How a Spring-Loaded Pocket Dispenser Works
A 1949 mechanical design for a pocket-sized container that uses a spring to push items like pills or candies to the top for easy access.
Original patent title: “Pocket article dispensing container”
A 1949 mechanical design for a pocket-sized container that uses a spring to push items like pills or candies to the top for easy access. Granted to Individual in 1952 with 69 forward citations, and it is now in the public domain.
Key facts
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The device functions as a compact storage unit designed to hold a stack of flat, uniform items. It utilizes a spring-loaded platform inside the casing that exerts constant upward pressure on the contents. When the user interacts with the top of the container, the spring ensures the next item is automatically positioned at the dispensing opening, allowing for one-handed retrieval.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover containers that rely on gravity rather than spring tension to feed items.
- Does not cover non-pocket-sized dispensing systems like large industrial vending machines.
- Does not cover electronic or automated dispensing mechanisms that require a power source.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
What made this novel
The innovation lies in the integration of a constant-force spring mechanism within a handheld, pocket-sized form factor, solving the problem of item jamming during one-handed operation.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Pez candy dispensers
Pocket-sized breath mint containers
Small pill organizers
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent represents a classic example of mid-century mechanical engineering focused on personal convenience. It refined the concept of the 'pocket dispenser,' which later became a standard form factor for breath mints and small medication containers.
Filed
October 14, 1949
Granted
December 2, 1952
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies specializing in consumer packaging and confectionery, such as the manufacturers of Pez, continue to utilize variations of spring-loaded dispensing mechanics for small, stackable items.
Market impact
This patent helped standardize the mechanical design for portable, single-item dispensing, influencing the design of various consumer goods that prioritize ease of access in a compact, portable format.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The device functions as a compact storage unit designed to hold a stack of flat, uniform items. It utilizes a spring-loaded platform inside the casing that exerts constant upward pressure on the contents. When the user interacts with the top of the container, the spring ensures the next item is automatically positioned at the dispensing opening, allowing for one-handed retrieval.
The clever bit
The innovation lies in the integration of a constant-force spring mechanism within a handheld, pocket-sized form factor, solving the problem of item jamming during one-handed operation.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover containers that rely on gravity rather than spring tension to feed items.
- Does not cover non-pocket-sized dispensing systems like large industrial vending machines.
- Does not cover electronic or automated dispensing mechanisms that require a power source.
Patent Journey
From filing to expiry
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
37/40
Highly cited
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
0/20
Older than 20 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$19K – $62K
Midpoint $39K · expired or expiring · industry ×0.9
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Oskar, U. (1952). How a Spring-Loaded Pocket Dispenser Works (U.S. Patent No. 2,620,061). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2620061/pez-dispenser
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How a Spring-Loaded Pocket Dispenser Works cover?
A 1949 mechanical design for a pocket-sized container that uses a spring to push items like pills or candies to the top for easy access.
Who owns patent US 2620061?
Individual owns this patent, granted in 1952.
When does this patent expire?
This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.
What is patent US 2620061 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 69 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent represents a classic example of mid-century mechanical engineering focused on personal convenience. It refined the concept of the 'pocket dispenser,' which later became a standard form factor for breath mints and small medication containers.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover containers that rely on gravity rather than spring tension to feed items.
Same assignee
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