# 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.

- **Patent:** US 2620061
- **Original title:** Pocket article dispensing container
- **Owner:** Individual
- **Granted:** 1952
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 69
- **Field:** mechanical, consumer_electronics

## What it does

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.

## 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.

## 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.

## Real-world examples

1. Pez candy dispensers
2. Pocket-sized breath mint containers
3. Small pill organizers

## Why it matters

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.

## 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.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2620061/pez-dispenser

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US2620061

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._


## Related patents

Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus:

- [How the First Aerosol Spray Can Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2331117/aerosol-spray-can-goodhue) — A 1941 invention by Lyle Goodhue and William Sullivan that created the modern aerosol spray can by using a liquefied gas to propel liquid contents.
- [How a Simple Felt-Tip Marker Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2713176/magic-marker-permanent-marker-rosenthal) — A 1953 design for a handheld marking tool that uses a porous tip to deliver ink from an internal reservoir.
- [How Auto-Injectors Adjust Their Dose Using a Simple Spacer](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4031893/epipen-autoinjector-kaplan) — A 1977 invention for auto-injectors that uses a physical spacer to adjust the amount of medicine inside the device before it is fired.
- [How Polaroid's Instant Film Pods Work](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2543181/polaroid-instant-camera) — A 1951 invention by Edwin Land that enabled instant photography by packaging liquid developer inside a breakable pod attached to the film sheet.
- [How the Slinky Toy Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2415012/slinky-toy) — The original 1947 patent for the Slinky, a helical spring toy designed to walk down stairs through the transfer of energy.