is disposed within the outer tubular wall, between the stack and a bottom surface of the reclosable container.

[0014] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the biasing member is a spring.

[0015] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the spring is a coil spring.

[0016] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the dispenser further includes a plunger disposed between the biasing member and the stack, such that the stack is seated on the plunger, where the biasing member drives the plunger and in turn the stack towards the outlet opening.

[0017] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the plunger includes an inner tubular wall slidably disposed within the outer tubular wall, and a top wall, where the stack is seated on the top wall and the biasing member is located beneath the top wall, within the inner tubular wall. [0018] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the retainer includes a transverse beam that extends across the outlet opening, over the single tablet within the holding space.

[0019] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the dispenser further includes a collar extending radially outward about the outlet opening, and the retainer is affixed to the collar.

[0020] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the retainer further includes two legs disposed on opposite sides of the outlet opening, the legs connecting opposite ends of the transverse beam with the collar.

[0021] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the dispenser is configured to be housed within an interior of a reclosable container defining an opening, and the collar extends radially outward within the opening.

[0022] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the dispenser further includes a dispensing lever pivotally affixed to the dispenser, the dispensing lever configured to pivotally move into the holding space when actuated by a user, to drive the single tablet out from the holding space.

[0023] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the dispensing lever is affixed to the retainer.

[0024] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the dispenser is configured to be housed within a reclosable container, and further includes a locking mechanism to lock the dispenser within the container.

[0025] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the locking mechanism includes a hook that engages a portion of the container.

[0026] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the locking mechanism prevents the dispenser from being driven out from the container by the biasing member.

[0027] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the dispenser further includes a desiccant material.

[0028] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, where the desiccant material is provided in a desiccant entrained polymer.

[0029] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the dispenser is configured to be housed within a reclosable container including a child resistant closure mechanism. [0030] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, a portion of the dispenser is formed of an active agent, such as desiccant.

[0031] In yet another aspect, the disclosed concept includes a dispenser. The dispenser can include a container having a body and a cap pivotally attached to the body, the body including a body opening leading to an interior cavity of the body. A dispenser sidewall can depend downwardly from the body opening. A storage chamber can be removably insertable into the interior cavity of the body. The storage chamber can include an outlet opening that leads to an interior configured to house a stack of products. A chamber sidewall extending downwardly from the outlet opening and surrounding the interior, and a plurality of spaced-apart slots extending through the sidewall. A dispensing top can be removably affixed to the storage chamber and can include a top portion. A skirt can extend downwardly from the top portion. The skirt can have an egress configured for a single product of the stack of products to pass therethrough. An elevator can be movably attachable to the storage chamber. The elevator can have a base configured to contact or hold a lowest product of the stack of products. A plurality of spaced-apart legs can extend downwardly and at least slightly outwardly from the base. Each of the plurality of spaced- apart legs can be configured to engage one of the plurality of spaced-apart slots of the storage chamber. A biasing member can be configured to move the storage chamber at least slightly upwardly towards the body opening of the container upon releasing of the top portion of the dispensing top.

[0032] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the biasing member includes a thermoplastic elastomer spring.

[0033] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the cap is pivotally attached to the body about a hinge.

[0034] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the cap includes a tab having a fastening element and a latch.

[0035] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the cap removably closes the body opening by actuating the tab.

[0036] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the body further includes a retaining mechanism disposed opposite the hinge. The retaining mechanism can include a retaining sidewall forming a passage via which the fastening element passes and the latch engages a bottom edge of the retaining sidewall such that the container remains in a closed position.

[0037] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the latch is configured to be actuated to open the cap.

[0038] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the storage chamber further includes a plurality of upper apertures and a plurality of lower apertures.

[0039] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the dispensing top further includes a plurality of ledges that engage with an inner surface of an upper portion of the chamber sidewall of the storage chamber and can include a plurality of fixing components that fit within the plurality of the upper apertures of the storage chamber.

[0040] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the plurality of slots of the storage chamber can include a plurality of laterally spaced-apart and vertically extending slots and a plurality of vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slots.

[0041] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the elevator can include a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) component and a rigid component and the plurality of spaced-apart legs of the elevator include a plurality of first spaced-apart legs having TPE pads, a plurality of second spaced-apart legs having hooks, and a plurality of third spaced- apart legs having projections. The TPE component can have the plurality of first spaced- apart legs having TPE pads and the rigid component having the plurality of second spaced- apart legs having hooks and the plurality of third spaced-apart legs having projections.

[0042] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, each first spaced-apart leg having a TPE pad includes a nook that receives a hook of the respective second spaced-apart leg.

[0043] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the first spaced-apart legs having

TPE pads include recesses that receive respective second spaced-apart legs having hooks.

[0044] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the plurality of the first spaced- apart legs having TPE pads combined with the plurality of the second spaced-apart legs having the hooks travel vertically in tandem via the plurality of laterally spaced-apart and vertically extending slots of the storage chamber as the stack of the products are elevated upon releasing of the top portion. [0045] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the TPE pads of the first spacedapart legs of the elevator contact respective inner surfaces of the body via the respective laterally spaced-apart and vertically extending slots of the storage chamber.

[0046] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the projections of the third spaced- apart legs of the rigid component of the elevator disengage from respective first vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slots of the storage chamber upon pressing of the top portion of the dispensing top.

[0047] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the body of the container includes a plurality of lower body apertures disposed at a lower portion of the body.

[0048] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the biasing member forms at least a portion of a bottom that includes a frame that includes an upper holding component and a lower holding component.

[0049] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the upper holding component includes a plurality of upper frame projections that fit within the plurality of lower apertures of the storage chamber.

[0050] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the lower holding component includes a plurality of lower frame projections that fit within the plurality of lower body apertures of the body.

[0051] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the biasing member is positioned proximate to a bottom of the storage chamber.

[0052] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the dispensing top further includes a lower collar configured to hold an uppermost product of the stack of products when the container is in the closed position. A dispensing cavity can be formed by the top portion, the skirt, and the uppermost product disposed in the lower collar. The dispensing cavity can be configured to receive the uppermost product that is elevated from the lower collar upon pressing and releasing of the top portion when the container is in an open position.

[0053] Optionally, in any embodiment of the dispenser, the biasing member is further configured to move the uppermost product ofthe stack of products into the dispensing cavity upon releasing of the top portion of the dispensing top.

[0054] In yet another aspect, the disclosed concept includes a method of dispensing product in series from a container. The container is configured to store a stack of product. The method can include pivoting a cap with respect to a body about a hinge; pressing downwardly on a top portion of a dispensing top to move the dispensing top at least slightly downwardly with respect to the body, which in turn moves a storage chamber at least slightly downwardly with respect to the body, which in turn at least slightly compresses a biasing member; releasing the top portion of the dispensing cap to allow the biasing member to at least slightly expand to move the storage chamber at least slightly upwardly with respect to the body, which in turn moves an elevator at least slightly upwardly with respect to the body, which in turn moves the plurality of stacked product upwardly with respect to the body; and tilting the body at least slightly to allow a top product of a stack of product to pass through an egress of the dispensing top.

[0055] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method, the elevator does not move downwardly upon pressing downwardly on the top portion of the dispensing top.

[0056] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method, at least a portion of one leg of the elevator is configured to be received in at least one slot of the storage chamber.

[0057] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method, the one leg of the elevator includes a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) component or a projection, and the at least one slot of the storage chamber includes at least one vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slot or at least one laterally spaced-apart and vertically extending slot.

[0058] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method, the one leg including the TPE component is configured to be received in the at least one laterally spaced-apart and vertically extending slot of the storage chamber and does not move downwardly with respect to the body upon pressing downwardly on the top portion of the dispensing top.

[0059] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method, the at least one vertically spaced- apart and laterally extending slot includes a first vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slot and a second vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slot disposed immediately above the first vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slot. The one leg, including the projection, can be pushed inwardly and disengages from the first vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slot upon pressing downwardly on the top portion of the dispensing top so as to allow the storage chamber to move at least slightly downwardly with respect to the body. [0060] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method, the one leg including the projection extends outwardly upon releasing the top portion of the dispensing cap and is received in the second vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slot as the storage chamber moves at least slightly upwardly with respect to the body.

[0061] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method, the top product is received in a dispensing cavity of the dispensing top upon releasing the top portion of the dispensing top.

[0062] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method, the dispensing top is removably attached to an upper portion of the storage chamber.

[0063] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method, the method further includes refilling the storage chamber with a new stack of products when all of the stack of products has been dispensed.

[0064] Optionally, in any embodiment of the method, the method further includes discarding the container after none of the stack of products remain in the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals designate like elements throughout. For the purpose of illustrating the presently disclosed technology, there are shown in the drawings various illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0066] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary container for housing a dispenser according to the presently disclosed technology, wherein the container is shown in a closed position;

[0067] Figure 2 is a cross section taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing a first embodiment of the dispenser stored in the container;

[0068] Figure 3 is another perspective view of the container of Figure 1, wherein the container is shown in an opened position; [0069] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 2;

[0070] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the dispenser of Figure 2;

[0071] Figure 6 is a perspective of a container, such as that shown in Figure 1, in an opened position and housing a second embodiment of a dispenser according to the presently disclosed technology;

[0072] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary container for housing a dispenser according to another aspect of the presently disclosed technology, wherein the container is shown in a closed position;

[0073] Figures 8A-C illustrate at least portions of a container of the dispenser of Figure 7 and its components thereof according to the presently disclosed technology;

[0074] Figure 9 shows a dispensing top and button of dispenser of Figure 7 according to the presently disclosed technology;

[0075] Figure 10 shows a storage chamber of the dispenser of Figure 7 according to the presently disclosed technology;

[0076] Figures 11 A-C illustrate at least a portion bottom of the dispenser of Figure 7 and its components thereof according to the presently disclosed technology;

[0077] Figures 12A-C illustrate at least a portion of an elevator of the dispenser of Figure

7 and its components thereof according to the presently disclosed technology; and

[0078] Figures 13A-D depict a dispensing process of the dispenser of Figure 7 according to the presently disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] While systems, devices and methods are described herein by way of examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. Rather, the presently disclosed technology covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features of any one embodiment disclosed herein can be omitted or incorporated into another embodiment.

[0080] Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used herein, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to) rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0081] As used herein, “and/or” means that either or both of the items separated by such terminology are involved. For example, the phrase “A and/or B” would mean A alone, B alone, or both A and B .

[0082] As used herein, “generally” means “in a general manner” relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0083] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the parts exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components.

[0084] As used herein, the phrases “sealingly engage” or “sealing engagement” shall refer to elements which contact each other in a manner such that a generally moisture-tight seal is formed therebetween.

[0085] Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, back, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

[0086] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

[0087] Referring now in detail to the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, Figs. 2-5 show a dispenser, generally designated 30, according to an optional concept of the presently disclosed technology. The dispenser 30 is configured to be housed within a container 10, which may be a resealable container, such as the vial 10 shown in Figure 1. The combination of the dispenser 30 and the container 10 may be referred to herein as an assembly. [0088] The exemplary vial 10 can include a body 12 having a base wall 14 and a tubular side wall 16 that extends up from the base wall 14 about a perimeter thereof to define an interior 18. The interior 18 can be configured to removably house or surround the dispenser 30. An opening 20 leading to the interior 18 is defined at a top edge of the side wall 16. In one embodiment, the vial 10 is provided with a child resistant closure mechanism. Any child resistant closure mechanism known in the art could be provided.

[0089] A cap 22 can be configured to removably fit over the opening 20 to move the vial 10 between a first or closed position, such as that shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and a second or opened position, such as that shown in Figs. 3 and 6. The cap 22 may be affixed to the body 12 by a hinge 24 and may include a front tab 26, located opposite the hinge 24, for a user to grasp in order to pivot the cap 22 between the opened and closed positions.

[0090] The cap 22 may be configured to engage the vial body 12 to form a moisture tight seal therebetween. As used herein, the term “moisture-tight” is defined as indicating that the moisture ingress of the container (after three days) was less than about 1500 micrograms of water, in another embodiment, about 500 micrograms of water, in a further embodiment, about 300 micrograms of water, in yet another embodiment, about 150 micrograms of water, determined by the following test method: (a) place one gram plus or minus 0.25 grams of molecular sieve desiccant in the container and record the weight; (b) fully close the container; (c) place the closed container in an environmental chamber at conditions of 80% relative humidity and 72 F; (c) after one day, weigh the container containing the molecular sieve; (d) after four days, weigh the container containing the molecular sieve; and (e) subtract the first day sample from the fourth day sample to calculate the moisture ingress of the container in units of micrograms of water.

[0091] Optionally, the dispenser 30 can include an elongate, generally vertically extending configuration, so as to match the interior of the vial 10. However, the shape of the dispenser 30 could vary depending on that of the vial 10 in which it is to be stored.

[0092] Referring to Figs. 2, 4 and 5, the dispenser 30 can include a storage chamber 32 configured to house a plurality of objects 2, such as but not limited to pills, tablets, candy, or the like. The storage chamber 32 is configured to house the objects 2 in a stacked or vertically aligned configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the objects 2 are round and form a cylindrically shaped stack. Accordingly, the storage chamber 32 can be formed as a cylindrically shaped tubular wall 34. The objects 2 can be slidably stacked within the tubular wall 34, which is dimensioned to permit upward movement of the stacked objects 2 therein, but to restrict radial movement; i.e., the inner diameter of the tubular wall 34 is only slightly greater than the outer diameter of each object 2. The bottom edge 36 of the tubular wall 34 can rest on an upper surface of vial base wall 14, which may include an upwardly projecting sleeve 96 surrounding a bottom portion of tubular wall 34, so as to restrict movement thereof.

[0093] In one optional aspect, a plunger 38 can be slidably disposed within the tubular wall 36 below the stack of objects 2. As shown in Figure 2, the plunger 38 can include an inner tubular wall 40 and a top wall 42. The inner tubular wall 40 can have a similar shape to the outer tubular wall 43, but a smaller outer diameter, which may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the objects 2. Such a configuration permits upward sliding of the plunger 38 within the outer tubular wall 34, in the axial direction of the assembly. The top wall 42 can be located at the top edge of the inner tubular wall 40 and can extend radially across the top opening defined by the inner tubular wall 40 to serve as a base upon which the bottom-most object 2 of the stack rests. When a full stack (i.e., the maximum number) of objects 2 is housed within the dispenser 30, as shown in Figure 2, the bottom edge 44 of inner tubular wall 40 rests on the upper surface of vial base wall 14.

[0094] Optionally, the dispenser 30 includes or interacts with a spring 46. The spring 46 can be located within the plunger 38, inside inner tubular wall 40, and/or between top wall 42 and vial base wall 14. In operation, the spring 46 biases the plunger 38, and in turn the stack of objects 2 located thereon, in an upward axial direction, towards the opening 20 of the vial 10 in which the dispenser 30 is housed. The spring 46 is a coil spring in the illustrated embodiment, but it could be any type suitable for biasing the plunger 38 in an upward direction.

[0095] Referring to Figs. 2-5, the stack of objects 2 can extend vertically within the outer tubular wall 34 of the dispenser 10, from the top wall 42 of the plunger 38, up through an outlet opening 48 located at the top of the outer tubular wall 34. A collar 52 can extend radially outward from the outer tubular wall 34 at the top edge thereof, about the outlet opening 48, to substantially cover the vial opening 20. A retainer 50 can extend above and across the outlet opening 48. As shown, the retainer 50 includes a transverse beam 52 and two legs 56, 58 extending substantially vertically from opposite ends thereof to join with the upper surface of the collar 52 on opposite sides of the outlet opening 48.

[0096] Optionally, an uppermost one of the objects 2 of the stack is located in a holding space 60, located just outside outlet opening 48, just above collar 52, below transverse beam 54, and between legs 56, 58. The transverse beam 54 can be designed to prevent further upward movement of the object 2 and stack, which would otherwise occur due to the upward force of spring 46. Once the uppermost object 2 is removed from the stack and holding space 60 by a user, the plunger 38 and stack of objects 2 supported thereon can advance further upward, and the next object 2 moves into the retaining space 60 until similarly removed by a user. The plunger 38 will no longer be in contact with the base wall 14 of the vial 10 once the top object 2 of the stack has been removed, and will continue to advance upwards in the manner described above, until all objects 2 have been removed from the stack and the top wall 42 of the plunger is disposed within the holding space 60.

[0097] As shown in Figures 2-5, the dispenser 10 can optionally include a dispensing lever 62. The dispensing lever 62 can be affixed in proximity to the outlet opening 48 and can be configured to drive an object 2 disposed in the holding space 60 outward therefrom so that it can be retrieved by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing lever 62 is pivotally affixed to leg 58. The dispensing lever 62 pivots in direction P about axis X2, towards the holding space 60, to drive the object 2 out from under the retainer 50 on the opposite side as that which the dispensing lever 62 is located. Axis X2 is generally parallel to the central axis X of the vial 10 and dispenser 30, such that the pivotal movement of dispensing lever 61 is generally horizontal or perpendicular to axis XI. The dispensing lever 62 may take on a curved extension, to match the curved perimeter of an object 2 stored in the holding space. The dispensing lever 62 could take on other extensions as well, such as extensions matching other shaped objects 2.

[0098] Optionally, the dispenser 10 can also include a locking mechanism 64 to retain it in place within the vial interior 18. The vial body 12 can include an engagement member to engage the locking mechanism 64, such as the inward projection 28 of vial rim 29, disposed about or just below opening 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 64 includes a locking arm 66 that extends radially outward from the dispenser outer tubular wall 34 and engages the vial body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking arm 66 includes a radial segment 68 that extends radially outward from the outer tubular wall 34 at a location below the outlet opening 48 and the vial opening 20. The radial segment connects with an axially upwardly extending vertical segment 70 that extends up to a point approximately level with the outlet opening 48 and the collar 52. A top wall 72 extends level with the collar 52 and toward the perimeter of the opening 20. An “L” shaped hook 74 extends radially downward from a radially outer edge of the top wall 72, and hooks onto a lower surface of the inward projection 28 of rim 29. The hook 74 prevents axial upward movement of the tubular wall 34, storage chamber 32, and integral parts when the plunger 38 and the stack of tablets 2 are urged upwards by the spring 46.

[0099] Figure 6 shows a dispenser 10 of another aspect of the presently disclosed technology. The dispenser 10 of Figure 6 is similar to that of Figs. 2-5 in all respects, except for the omission of the dispensing lever 62. As a result, a user can manually eject an object 2 from the holding space, using for example a finger, to press on the tablet at the same location as would occur with the dispensing lever 62.

[0100] In one embodiment, the assembly includes desiccant to remove moisture from the interior 18, for example to remove any moisture that makes its way into the interior 18 during opening and closing of the vial 10. The desiccant can be provided in any form known in the art. In one example, the desiccant is provided in the form of a desiccant entrained polymer, such as any of those disclosed in 5,911,937; 6,214,255; 6,130,263; 6,080,350; 6,174,952; 6,124,006; and 6,221,446, all to Hekal, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.. Such a desiccant entrained polymer could be used to form any component of the dispenser 30 or vial 10 coming in contact with the interior 18, or could, for example, be provided in the form of an insert, such as a puck, or as a liner that lines the inner surfaces of the vial body 12.

[0101] In another embodiment, where moisture absorption is not desired, the assembly can include one or more alternative active agents that are not desiccant. For example, in another embodiment, the assembly contains a material selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, carbon black, ketcham black, and diamond powder. In a further embodiment, an active agent including one or more sublayers or components contains a material such as absorption microspheres, BaTiO3, SrTiO3, SiO2, A12O3, ZnO, TiO2, MnO, CuO, Sb2O3, silica, calcium oxide and ion exchange resins. In yet another embodiment, an absorbing or adsorbing agent containing a portion of the assembly contains or includes two or more types of absorbing or adsorbing agents. The suitable absorbing or adsorbing agent is chosen so as to achieve absorption or adsorption of the desired vapor or gas for the desired end use (e.g., absorption or adsorption of moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen or other undesired gases or vapors).

[0102] The active agent (whether containing desiccant, oxygen scavenger, a releasing material or agent, etc., or combination thereof) is capable of acting on, interacting with or reacting with a selected material (e.g., moisture or oxygen). Examples of such actions or interactions may include absorption, adsorption (sorption, generally) or release of the selected material.

[0103] The assembly can include the active agent dispersed in a base material. The active agent (i) can be immiscible with the base material (e.g., polymer) and when mixed and heated with the base polymer and an optional channeling agent, will not melt, i.e., has a melting point that is higher than the melting point for either the base polymer or the channeling agent, and/or (ii) acts on, interacts or reacts with a selected material. The term “active agent” may include but is not limited to materials that absorb, adsorb, or release the selected material(s). Active agents according to the presently disclosed technology may be in the form of particles such as minerals (e.g., molecular sieve or silica gel, in the case of desiccants), but the presently disclosed technology should not be viewed as limited only to particulate active agents. For example, in some embodiments, an oxygen scavenging formulation may be made from a resin which acts as, or as a component of, the active agent.

[0104] As used herein, the term “base material” is a component (preferably a polymer) of an entrained active material, other than the active agent, that provides structure for the entrained material.

[0105] As used herein, the term “base polymer” is a polymer optionally having a gas transmission rate of a selected material that is substantially lower than, lower than or substantially equivalent to, that of the channeling agent. By way of example, such a transmission rate would be a water vapor transmission rate in embodiments where the selected material is moisture and the active agent is a moisture absorbing or adsorbing desiccant. The primary function of the base polymer is to provide structure for the entrained polymer. Suitable base polymers may include thermoplastic polymers, e.g., polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutene, polysiloxane, polycarbonates, polyamides, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyesters, poly anhydrides, polyacrylianitrile, polysulfones, polyacrylic ester, acrylic, polyurethane and polyacetal, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

[0106] Referring to such a comparison of the base polymer and channeling agent water vapor transmission rate, in one embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least two times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least five times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least ten times that of the base polymer. In still another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least twenty times that of the base polymer. In still another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least fifty times that of the base polymer. In still another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least one hundred times that of the base polymer.

[0107] As used herein, the term “channeling agent” or “channeling agents” is defined as a material that is immiscible with the base polymer and has an affinity to transport a gas phase substance at a faster rate than the base polymer. Optionally, a channeling agent is capable of forming channels through the entrained polymer when formed by mixing the channeling agent with the base polymer. Optionally, such channels are capable of transmitting a selected material through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than in solely the base polymer. Preferably, the channeling agent is a polymer material.

[0108] As used herein, the term “channels” or “interconnecting channels” is defined as passages formed of the channeling agent that penetrate through the base polymer and may be interconnected with each other. [0109] As used herein, the term “entrained polymer” is defined as a monolithic material formed of at least a base polymer with an active agent and optionally also a channeling agent entrained or distributed throughout. An entrained polymer thus includes two-phase polymers and three phase polymers. A “mineral loaded polymer” is a type of entrained polymer, wherein the active agent is in the form of minerals, e.g., mineral particles such as molecular sieve or silica gel. The term “entrained material” is used herein to connote a monolithic material comprising an active agent entrained in a base material wherein the base material may or may not be polymeric.

[0110] As used herein, the term “monolithic,” “monolithic structure” or “monolithic composition” is defined as a composition or material that does not consist of two or more discrete macroscopic layers or portions. Accordingly, a “monolithic composition” does not include a multi-layer composite.

[0111] As used herein, the term “phase” is defined as a portion or component of a monolithic structure or composition that is uniformly distributed throughout, to give the structure or composition its monolithic characteristics.

[0112] As used herein, the term “selected material” is defined as a material that is acted upon, by, or interacts or reacts with an active agent and is capable of being transmitted through the channels of an entrained polymer. For example, in embodiments in which a desiccant is used as an active agent, the selected material may be moisture or a gas that can be absorbed by the desiccant. In embodiments in which a releasing material is used as an active agent, the selected material may be an agent released by the releasing material, such as moisture, fragrance, or an antimicrobial agent (e.g., chlorine dioxide). In embodiments in which an adsorbing material is used as an active agent, the selected material may be certain volatile organic compounds and the adsorbing material may be activated carbon.

[0113] As used herein, the term “three phase” is defined as a monolithic composition or structure comprising three or more phases. An example of a three phase composition according to the presently disclosed technology would be an entrained polymer formed of a base polymer, active agent, and channeling agent. Optionally, a three phase composition or structure may include an additional phase, e.g., a colorant. [0114] Entrained polymers may be two phase formulations (i.e., comprising a base polymer and active agent, without a channeling agent) or three phase formulations (i.e., comprising a base polymer, active agent and channeling agent). Entrained polymers are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,911,937, 6,080,350, 6,124,006, 6,130,263, 6,194,079, 6,214,255, 6,486,231, 7,005,459, and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2016/0039955.

[0115] An entrained material or polymer includes a base material (e.g., polymer) for providing structure, optionally a channeling agent and an active agent. The channeling agent forms microscopic interconnecting channels through the entrained polymer. At least some of the active agent is contained within these channels, such that the channels communicate between the active agent and the exterior of the entrained polymer via microscopic channel openings formed at outer surfaces of the entrained polymer. The active agent can be, for example, any one of a variety of absorbing, adsorbing or releasing materials, as described in further detail below. While a channeling agent is preferred for many applications, the invention broadly includes entrained materials that optionally do not include channeling agents, e.g., two phase polymers.

[0116] In any embodiment, suitable channeling agents may include a polyglycol such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), glycerin polyamine, polyurethane and polycarboxylic acid including polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid. Alternatively, the channeling agent can be, for example, a water insoluble polymer, such as a propylene oxide polymerisate-monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol B01/240, produced by CLARIANT. In other embodiments, the channeling agent could be a propylene oxide polymerisate monobutyl ether, such as Polyglykol B01/20, produced by CLARIANT, propylene oxide polymerisate, such as Polyglykol DO 1/240, produced by CLARIANT, ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon 6, nylon 66, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0117] Suitable active agents according to the presently disclosed technology include absorbing materials, such as desiccating compounds. If the active agent is a desiccant, any suitable desiccant for a given application may be used. Typically, physical absorption desiccants are preferred for many applications. These may include molecular sieves, silica gels, clays and starches. Alternatively, the desiccant may be a chemical compound that forms crystals containing water or compounds which react with water to form new compounds.

[0118] Optionally, in any embodiment, the active agent may be an oxygen scavenger, e.g., an oxygen scavenging resin formulation.

[0119] Figs. 7-13D show another aspect of the assembly of the presently disclosed technology. The dispenser 100 of the present aspect includes components that are substantially similar to those components described above. Certain similarities between the present and previous embodiments may be omitted for brevity and convenience only, and such omissions are not limiting.

[0120] As shown in Figures 7, 10 and 13A-D, the dispenser 100 can include a storage chamber or ladder 170, optionally formed of or including desiccant and/or another active agent. The dispenser 100 can further include a container 101, a dispensing top 150, a bottom 200 including a biasing member 214, such as or including a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) spring, and an elevator 180 including a plurality of TPE pads 186. While the dispenser 100 is shown to have a cylindrical shape to accommodate a stack of the products 2’ having a disk shape, the dispenser 100 and its components thereof may be molded or manufactured to accommodate the products in any other shapes (e.g., ellipsoidal, cubic or other shapes). Optionally, the dispenser 100 may be refilled or discarded upon dispensing the last product of the stack of the products 2’.

[0121] The dispenser 100 in accordance with the disclosed concept provides advantages over the conventional packaging (such as a blister pack, etc.) of pharmaceutical products (e.g., pills, tablets, etc.) in that the dispenser 100 optionally allows convenient dispensing of individual products in a stack of the products 2’ in series by simply opening the cap 130, pressing and releasing the dispensing top 150, and dispensing a top product of the stack of the products 2’ from the container 101. As such, no peeling off the backing of a single blister or rupturing such backing is needed to allow ejection of a single tablet therethrough. By eliminating such peeling or rupturing, the dispenser 100 reduces possible losses of the products during such peeling or rupturing.

[0122] Further, by storing a stack of the products 2’ within the container 101, the dispenser 100 reduces the storage space that blister packs generally require for storing the same number of products 2’ stored in the container 101. [0123] In addition, while eliminating the need for packaging individual products within a blister pack, the dispenser 100 also optionally provides a moisture tight seal between the cap 130 and the body 110 as well as between the bottom 200 and a lower portion of the body 110, thereby prolonging the shelf-life of the products 2’ stored within the storage chamber 170.

[0124] Additionally, by optionally utilizing a TPE spring having injection moldable soft and resilient materials (e.g., without limitation, having a Shore A hardness of from 20 to 50, preferably from 20 to 40, more preferably from 20 to 35) as the biasing member 214, the dispenser 100 provides a soft or gentle elevation of the products without fracturing the products 2’ upon pressing and releasing of the TPE spring 214, thereby maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the products 2’ (e.g., pharmaceutical pills, tablets, etc.) until the last product of the stack of the products 2’ has been dispensed. In addition, the TPE pads 186 of the elevator 180 can optionally have low durometer, and thus stick to inner surface of the body 110 of the container 101 when the storage chamber 170 is pressed downwardly upon pressing of a top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150, thereby reducing unnecessary downward movements of the products 2’ during the pressing of the top portion 151 that may result in fracturing of the products 2’.

[0125] As shown in FIGS. 8A-C, the container 101 can optionally include a body 110 and a cap 130 optionally pivotally hinged to the body 110 via a hinge 112. The body 110 can include a body opening 117 leading to an interior cavity of the body, a container sidewall 111 depending downwardly from the body opening 117. Optionally, an upper portion (e.g., a neck) 120 of the body 110 includes an upper flange 121 forming the opening 117, a plurality of threads 122 structured to mate with a plurality of threads 136 of the cap 130, and a lower flange 114 extending radially outwardly from a lower periphery of the upper portion 120 and structured to engage a cap rim 131 of the cap 130 in a closed position (see Figure 13A). The cap rim 131 of the cap 130 can sealingly engage with the lower flange 114 of the upper portion 120 of the body 110 when the cap 130 is closed, thereby creating a moisture tight seal between the cap 130 and the body 110 when the container 101 is in the closed position.

[0126] Optionally, the container sidewall 111 extends downwardly from the lower flange 114 and includes a lower lip 126. The lower lip 126 sealingly engages a bottom ridge 218 (see, e.g., Figure IOC) of a lower holding component 210 of the bottom 200, thereby creating a moisture tight seal between the bottom 200 and the body 110. With the moisture tight seal between the body 110 and the cap 130 and between the body 110 and the bottom 200, the shelf-life of the products 2’ stored within the interior of the storage chamber 170 is prolonged. Optionally, the container sidewall 111 also includes a plurality of spaced-apart lower body apertures 118 disposed at a lower portion of the sidewall 111 and configured to mate with lower frame projections 212 (FIGS. 11A,C) of the lower holding component 210 of the bottom 200.

[0127] Optionally, the body 110 also includes a retaining mechanism 123 disposed opposite the hinge 112. Optionally, the retaining mechanism 123 includes a retaining sidewall 124 forming a passage 127 via which a fastening element 134 of the cap 130 passes. A latch 135 attached to the fastening element 134 can optionally engage a bottom edge of the retaining sidewall 124 such that the container 101 remains in the closed position. Optionally, the retaining sidewall 124 includes spaced-apart sidewalls 124 extending in parallel to each other and outwardly from portions of the outer surface of the body 110 and a bridging wall 125 connecting the sidewalls 124 laterally, the spaced-apart sidewalls 124 and the bridging wall 125 forming the passage 127 via which the fastening element 134 with the latch 135 passes when the container 101 is in the closed position.

[0128] The cap 130 can include a cap base 141, a cap sidewall 140 extending radially outwardly and downwardly therefrom, and the cap rim that sealingly engage with the lower flange 114 of the upper portion 120 of the body 120 when the container 101 is in the closed position. The cap 130 can also include the tab 132 extending outwardly from a portion of the cap rim 131, the tab 132 including the fastening element 134 with the latch 135. Optionally, the fixing element 134 extends downwardly from a portion of a bottom surface of the tab 132. Optionally, the latch 135 extends outwardly from the fixing element 134 at an angle (e.g., without limitation, 10 degrees from a vertical/azimuthal axis k). The latch 135 is configured to be actuated to open the cap 130. The latch 135 has a top surface that engages with a lower edge of the sidewall 124 of the retaining mechanism 123. Optionally, the top surface of the latch 135 may engage with a lower edge of the bridging wall 125 of the retaining mechanism 123 in the example embodiment in which the sidewall 124 includes the spaced-apart sidewalls 124 running parallel to each other and the bridging wall 125.

[0129] The cap 130 can removably close the body opening 117 by actuating the tab 132.

To close the container 101, a user can, for example and without limitation, tap or apply a downward force onto a top surface 133 of the tab 132 or pull down an edge of the tab 132 such that the fixing element 134 passes through the passage 127 and the top surface of the latch 135 engages with a bottom edge of the retaining sidewall 124 of the retaining mechanism 123. To open the container 101, the latch 135 can be pressed radially inwardly as shown by the arrow A (see, e.g., Figure 13A), thereby disengaging the top surface of the latch 135 from the retaining mechanism 123.

[0130] Optionally, the cap base 141 includes a first holding projection 138 extending downwardly from a portion of a bottom surface of the cap base 141 into a first aperture 156 formed by the dispensing top 150 (Figure 9). Optionally, the cap base 141 includes a second holding projection 139 extending downwardly from a portion of the bottom surface of the cap base 141 into a second aperture 159 formed by the dispensing top 150. The first and second holding projections 138,139 hold an uppermost product of a stack of the products 2’ substantially within a lower collar 154 (e.g., without limitation, 70% or more of one product of the stack of the products 2’) of the dispensing top 150 when the container 101 is in the closed position. Optionally, in the closed position, the uppermost product of the products 2’ is placed substantially within the lower collar 154 (e.g., without limitation, 70% or more of the product 2’ is disposed within the lower collar 154) and not within a dispensing cavity 157 (see, e.g., Figure 13B). In an open position (as illustrated in Figure 13D), upon pressing downwardly and releasing of the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150, the products 2’ are elevated by the storage chamber 170 and the uppermost product of the stack of the products 2’ is disposed within the dispensing cavity 157 formed by at least the dispensing top 150 such that the uppermost product of the stack products 2’ is capable of sliding out of the dispensing cavity 157 when a user moves the dispenser 100 to a dispensing position (e.g., without limitation, tilting the body 111 at approximately 10-90 degrees from the vertical/azimuthal axis k) in which the length of the body 110 is substantially parallel to the horizontal axis x (the axes x, y, and k are shown with reference to FIGS. 8A-C). [0131] The dispensing top 150 can be removably affixed to the storage chamber 170. As shown in Figure 9, the dispensing top 150 can include a top portion 151, a skirt 152 extending downwardly from the top portion 151, the skirt 152 having an egress or opening 158 configured for at least (and possible only) a single product of the stack of products 2’ to pass therethrough. Optionally, the dispensing top 150 also includes a lower collar 154, at least two or a plurality of spaced-apart ledges 160 extending downwardly from portions of the lower collar 154 and structured to affix to portions of (optionally, an internal surface of) an upper rim 173 (Figure 10) of the storage chamber 170.

[0132] Optionally, the skirt 152 extends laterally from approximately one-half of a periphery of the top portion 151 and downwardly to approximately one-half of a periphery of the lower collar 154. Optionally, the skirt 152, the top portion 151, and the uppermost product of the stack of the products 2’ placed within the lower collar 154 form a dispensing cavity 157 (see Figure 13B) in which the uppermost or top product of the products 2’ is elevated upon pressing and releasing of the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150 when the container 101 is open.

[0133] In one optional embodiment, to dispense the uppermost product of the stack of the products 2’, the user moves (e.g., tilts) the body 110 of the container 101 towards the horizontal axis x and the uppermost product of the stack of the products 2’ slides out via the egress 158. Optionally, the lower collar 154 includes a plurality of holding elements 155 extending inwardly from portions of the lower collar 154 and structured to securely hold one of the stack of the products 2’ therein. Optionally, the outer surfaces of the ledges 160 engage with inner surface of the upper rim 173 of the storage chamber 170 to affix the dispensing top 150 to the storage chamber 170. Optionally, the spaced-apart ledges 160 include fixing components 161 to fit within respective top apertures 176 of the storage chamber 170. As such, when a user compresses the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150, the dispensing top 150 and the storage chamber 170 are pressed down in tandem, allowing the products 2’ to be elevated upon releasing of the top portion 151. The elevating mechanism is discussed further with reference to FIGS. 13A-D.

[0134] Optionally, the dispensing top 150 includes a first aperture 156 that receives the first projection 138 of the cap 130 and the second aperture 159 that receives the second projection 139 of the cap 130 to hold the uppermost product of the stack of the products 2’ within the lower collar 154 when the container 101 is in the closed position.

[0135] The storage chamber 170 is removably insertable into the interior cavity of the body 110. As shown in Figure 10, the storage chamber or ladder 170 may include an outlet or upper opening 177 that leads to an interior configured to house the stack of products 2’, a chamber sidewall 171 extending downwardly from the outlet opening 177 and surrounding the interior, and a plurality of spaced-apart slots 172,173 extending through the sidewall 171. Optionally, the storage chamber 170 also includes a top ridge

173 forming the outlet opening 177 and a bottom ridge 175 including a plurality of spaced-apart apertures 178. The top ridge 173 can include the plurality of top apertures 176 that are configured to receive respective fixing components 161 of the dispensing top 150 such that the storage chamber 170 is securely affixed to the dispensing top 150. Optionally, the plurality of spaced-apart apertures 178 receive respective upper frame projections 219 of the bottom 200 so that the storage chamber 170 is securely attached to the bottom 200. In one embodiment, the apertures 176, 178 have a similar or identical size, shape, and/or configuration.

[0136] The plurality of spaced-apart slots 172, 174 include a plurality of vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slots 172 and a plurality of laterally spaced-apart and vertically extending slots 174. The plurality of laterally spaced-apart and vertically extending slots 174 are configured to receive respective TPE pads 186 of the elevator 180 and allow respective TPE pads 186 of the elevator 180 to travel vertically within the slots

174 as the products 2’ are elevated upon the user’s pressing and releasing of the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150. The plurality of vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slots 172 are configured to receive respective projections 196 of the elevator 180 when the container 101 is in the closed condition or upon releasing of the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150. Optionally, laterally extending slots 172 are wider and/or larger than apertures 176, 178.

[0137] In one embodiment, the projections 196 of the elevator 180 are configured to disengage or dislodge from respective vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slots 172 upon pressing of the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150. For example, when the top portion 151 is pressed a predetermined distance (e.g., a distance equal to a height of a product of the stack of the products 2) or at a predetermined force (e.g., a force sufficient to move the storage chamber 170 by a distance equal to a height of a product of the stack of the products 2’), the projection 196 of the elevator 180 are dislodged from respective slots 172, thereby allowing the storage chamber 170 to be moved vertically downwardly the predetermined distance and apply the predetermined force to the TPE spring 214. That is, when the user presses downwardly on the top portion 151, the entire storage chamber 170 (without or irrespective of the elevator 180 and the products 2’) moves at least slightly downwardly and presses downwardly on the TPE spring 214 with the predetermined force. While the storage chamber 170 moves downwardly, the elevator 180 stays in place because its three (3) low durometer TPE pads 186 stick to the inner surface of the body 110 and the three hooks 195 are hooked inside the respective slots 174 of the storage chamber 170. When the top portion 151 is released, the storage chamber 170 moves at least slightly upwardly and the elevator 180 is pushed upward within the container 101 by the returning storage chamber 170 as each projection 196 of the elevator 180 engages a new or higher slot 172 of the ladder 170 and each TPE pad 186 touches a new or higher position within the respective slot 174 of the body 110 of the container 101. The elevating mechanism of the elevator 180 is discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 13A-D.

[0138] As shown in FIGS. 11A-C, in one optional embodiment, the biasing member 214 forms at least a portion of the bottom 200 that includes a frame 201. The biasing member 214 can be a TPE spring 214 having a spring base and a spring wall 215 extending upwardly from the spring base and forming an opening 216. While the TPE spring 214 is shown in a shape of a cup or funnel in this embodiment, that is for illustrative purposes only and the TPE spring 214 may take any shape that is appropriate based on the circumstances and needs.

[0139] The frame 201 optionally includes an upper holding component 202 and a lower holding component 210. The upper holding component 202 includes an upper rim 203, a sidewall 204 extending downwardly from the upper rim 203, a bottom rim 205 extending outwardly from the sidewall 204, and an inner base 213 extending radially inwardly from an inner periphery of the bottom rim 205 and forming an opening (not shown) at the center. Optionally, the upper holding component 202 also includes a lower base 208 and a plurality of vertically spaced-apart spring holding components 207 extending downwardly from portions of the inner periphery of the bottom rim 205 to portions of the periphery of the lower base 208. The spring holding components 207 and the lower base 208 fit within the TPE spring 214 such that the TPE spring 214 is securely disposed within the frame 201. Optionally, the spring holding components 207 may be a spring or include a spring-like feature such that they can contract and extend as the TPE spring 214 contracts and extends upon the user’s pressing and releasing of the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150. Optionally, the upper holding component 202 also includes a plurality of guiding components 206 extending downwardly at portions of the bottom rim 205 and provide additional securing mechanism for the TPE spring 214 with respect to the bottom 200. Optionally, the guiding components 206 have a height that is the same as a height of the fully contracted TPE spring 214 upon pressing of the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150. Optionally, the upper holding component 202 includes a plurality of upper frame projections 219 that engage with the plurality of spaced-apart apertures 178 of the bottom ridge 175 of the storage chamber 170. Optionally, the lower holding component 210 includes a lower base 209, at the center of which the TPE spring 214 sits on its base, a bottom sidewall 211 extending downwardly from an outer circumference of the lower base 209, and a bottom rim 218 extending radially outwardly therefrom. The bottom rim 218 of the lower holding component 210 of the bottom 200 sealingly engages with the lower lip 126 of the lower portion of the body 110, thereby creating a moisture tight seal therebetween. Optionally, the lower holding component 210 may also include the plurality of lower frame projections 212, which engage with the plurality of lower body apertures 118 of the body 110 of the container 101 so as to keep the TPE spring 214 separably and securely affixed to the lower portion of the body 110 of the container 101.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 12A-C, the elevator 180 can be movably attachable to the storage chamber 170 and can include a base 191 configured to contact or hold a lowest product of the stack of products 2’, a plurality of spaced-apart legs 192, 193 extending downwardly and at least slightly outwardly (e.g., without limitation, such that a portion of a hook 195 or projection 196 of the spaced-apart legs 192, 193 protrude through the spaced-apart slots 174, 172 from the base 191). Each of the plurality of spaced-apart legs 192,193 can be configured to removably engage or be received by one of the plurality of spaced-apart slots 174, 172 of the storage chamber 170.

[0141] Optionally, the elevator 180 includes at least one TPE component 181 and a rigid component 190. The TPE component 181, in certain embodiments, can be formed of a material other than TPE. The plurality of spaced-apart legs 187, 192, 196 can include a first spaced-apart legs having TPE pads 186, a plurality of second spaced-apart legs 192 having hooks 195, and a plurality of third spaced-apart legs having projections 196. The TPE component 181 includes the plurality of first spaced-apart legs having TPE pads 186. The rigid component 190 can include the plurality of second spaced-apart legs 192 having hooks 195 and the plurality of third spaced-apart legs 193 having projections 196. Optionally, the rigid component 190 includes a plurality of fourth spaced-apart legs that include neither the hooks 195 nor the projections 196, but structured to provide an additional securing mechanism for the elevator 180 to the body 110.

[0142] The TPE component 181 can include a TPE base 182, a TPE core 184 extending downwardly from a center of a bottom surface of the TPE base 182, a plurality of spaced- apart TPE side arms 185 extending laterally and outwardly from portions of a side surface of the TPE core 184, a plurality of spaced-apart TPE legs 187 extending downwardly from portions of an outer periphery of the TPE base 182 and including the plurality of TPE pads 186 extending outwardly and upwardly from a bottom edge of the TPE legs 187. Optionally, the TPE pads 186 are durometer TPE. The TPE pads 186 stick to an inner surface of the body 110 on their vertically expending external surfaces 186A when the container 101 is in the close position or upon pressing of the top portion 151 of the dispensing to 150. Optionally, each of the spaced-apart TPE legs 187 having TPE pads 186 includes a nook (not shown) that receives a hook 195 of the second spaced-apart legs 192. Optionally, the spaced-apart TPE legs 187 having TPE pads 186 include recesses 188 formed between the legs 187 and the TPE pads 186, each recess 188 receiving a bottom portion of the respective second spaced-apart leg 192 having a hook 195. Optionally, a first set of side arms 185 is connected to the internal surfaces of the plurality of spaced-apart legs 187. Optionally, a second set of the side arms 185 engages with an inner surface of respective fourth spaced-apart legs 194. [0143] When assembled together (e.g., as shown in Figure 12A), a top surface of the TPE base 182 engages with the bottom surface of the base 191 of the rigid portion 190, the recesses 188 receive respective second spaced-apart legs 192 and the hooks 195 of the second spaced-apart legs 192 are affixed within the nooks (not shown) of respective TPE pads 186, thereby combining the TPE legs 187 with respective second spaced-apart legs 192 of the rigid portion 190. The plurality of the spaced-apart legs 187 having TPE pads 186 combined with the plurality of the second spaced-apart legs 192 having hooks 195 travel vertically in tandem via the plurality of laterally spaced-apart and vertically extending slots 174 of the storage chamber 170 as the stack of the products 2’ are elevated upon releasing of the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150. The TPE pads 186 of the spaced-apart legs 187 of the elevator 180 contact respective inner surfaces of the body 110 via the respective laterally spaced-apart and vertically extending slots 174 of the storage chamber 170.

[0144] Upon pressing downwardly on the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150, the projections 196 of the third spaced-apart legs 193 of the rigid component 190 of the elevator 180 disengage from respective first vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slots of the storage chamber 170. Upon releasing the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150, the projections 196 of the third spaced-apart legs 193 of the rigid component 190 of the elevator 180 engage with respective second vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slots, the respective second vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slots being disposed immediately above the respective first vertically spaced- apart and laterally extending slots of the storage chamber 170. Optionally, a distance between the center of the first vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slots and the center of the second vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slots is the same as a height of one product of the stack of the products 2’.

[0145] Further, the TPE spring 214 of the bottom 200 is configured to move (at least indirectly) the uppermost product of the stack of products 2’ into the dispensing cavity 157 upon releasing of the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150. As such, the elevator 180 carries the stack of the products 2’ upwardly for dispensation upon the user’s releasing of the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150. [0146] As shown in FIGS 13A-D, in one optional embodiment, the dispenser 100 can be operated in four steps. First, the cap 130 is pivoted with respect to the body 110 of the container 101 about the hinge 112 so as to open the container 101. The container 101 can optionally be opened by actuating the latch 135 of the fixing element 134 of the cap 130 (e.g., by pushing the latch 135 laterally inwardly as shown by the arrow A of Figure 13A) and simultaneously actuating the tab 132 (e.g., by lifting the tab 132 upwardly or pressing down a portion of the surface 133 of the tab 132). Thus, the latch 135 disengages from the retaining mechanism 123 and the cap 130 is pivoted open about the hinge 112. As shown in Figure 13B, upon opening of the cap 130, there is a dispensing cavity 157 that is empty.

[0147] Second, the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150 is pressed (as shown by the arrow B of Figure 13C) at least slightly downwardly with respect to the body 110, which in turn moves the storage chamber 170 at least slightly downwardly with respect to the body 110, which in turn at least slightly compresses a biasing member 214. For example, the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150 is pressed a predetermined distance (e.g., without limitation, a height of one product of the stack of the products 2’) with a predetermined force (e.g., without limitation, a force sufficient to move the dispensing top 150 and the storage chamber 170 downwardly by a height of one product 2’). Upon applying the predetermined force on the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150, the dispensing top 150 and the storage chamber 170 each are moved at least slightly downwardly (e.g., by a distance equal to the height of one product 2’) with respect to the body 110. The entire storage chamber 170 without the elevator 180 and the stack of the products 2’ moves down and presses the TPE spring 214 as the third spaced-apart legs 193 of the elevator 180 disengage from respective vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slots 174 upon pressing of the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150. The elevator 180 does not move downwardly upon pressing downwardly on the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150, and stays in place because the low durometer TPE pads 186 stick to the inner surface of the body 110 while the hooks 195 are engaged inside the laterally spaced-apart and vertically extending slots 174 of the storage chamber 170.

[0148] Third, the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150 is released to allow the biasing member 214 to at least slightly expand to move the storage chamber 170 at least slightly upwardly (e.g., by a distance equal to the height of one product 2’) with respect to the body 110, which in turn moves the elevator 180 with respect to the body 110, which in turn moves the plurality of stacked product 2’ with respect to the body 110.

[0149] Optionally, at least a portion of one leg of the elevator 180 is configured to be received in at least one slot 172, 174 of the storage chamber 170. The one leg of the elevator 180 includes a TPE component 186 or a projection 196, and the at least one slot of the storage chamber 170 includes at least one vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slot or at least one laterally spaced-apart and vertically extending slot. The one leg including the TPE component 186 is configured to be received in the at least one laterally spaced-apart and vertically extending slot 174 of the storage chamber 170 and does not move downwardly with respect to the body 11 upon pressing downwardly on the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150. The at least one vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slot 172 includes a first vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slot 172 and a second vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slot 172 disposed immediately above the first vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slot 172. The one leg including the projection 196 is pushed inwardly and disengages from the first vertically spaced-apart and laterally extending slot 172 upon pressing downwardly on the top portion of the dispensing top so as to allow the storage chamber 170 to move at least slightly downwardly with respect to the body 110. The one leg including the projection 196 extends outwardly upon releasing the top portion 151 of the dispensing top 150, which is removably attached to an upper portion of the storage chamber 170.

[0150] Finally, the body 110 of the container 101 is tilted to allow a top product 2’ of the stack of the product 2’ to pass through an egress 158 of the dispensing top 150.

[0151] Optionally, the storage chamber 170 may be refilled with a new stack of products when all of the stack of the products 2’ has been dispensed. Optionally and alternatively, the container 101 may be discarded after none of the stack of products 2’ remain in the container 101.

[0152] The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects of the presently disclosed technology and are part of this Detailed Description. These exemplary embodiments are set forth in a format substantially akin to claims, although they are not technically claims of the present application. The following exemplary embodiments refer to each other in dependent relationships as “embodiments” instead of “claims.”

[0153] 1A. A method of dispensing a plurality of tablets in series from a stack of the tablets, the method comprising pressing downward on a button to activate a spring, and removing the upper most tablet from the stack that has been moved upwardly by the spring.

[0154] 2A. The method of embodiment 1A, further comprising opening a cap of a container prior to pressing downward on the button.

[0155] 3A. The method of embodiment 1A or 2A, further comprising closing the cap after removing the upper most tablet from the stack.

[0156] 4A. An assembly for storing and dispensing a plurality of objects in series from a stack of the objects, the assembly comprising:

[0157] a container including a cap pivotably moving from a closed position to an open position; and

[0158] a dispenser removably insertable into the container, the dispenser including a storage chamber having a plurality of spaced-apart slots.

[0159] 4B. The assembly of embodiment 4B, wherein dispenser includes a biasing member.

[0160] 5A. A dispenser configured to selectively remove one object of a stock of the objects within a container.

[0161] 5B. The dispenser of embodiment 3 A, wherein the dispenser is formed of desiccant.

[0162] 5C. The dispenser of embodiment 3A, wherein the dispenser includes an active agent.

[0163] 5D. The dispenser of any one of embodiments 5A-5C, wherein the dispenser includes a plurality of spaced-apart slots extending through a sidewall thereof.

[0164] 6A. A dispenser configured to dispense individual products from a stack of products within a container.

[0165] 6B. The dispenser of embodiment 6A, wherein the container has a body and a cap pivotally attached to the body, the body including a neck forming a body opening leading to an interior cavity of the body, a sidewall depending downwardly from the body opening.

[0166] 6C. The dispenser of embodiment 6B, wherein the dispenser further includes a storage chamber removably insertable into an interior cavity of the body, the storage chamber comprising an outlet opening that leads to an interior configured to house a stack of products, a sidewall extending downwardly from the outlet opening and surrounding the interior, and a plurality of spaced-apart slots extending through the sidewall.

[0167] 6D. The dispenser of embodiment 6C, wherein each of the plurality of slots has a constant slope extending the width of the storage chamber.

[0168] 6E. The dispenser of embodiment 6A-6D, wherein the dispenser further includes a dispensing top removably affixed to the storage chamber and comprising a top portion, a skirt extending downwardly from the top portion, the skirt having an egress configured for a single product of the stack of products to pass therethrough.

[0169] 6F. The dispenser of embodiment 6A-6E, wherein the dispenser further includes an elevator movably attachable to the storage chamber, the elevator having a base configured to contact or hold a lowest product of the stack of products, a plurality of spaced-apart legs extending downwardly and at least slightly outwardly from the base, each of the plurality of spaced-apart legs being configured to engage one of the plurality of spaced-apart slots of the storage chamber.

[0170] 6G. The dispenser of embodiment 6F, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart legs include a plurality of space-apart legs having TPE pads and a plurality of spaced-apart legs having projections.

[0171] 6H. The dispenser of embodiment 6G, wherein the projections extends outwardly at a slope such that the plurality of spaced-apart legs having projections are pushed inwardly and disengaged from the plurality of spaced-apart slots of the storage chamber as the storage chamber moves downwardly upon pressing of a top portion of a dispensing top.

[0172] 7A. A dispenser for dispensing single tablets from a stack of tablets, the dispenser comprising: a storage chamber having an interior configured to house the stack of tablets, the storage chamber having an outlet opening that leads to the interior, and a holding space configured to retain a single one of the tablets just outside of the outlet opening; a biasing member that drives the stack of tablets towards the outlet opening and into the holding space; and a retainer that retains the single tablet within the holding space until removed therefrom by a user.

[0173] 7B. The dispenser of embodiment 7A, wherein the dispenser is configured to be housed within a container.

[0174] 7C. The dispenser of embodiment 7B, wherein the container is a moisture-tight resealable vial.

[0175] 7D. The dispenser of embodiment of 7B or 7C, wherein the container comprises a body including a base wall and a tubular side wall that extends upward from the base wall about the perimeter thereof, the base wall and the side wall defining an interior that houses the dispenser.

[0176] 7E. The dispenser of any one of embodiments 7B-7D, wherein the container defines an opening and further comprises a cap that removably closes the opening.

[0177] 7F. The dispenser of any one of embodiments 7A-7E, wherein the tablets are round and the stack has a cylindrical shape.

[0178] 7G. The dispenser of any one of embodiments 7 A-7F, wherein the storage chamber comprises an outer tubular wall shaped to slidably house the stack of tablets therein.

[0179] 7H. The dispenser of embodiment 7G, wherein the dispenser is configured to be housed within a reclosable container; a bottom edge of the tubular wall rests on a base wall of the container; and the biasing member is disposed within the outer tubular wall, between the stack and a bottom surface of the reclosable container.

[0180] 71. The dispenser of embodiment 7H, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

[0181] 7J. The dispenser of embodiment 71, wherein the spring is a coil spring.

[0182] 7K. The dispenser of any one of embodiments 7G-7J, further comprising a plunger disposed between the biasing member and the stack, such that the stack is seated on the plunger, wherein the biasing member drives the plunger and in turn the stack towards the outlet opening.

[0183] 7L. The dispenser of embodiment 7K, wherein the plunger comprises an inner tubular wall slidably disposed within the outer tubular wall, and a top wall, wherein the stack is seated on the top wall and the biasing member is located beneath the top wall, within the inner tubular wall.

[0184] 7M. The dispenser of any one of embodiments 7A-7L, wherein the retainer comprises a transverse beam that extends across the outlet opening, over the single tablet within the holding space.

[0185] 7N. The dispenser of embodiment 7M, wherein the dispenser further comprises a collar extending radially outward about the outlet opening, and the retainer is affixed to the collar.

[0186] 70. The dispenser of embodiment 7N, wherein the retainer further comprises two legs disposed on opposite sides of the outlet opening, the legs connecting opposite ends of the transverse beam with the collar.

[0187] 7P. The dispenser of embodiment 7N or 70, wherein the dispenser is configured to be housed within an interior of a reclosable container defining an opening, and the collar extends radially outward within the opening.

[0188] 7Q. The dispenser of any one of embodiments 7A-7P, further comprising a dispensing lever pivotally affixed to the dispenser, the dispensing lever configured to pivotally move into the holding space when actuated by a user, to drive the single tablet out from the holding space.

[0189] 7R. The dispenser of embodiment 7Q, wherein the dispensing lever is affixed to the retainer.

[0190] 7S. The dispenser of any one of embodiments 7A-7R, wherein the dispenser is configured to be housed within a reclosable container, and further comprises a locking mechanism to lock the dispenser within the container.

[0191] 7T. The dispenser of embodiment 7S, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a hook that engages a portion of the container.

[0192] 7U. The dispenser of embodiment 7S or 7T, wherein the locking mechanism prevents the dispenser from being driven out from the container by the biasing member. [0193] 7V. The dispenser of any one of embodiments 7A-7U, further comprising a desiccant material.

[0194] 7W. The dispenser of embodiment 7V, wherein the desiccant material is provided in a desiccant entrained polymer.

[0195] 7X. The dispenser of any one of embodiments 7A-7W, wherein the dispenser is configured to be housed within a reclosable container comprising a child resistant closure mechanism.

[0196] While the presently disclosed technology has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology as defined by the appended claims.