Global Patent Index - EP 0731962 A4

EP 0731962 A4 19990512 - EARPLUG DISPENSER SYSTEM

Title (en)

EARPLUG DISPENSER SYSTEM

Title (de)

OHRPFROPFENAUSGABEVORRICHTUNG

Title (fr)

SYSTEME DISTRIBUTEUR DE TAMPONS AURICULAIRES

Publication

EP 0731962 A4 19990512 (EN)

Application

EP 93923873 A 19931012

Priority

  • US 96143292 A 19921015
  • US 5455593 A 19930427
  • US 9309801 W 19931012

Abstract (en)

[origin: WO9409456A1] An apparatus is described which can receive a large number of earplugs from a box and dispense one or two of them at a time to a worker. The apparatus includes a wheel (22) which is rotatable on a frame (12) and which has holes (24) that move in a circular path and that can each receive a single earplug (16). As each hole moves over a dispense passage (18), the earplug in the hole can fall out, and be dispensed. A barrier (42, Fig. 4) lying above the wheel, prevents an earplug from falling into a hole that lies at the passage. The barrier covers only one side (52) of the path (32) of the holes, to allow a deformed earplug to move along the other, uncovered side (54) of the path. The wheel has a narrow slot (80) extending from each hole to the periphery, so a tool can be projected through a frame opening (84) and through the slot to dislodge an earplug stuck in a wheel hole. The wheel has an upward projection (102) with inclined guideways (104) that each guide an earplug into a wheel hole.

IPC 1-7

G07F 11/24

IPC 8 full level

A47F 1/10 (2006.01); A61F 15/00 (2006.01); G07F 11/44 (2006.01)

CPC (source: EP)

A61F 15/001 (2013.01); G07F 11/44 (2013.01); A61F 11/08 (2013.01)

Citation (search report)

Designated contracting state (EPC)

DE FR GB

DOCDB simple family (publication)

WO 9409456 A1 19940428; AU 5359394 A 19940509; EP 0731962 A1 19960918; EP 0731962 A4 19990512

DOCDB simple family (application)

US 9309801 W 19931012; AU 5359394 A 19931012; EP 93923873 A 19931012