Apparatus for dispensing flat articles

Abstract

A dispenser for flat articles comprises a container holding the flat articles and a driving means on the container operated by a user for engaging and dispensing the article. The apparatus allows the user to dispense with the typical manipulations required to obtain access to a wrapped article such as chewing gum and the like. The preferred driving means includes a roller that can frictionally engage a flat article and be rotated by the user to dispense the article through a slot in the container.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . Apparatus comprising a container for holding in stacked sequence a plurality of strips of a consumable article, said container having a slot therein through which a strip may exit the container, driving means for engaging a topmost one of the sequence and propelling it out of said container through said slot.  
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the driving means is at least one rubber roller for engaging the strip and a thumbwheel connected to the rubber roller for rotating the rubber roller.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the container further comprises an angle-arm hinged to a portion of the container and said driving means comprises an axle rotatably mounted on the container and at least one roller for engaging a topmost one of the sequence being mounted on the axle, pinion means mounted on said axle and a rack hingeably mounted on the angle-arm for engaging the pinion on said axle for propelling the topmost strip as the angle-arm is moved toward the strip in said container.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the driving means comprises a roller and a mounting means for said roller wherein the roller on said mounting means is movable into engagement with the topmost one of the sequence of strips.