EP1633656B1

EP1633656B1 - A dispenser for holding e.g. a blister strip

Info

Publication number: EP1633656B1
Application number: EP04735872A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Paul Erik Fabricius; Lars Falk Knudsen; Esben W. Johansen
Original assignee: Bang and Olufsen Medicom AS
Current assignee: Phillips Medisize AS
Priority date: 2003-06-04
Filing date: 2004-06-03
Publication date: 2008-08-13
Anticipated expiration: 2024-06-03
Also published as: US20070272585A1; DE602004015785D1; EP1633656A1; WO2004108562A1; ATE404459T1

Abstract

A dispenser with child protection and a method of operating the dispenser. Friction engagement, engagement using leaf springs or rotatable elements, or engagement directly on e.g. blisters on blister packs are used. Also, biasing against an edge portion and displacement of the holding means edge portion is described in order to remove the engagement. Release mechanisms not visible to children are described as well as the use of multiple independent release mechanisms, which makes release more difficult for children.

Description

The present Invention relates to a dispenser for holding a means for dispensing units, such as pills, tablets, sweets, which dispenser is resistant to (or prevents) children's access to the units. This holding means may be a blister card or other means holding the units and from which a user may access one or more units. The dispenser performs the function of preventing (or making difficult) access to the units when the holding means Is held by the dispenser.
A number of attempts have been, made to make tablet/pill dispensers resistant to children's access attempts. Attempts of this type may be seen In: EP-A1-1002744 on which the preamble of the appended independent claims is based and 1293436 as well as US-A-4,120,400 US 6,4,460,693 and US-2003-047482 .
In general, two manners exist of preventing children's access to medication or the like: hiding the release mechanism of the medication or requiring a release force larger than what a normal child is able to exert. The mechanism may be hiden by e.g. requiring the combined operation of multiple buttons or the like, where the child would normally focus only on one.
The present Invention may use either of these manners - or a combination thereof.
A First aspect of the Invention relates to a dispenser for holding a means for dispensing units,

the holding means comprising a plurality of units to be dispensed from a predetermined surface thereof,
the dispenser comprising:
- o an opening for receiving the holding means,
- o means for preventing access to the units from the predetermined surface, when the holding means is received by the dispenser,
- o means for engaging the holding means, when the holding means is received by the dispenser, end
- o means for releasing the engaging means,
- o means for maintaining the first surface at or In a predetermined plane, when the holding means is received by the dispenser,

the engaging means comprises means for abutting an edge portion, of the holding means, facing the opening, when the holding means is received In the opening, the abutting means having an abutting surface facing the edge portion of the holding means, extending at an angle to the predetermined plane, and a predetermined distance away from the plane, and
the releasing means comprises means for displacing the edge portion of the holding means at least the predetermined distance away from the plane.

In the present context, the predetermined plane may be any plane and may have any shape, such as straight or bent.
The abutting surface may extend at any angle to the plane, but the angle is preferably 90° or close thereto In order to provide a sufficient abutment and child resistance.
The predetermined distance will normally be the distance which the holding means may be displaced in order to overcome the engagement with the abutment surface. The larger the surface, the larger the displacement.
In the present context, the edge portion may be part of an outer periphery of the holding means or it may be an inner edge portion, such as part of a hole or indentation of the holding means.
In fact, a dispenser may be especially suited for a given holding means (or a holding means holding a specific or predetermined type of unit), by providing one or more holes, indentations, or edges at predetermined positions, positions corresponding to one or more positions of abutting surfaces of the dispenser. A holding means not having the edge parts at the correct positions may not be held/maintained in the dispenser, whereby the child resistance is lost.
Preferably, the maintaining means is adapted to bias the holding means against one or more surface parts of the dispenser, the surface part(s) defining the predetermined plane. Thus, this biasing may help the maintaining the holding means in the desired shape - and may, in fact, require only surface parts for abutting the holding means only at certain positions or places (the positions where the biasing force needs to be countered).
Preferably, the abutting edge portion extends the predetermined distance away from the surface part(s). Also, preferably, the displacing means is adapted to displace the edge portion at least the predetermined distance away from the surface part(s).
In one embodiment, the displacing means is positioned in a part of the dispenser, also defining the surface part(s), the displacing means being adapted to displace the edge portion in a direction at an angle to the predetermined plane.
This part of the dispenser may be an end portion thereof or a relatively small distance from the surface part(s). The part may also be a monolithic or assembled part forming, together with other parts, the dispenser.
Preferably, the displacing means is adapted to displace the holding means close to the edge part(s) engaging the surface part(s) In order to e.g. be able to better control the displacement.
In the preferred embodiment, the displacing means Is engageable by a user from one or more outer surface part(s) of the dispenser. Thus, the dispenser may comprise, at the outer surface part and In the part(s) of the dispenser defining the surface part(s), a resilient or deformable element adapted to be deformed or displaced by the user so as to displace the edge portion of the holding means.
In one embodiment, the predetermined surface part(s) of the holding means is/are adapted to face the surface part(s).
In that or another embodiment, the edge portion of the holding means Is an outer, edge portion of the holding means.
Also, the engaging means may be displaceable In a direction at least substantially along the predetermined plane, the dispenser comprising means for allowing a part of the holding means adjacent to the edge portion to bend away from the predetermined plane due to the biasing. Again, the plane may be bent or otherwise not straight, and as the displacing of the engaging means may be a linear displacement, the direction of the displacement may be in the direction of the plane at one or more predetermined positions thereof - such as at the position (e.g. at a longitudinal position of the dispenser or holding means) at which the displacement takes place.
The predetermined plane may have a bent shape.
A second aspect of the invention relates to a method of operating a dispenser for holding a means for dispensing units,

the holding means comprising a plurality of units to be dispensed from a predetermined surface thereof,
the dispenser comprising:
- o an opening for receiving the holding means,
- o means for preventing access to the units from the predetermined surface, when the holding means is received by the dispenser,
- o means for engaging the holding means, when the holding means is received by the dispenser, and
- o means for releasing the engaging means,
the method comprising the step of maintaining the first surface at or in a predetermined plane, when the holding means is received by the dispenser, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
- abutting an edge portion of the holding means, facing the opening, when the holding means is received in the opening, the abutting means having an abutting surface facing the edge portion of the holding means, extending at an angle to the predetermined plane, and a predetermined distance away from the plane, and
- a releasing step comprising displacing the edge portion of the holding means at least the predetermined distance away from the plane.

The maintaining step may comprise biasing the holding means against one or more surface parts of the dispenser, the surface part(s) defining the predetermined plane. Then, the abutting edge portion could extend the predetermined distance away from the surface part(s).
Also, the displacing step preferably comprises displacing the edge portion at least the predetermined distance away from the surface part(s).
In addition, preferably, the displacing means are positioned In a part of the dispenser also defining the surface part(s), the displacing step comprising displacing the edge portion in a direction at an angle to the predetermined plane. Then, the displacing step preferably comprises a user providing the displacement from an outer surface part of the dispenser. This may be obtained when the displacement is provided by the user deforming or displacing the edge portion of the holding means by deforming or displacing a resilient or deformable element provided in the part of the dispenser defining the surface part(s).
In one embodiment, the predetermined surface part of the holding means faces the surface part(s).
In that or another embodiment, the edge portion of the holding means is an outer edge portion of the holding means.
Also, the engaging means could be displaced In a direction at least substantially along the predetermined Plane so that a part of the holding means adjacent to the edge portion bends away from the predetermined plane due to the biasing.
As mentioned above, preferably, the predetermined plane has a bent shape.
In a third aspect, the Invention relates to a dispenser for holding a means for dispensing units,

the holding means comprising a plurality of units to be dispensed from a predetermined surface thereof,
the dispenser comprising:
- o a slot having an opening for receiving the holding means,
- o means for preventing access to the units from the predetermined surface, when the holding means Is received In the slot,
- o means for engaging the holding means, when the holding means is received In the slot, and
- o means for releasing the engaging means,

In the present context, the units may be any type of units useful to persons, but primarily units which It is not desired that children get access to, such as medication, cigarettes, toxic or otherwise dangerous or unhealthy substances.
A normal manner of providing and dispensing e.g. medication Is the use of a blister pack having a sheet of plastic material having a number of blisters into which the medication or other units is provided and which blisters are closed by a metal foll which Is breakable in order to gain access to the medication.
In blister packs, the breakable foil defines the predetermined surface.
Other types of holding means may be means having a surface which may be openable, rupturable, pre-scored, closable or the like in order to gain access to the units.
Preferably, the holding means comprises a plurality of units individually dispensable or dispensable In smaller quanta, so that also less capable persons may dispense the units with no errors or problems.
A number of manners exist of preventing access to the units at the predetermined surface. Such manners will depend on how access is provided via the surface. If the units are dispensable via a single opening, preventing access to that opening itself suffices, whereas multiple openings (as will be seen In blister packs) will require preventing access to multiple openings. Preventing access to an opening may merely require preventing e.g. a unit (having a given physical extension) from exiting the hole. Thus, hermetical or total sealing of the opening may not be required. It may suffice to only block part of the opening.
Preferably, the slot is adapted to fully receive the holding means. As will become dear further below, the slot may not be closed but may be open, as long as the preventing operation is fulfilled.
The engagement between the holding means and the dispenser is a friction engagement. This has the advantage that prior art holding means, such as blister cards or the like, may be used. If the engagement was an engagement wherein an element was introduced into e.g. a hole or the like in a holding means, this might require the design and production of a new holding means.
In the present context, the engagement makes it difficult - or prevents - to remove the holding means from the dispenser and thereby gain access to the units via the predetermined surface. In this respect, this will normally mean that a child, using his/her fingers, will not be able to overcome the engagement/friction and remove the holding means. Also, normally, this will mean that the dispenser is not harmed, destroyed or otherwise altered unallowably.
Preferably, the releasable biasing means is adapted to exert a first friction during movement of the holding means into the dispenser and a second, higher, friction during removal of the holding means from the dispenser, when the releasing means is not operated.
This higher friction may require a force for removal of the holding means, this force exceeding any predetermined force, a "standard" child is able to provide.
Then, the releasing means could be adapted to have the biasing means exert a third friction during removal of the holding means from the dispenser, when the releasing means is operated, the third friction being lower than the second friction. This third friction may, in principle, be zero. The important factor is that it is sufficiently low for the user to be able to remove the holding means from the dispenser.
In one embodiment, the releasable biasing means comprises at least one leaf spring having two ends, one end engaging the dispenser and the other end being positioned so as to engage the holding means when received in the dispenser, the spring being positioned so that the one end is positioned closer to the opening than the other end.
In this situation, an attempt to extract the holding means from the dispenser will require the leaf spring to compress (the other end being forced toward the one end). Then, the dispenser may be designed so that the leaf spring is not able to be compressed or moved in this manner, or the leaf spring may be designed so that the force required to obtain this compression exceeds a predetermined force.
In this embodiment, the at least one leaf spring preferably has a longitudinal direction between the one end and the other end, the longitudinal direction being at least substantially parallel to a direction of movement of the holding means during reception in the slot. Normally, this direction is also in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the slot or the holding means.
Normally, the releasing means is adapted to remove the engagement between the leaf spring and the holding means. Then, the releasing means are preferably adapted to move the other end of the leaf spring in a direction away from the holding means. Preferably, the releasing means is adapted to be translated in a longitudinal direction of the spring (or the holding means), the releasing means having means for engaging the spring and maintaining at least part of the spring away from the holding means. This engaging means may translate along the spring - toward the other end - and maintain the parts of the spring engaged by the engaging means in a position away from the holding means.
In another embodiment, the releasable biasing means comprises an element rotatable around a predetermined axis and having a part adapted to exert the friction force, when the element is rotated into a first position, the releasing means being adapted to rotate the element to a second position where a lower friction (such as no friction) Is exerted by the element. This may be a rigid arm engaging the holding means.
Then, the releasable biasing means could further comprise means for biasing the element toward the holding means, when the element is in the first position. This biasing means may provide a predetermined biasing either toward the holding means or between the holding means and the dispenser (so as to require a predetermined minimum force In order to overcome the friction and remove the holding means from the dispenser).
In one embodiment, the element comprises one or more edge parts adapted to engage the holding means, when the element Is in the first position. A plurality of edge parts may Increase the friction or ensure that a single edge part getting rounded In time does not destroy or reduce the efficiency of the engagement.
Preferably, the predetermined axis Is at least substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the holding means during reception In the slot. Especially when the axis of rotation Is positioned closer to the opening than the Dart adapted to exert the friction, It is seen that the rotatable element will require a deformation either of the dispenser or the holding means In order for the rotatable element to allow the holding means to travel out of the slot - as long as the engagement is maintained.
In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method of operating a dispenser for holding a means for dispensing units,

the holding means comprising a plurality of units to be dispensed from a predetermined surface thereof,
the dispenser comprising:
- o a slot having an opening for receiving the holding means,
- o means for preventing access to the units from the predetermined surface, when the holding means is received In the slot,
- o means for engaging the holding means, when the holding means is received in the-slot, and
- o means for releasing the engaging means,

In one embodiment, the releasable biasing means exerts a first friction during movement of the holding means Into the dispenser and a second, higher, friction during removal of the holding means from the dispenser, when the leasing means Is not operated. Then, the biasing means may exert a third friction during removal of the holding means from the dispenser when the releasing means Is operated, the third friction being lower than the second friction.
In one embodiment, the releasable biasing means comprises at least one leaf spring having two ends, one end engaging the dispenser and the other end engaging the holding means when received In the dispenser, the spring being positioned so that the one end is positioned cl*oser to the opening than the other end. Then, the at least one leaf spring may have a longitudinal direction between the one end and the other end, the longitudinal direction being at least substantially parallel to a direction of movement of the holding means during reception In the.slot (normally a longitudinal axis of the slot).
Also, preferably, the method further comprises a releasing step wherein the releasing means removes the engagement between the leaf spring and the holding means. Then, the releasing means may move the other end of the leaf spring In a direction away from the holding means. This may be obtained when the releasing means are translated In a longitudinal direction of the spring (or the holding means), the releasing means having means for engaging the spring and maintaining at least part of the spring away from the holding means.
In another embodiment, the releasable biasing means are rotated around a predetermined axis and having a part exerting the friction force, when the element Is rotated Into a first position, the releasing means rotating the element to a second position where:a lower friction (such as no friction) is exerted by the element. Then, the releasable biasing means could further comprise means for biasing the element toward the holding means, when the element Is in the first position.
Also, the engaging step may comprise having one or more edge parts of the releasable biasing means engage the holding means, when the element is in the first position, the rotation may be performed around a predetermined axis which is at least substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the holding means during reception in the slot, and the axis of rotation may be positioned closer to the opening than the part-adapted to exert the friction.
In the following, preferred embodiments, described In relation to dispensers for medication In blister cards, are described with reference to the drawing, wherein;

Fig. 1 Illustrates a first embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 2 is a cut-through part of the embodiment of Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 4 is a cut-through part of the embodiment of Fig. 3,
Fig. 5 is a cut-through part of a third embodiment,
Fig. 6 illustrates the upper side of the third embodiment,
Fig. 7 a-c illustrates a fourth embodiment according to the invention,
Figs. 8-10 illustrate other manners of releasing the holding means,
Figs. 11-13 illustrate other manner of engaging and releasing the holding means,
Fig. 14 illustrates another manner of releasing a holding means, and
Fig. 15 illustrates a manner of obtaining easier access to a released holding means.

Fig. 1 illustrates a dispenser according to the invention. This dispenser has an opening 10 adapted to receive a blister card (not illustrated on this figure) and a slot 12 adapted to receive and hold the sides of the blister card.
When fully inserted, the blister card is received in the slot 12, where the edges of the blister card are guided by guides 14 which also define the shape which the blister card obtains when held by the dispenser. Finally, an outer and Innermost edge abuts an abutting member 16 and a bottom (not illustrated) part of the slot 12. This biasing, together with the shape of the slot 12, preferably gives the blister card a curved shape which acts to bias the blister card against a lower part 18 of the dispenser.
This curved shape has a number of advantages, such as less noise from the blister card, the positioning of the blister card, such as in relation to engaging means etc, is better defined In that the curved shape makes the blister card bias toward predetermined surfaces.
An upper part 20 of the dispenser comprises an opening 20' through which a user may engage the blister card during sliding into and out of the slot 12. This upper part 20 and the opening 20' are designed so that they cover those parts of the metallic sheet of the blister card through which access is normally gained to the medication In the blister card. This covering needs not be a total covering, but a covering sufficient to ensure that either the metallic sheet is not broken or the medication is not removable from the blisters.
When fully received, the blister card is present In the slot 12, and the outer most edge part engages and biases against the Inner surface 16' of the member 16.
Thus, a child is not able to remove the blister card, unless it is able to have the edge part of the blister card travel over the member 16. The biasing of the blister dard, the size of the opening 10, the height, H, of the surface 16' over the normal, biased position of the blister card end, will all determine the child resistance or how easy removal of the blister card will be.
In order to be able to remove the blister card, a displacing element 30 is provided which Is able to be displaced In a direction toward the blister card and to displace the outermost end of the blister card over the element 16, and thereby release the blister card. The element 30 Is provided as an elongated part of the upper part 18, which is made of a relatively stiff plastic material. This part, 30' is embedded in a softer material 32 Which makes It possible to plastically deform the element 30' and to have that displacement return to its original state thereafter. This two-component moulding is simple, cheap, and the design of the dispenser may be such that the operation of tho displacing means Is not visible to or obvious to children.
Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate another manner of releasing a blister card which is held by a dispenser in which it is held by the guides (preferably In the bent shape) 14, and which Is biased between the bottom of the slot 12 and the element 16.
In this embodiment, the release is obtained by moving the element 16 toward the bottom of the slot 12, whereby the blister card Is further compressed and will attempt to bulge out. The guides 14 will make the blister card maintain its shape along the length of the dispenser but a predetermined length at the opening 10, where the blister card Is allowed to bulge out due to the further compression. This bulging out (which is here only possible to one side) will eventually make the blister card end move over the element 16, whereby the blister card is released.
In this embodiment, the element 16 Is mounted so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the dispenser. The element 16 is biased away from the centre of the dispenser by one or more torsion springs 34, but Is movable, by exerting a predetermined force, toward the centre of the dispenser In order to release the blister card.
Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate a different embodiment, which, again, comprises the opening 10, the slot 12, the guides 14 (but which are not illustrated), the upper and lower parts 18 and 20 as well as the opening 20'.
In this embodiment, the engagement of the blister card is obtained by two leaf springs 50, one positioned at each longitudinal side of the blister card - but where only one is illustrated.
These leaf springs are attached, at one end, 50', to the upper part 18 of the dispenser by e.g. weldings 52.
The leaf springs are shaped so as to bias the other end, 50", toward the blister card.
Removal of the blister card is in the right direction of the Figures, whereby it is seen that the leaf springs 50 will tighten the engagement even further and block the movement of the blister card. Insertion, however, of the blister card meets no substantial friction with the leaf springs 50.
Release of the springs 50 is obtained by sliding a sliding member 54 in a direction from the end 50' toward the end 50". The member 54 engages the spring 50, at the part 54', and forces it toward the part 18, which means that the spring 50 is moved away from the blister card, whereby the engagement between the blister card and the spring 50 is released.
The member 54 is biased toward a right-most (in the figure) position so as to only release the blister card when a force is applied to the member 54.
When two springs 50 are provided, two releasing movements are required In order to remove the card. The more independent releasing actions that are required, the "safer" or more child resistant the dispenser.
Another feature of this - as well as of other of the embodiments, is the sliding releasing means. The sliding in the direction of the plane of the blister card (or at least at the longitudinal position at which the sliding means are positioned, when the blister card is not straight) is more difficult for children to see or deduce. This is especially true, when two such operations are required in order to release the blister card.
Fig. 7 illustrates another manner of providing the displaceable member 30 in the embodiment of Fig. 1. This manner comprises a displaceable member 60 which is not "embedded" in a softer plastic material but is simply cut out or moulded with the remaining part of the upper part 18.
Fig. 8 is a further alternative, where the displaceable member 62 is made displaceable by providing two elongate slots 64, which make the member 62 more easily displaced toward the blister card.
In Fig. 9, the softer material 32 in Fig. 1 is replaced by a part 66 which is thinner than the surrounding parts of the upper part 18. Again, the displaceable element, 64, is displaceable in order to have the blister card end move over the part 16.
Fig. 10 illustrates yet another manner, which may be found to be efficient and cheap but less child resistant. An opening or hole 68 is provided for inserting a finger or a tool (pencil or the like) for displacing the blister card over the member 16.
Fig. 11 illustrates a manner alternative to that of Fig. 3 for providing an engagement and a release thereof using a leaf spring.
In Fig. 11, the leaf spring 70 forms part of a deformable element having two studs 72 which are adapted to engage the dispenser or the blister card. When pushing the element at the arrow, a deformation will occur due to the abutment of the studs 72, whereby the leaf spring will be lifted from the blister card and the blister card released. The user may engage the element via push buttons at the outer side of the dispenser - or directly via e.g. a hole - or the element may be integrated in the dispenser.
Fig. 12 illustrates an embodiment where the leaf spring 50 is replaced by a rotatable element 70 rotatably attached to the part 18 and rotatable around an axis 70'.
The element 70 is biased against the blister card by a spring 72, and is adapted to be lifted there from by a slidable element 74 which is translated in the direction of the arrow, whereby the element 70 will disengage the blister card.
The direction of insertion of the blister card is in the direction from right to left, whereby it is seen that unauthorized removal of the blister card will make the element 70 engage even more with the blister card.
The element 70 is illustrated with a number of edges or peaks 70"' which are adapted to provide a sufficient friction with the blister card.
In Fig. 13, an element 80 with an operation similar to that of Fig. 12 is seen (rotatably mounted and rotatable around an axis 80'). However, in this embodiment, the element 80 abuts and engages a blister 82' of the blister card 84. Again, a slideable element 82 releases the engagement. Thus, lower requirements as to the friction and other engagements is obtained in that removal of this blister card will require deformation of the blister - and then some.
Fig. 14 illustrates an embodiment with a functionality close to that of Fig. 3, but where the blister card is deformed around the longitudinal axis by two push buttons 84. This deformation will displace the central portion of the blister card, whereby disengagement may be obtained with any of the above engaging means.
Fig. 15, finally, illustrates that at the bottom of the slot 12 of the dispenser, a spring or other resilient means may be provided. This spring/means 90 is biased when the blister card 92 is inserted and will act to push the card outwardly, when the engaging means are released. This has the advantage that when two fingers or two hands are required for releasing the holding means, another finger/hand is not required to bring the holding means to a position where it may be removed without further disengagement or where it may more easily be accessed/handled by the user.
In the foregoing, the Invention has been described with reference to blister cards. It is, however, obvious that all other types of holding means may be used, due to the fact that the engagements proposed are adapted to a large variations of holding means, stiff as well as bendable, straight as well as with extending parts, adapted to friction engagement or not, etc.

Claims

A dispenser for holding a holding means (92) for dispensing units,
- the holding means (92) comprising a plurality of units to be dispensed from a predetermined surface thereof,

- the dispenser comprising:
o an opening (10) for receiving the holding means,

o means (20) for preventing access to the units from the predetermined surface, when the holding means is received by the dispenser,

o means (14, 16) for engaging the holding means (92), when the holding means (92) is received by the dispenser,

o means for releasing the engaging means, and

o means (14) for maintain ng the predetermined surface at or in a predetermined plane, when the holding means (92) is received by the dispenser,

characterized in that:
- the engaging means comprises means (16) for abutting an edge portion of the holding means, facing the opening (10), when the holding means (92) is received in the opening (10), the abutting means (16) having an abutting surface (16') facing the edge portion of the holding means (92), extending at an angle to the predetermined plane, and a predetermined distance away from the plane, and

- the releasing means comprises means (16, 30, 60, 62, 64) for displacing the edge portion of the holding means at least the predetermined distance away from the plane.
A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the maintaining means is adapted to bias the holding means against one or more surface parts of the dispenser, the surface part(s) defining the predetermined plane.
A dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the abutting edge portion extends the predetermined distance away from the surface part(s).
A dispenser according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the disp acing means is adapted to displace the edge portion at least the predetermined distance away from the surface part(s).
A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the displacing means is positioned In a part of the dispenser also defining the surface part(s), the displacing means being adapted to displace the edge portion in a direction at an angle to the predetermined plane.
A dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the displacing means is engageable by a user from one or more outer surface part(s) of the dispenser.
A dispenser according to claim 6, the dispenser comprising, at the outer surface part and In the part(s) of the dispenser defining the surface part(s), a resilient or deformable element adapted to be deformed or displaced by the user so as to displace the edge portion of the holding means.
A dispenser according to any of claims 2-7, wherein th predetermined surface part(s) of the holding means is/are adapted to face the surface part(s).
A dispenser according to any of claims 2-8, wherein the edge portion of the holding means is an outer edge portion of the holding means.
A dispenser according to any of claims 2-9, wherein the engaging means is displaceable in a direction at least substantially along the predetermined plane, the dispenser comprising means for allowing a part of the holding means adjacent the edge portion to bend away from the predetermined plane due to the biasing.
A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined plane has a bent shape.
A method of operating a dispenser for holding a holding means for dispensing units,
- the holding means (92) comprising a plurality of units to be dispensed from a predetermined surface thereof,

- the dispenser comprising:
o an opening (10) for receiving the holding means,

o means (20) for preventing access to the units from the predetermined surface, when the holding means is received by the dispenser,

o means (14, 16) for engaging the holding means (92), when the holding means (92) is received by the dispenser, and

o means for releasing the engaging means,

the method comprising the step of maintaining the first surface at or in a predetermined plane, when the holding means is received by the dispenser,
characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of:
- abutting an edge portion of the holding means (92), facing the opening (10), when the holding means (92) received in the opening (10), the abutting means (16) having an abutting surface (16') facing the edge portion of the holding means (92), extending at an angle to the predetermined plane, and a predetermined distance away from the plane, and

- a releasing step comprising displacing the edge portion of the holding means (92) at least the predetermined distance away from the plane.
A method according to claim 12, wherein the maintaining step comprises biasing the holding means against one or more surface parts of the dispenser, the surface part(s) defining the predetermined plane.
A method according to claim 13, wherein the abutting edge portion extends the predetermined distance away from the surface part(s).
A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the displacing step comprises displacing the edge portion at least the predetermined distance away from the surface part(s).
A method according to claim 13, 14, or 15, wherein the displacing means are positioned in a part of the dispenser also defining the surface part(s), the displacing step comprising displacing the edge portion in a direction at an angle to the predetermined plane.
A method according to claim 16, wherein the displacing step comprises a user providing the displacement from an outer surface part of the dispenser.
A method according to claim 17, wherein the displacement is provided by the user deforming or displacing the edge portion of the holding means by deforming or displacing a resilient or deformable element provided in the part of the dispenser defining the surface part(s).
A method according to any of claims 13-18, wherein the predetermined surface part of the holding means faces the surface part(s).
A method according to any of claims 13-19, wherein the edge portion of the holding means is an outer edge portion of the holding means.
A method according to any of claims 13-20, wherein the engaging means are displaced in a direction at least substantially along the predetermined plane so that a part of the holding means adjacent to the edge portion bends away from the predetermined plane due to the biasing.
A method according to any of claims 12-21, wherein the predetermined plane has a bent shape.
A dispenser for holding a holding means (92) for dispensing units,
- the holding means (92) comprising a plurality of units to be dispensed from a predetermined surface thereof,

- the dispenser comprising:
o a slot (12) having an opening for receiving the holding means,

o means (20) for preventing access to the units from the predetermined surface, when the holding means (92) is received in the slot,

o means for engaging the holding means (92), when the holding means (92) is received in the slot (12), and

o means (54, 75, 82) for releasing the engaging means,

characterized in that the engaging means comprise releasable biasing means (50, 70, 80) for exerting a friction force to a surface of the holding means in order to prevent or make difficult removal thereof from the dispenser.
A dispenser according to claim 23, wherein the releasable biasing means is adapted to exert a first friction during movement of the holding means into the dispenser and a second, higher, friction during removal of the holding means from the dispenser, when the releasing means is not operated.
A dispenser according to claim 24, wherein the releasing means is adapted to have the biasing means exert a third friction during removal of the holding means from the dispenser, when the releasing means is opera, the third friction being lower than the second friction.
A dispenser according to any of claims 23-25, wherein the releasable biasing means comprises at least one leaf spring having two ends, one end engaging the dispenser and the other end being positioned so as to engage the holding means when received in the dispenser, the spring being positioned so that the one end is positioned closer to the opening than the other end.
A dispenser according to claim 26, the at least one leaf spring having a longitudinal direction between the one end and the other end, the longitudinal direction being at least substantially parallel to a direction of movement of the holding means during reception In the slot.
A dispenser according to any of claims 26 or 27, wherein the releasing means Is adapted to remove the engagement between the leaf spring and the holding means.
A dispenser according to claim 28, wherein the releasing means are adapted to move the other end of the leaf spring in a direction away from the holding means.
A dispenser according to claim 29, wherein the releasing means Is adapted to be translated in a longitudinal direction of the spring, the releasing means having means for engaging the spring and maintaining at least part of the spring away from the holding means.
A dispenser according to any of claims 23-30, wherein the releasable biasing means comprises an element rotatable around a predetermined axis and having a part adapted to exert the friction force, when the element is rotated into a first position, the releasing means being adapted to rotate the element to a second position where a lower friction is exerted by the element.
A dispenser according to claim 31, wherein the releasable biasing means further comprises means for biasing the element toward the holding means, when the element is in the first position.
A dispenser according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the element comprises one or more edge parts adapted to engage the holding means, when the element is in the first position.
A dispenser according to any of claims 31-33, wherein the predetermined axis is at least substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the holding means during reception in the slot.
A dispenser according to claim 34, wherein the axis of rotation is positioned closer to the opening than the part adapted to exert the friction.
A method of operating a dispenser for holding a holding means (92) for dispensing units,
- the holding means (92) comprising a plurality of units to be dispensed from a predetermined surface thereof,

- the dispenser comprising:
o a slot (12) having an opening (10) for receiving the holding means (92),

o means (20) for preventing access to the units from the predetermined surface, when the holding means (92) is received in the slot (12),

o means for engaging the holding means (92), when the holding means (92) is received in the slot (12), and

o means (54, 74, 82) for releasing the engaging means,

characterized In that the method comprises the step of having a releasable biasing means of the engaging means (50, 70, 80) exert a friction force to surface of the holding means (92) in order to prevent or make difficult removal thereof from the dispenser.
A method according to claim 36, wherein the releasable biasing means exerts a first friction during movement of the holding means into the dispenser and a second, higher, friction during removal of the holding means from the dispenser, when the releasing means is not operated.
A method according to claim 37, wherein the biasing means exerts a third friction during removal of the holding means from the dispenser when the releasing means is operated, the third friction being lower than the second friction.
A method according to any of claims 36-38, wherein the releasable biasing means comprises at least one leaf spring having two ends, one end engaging the dispenser and the other end engaging the holding means when received in the dispenser, the spring being positioned so that the one end Is positioned closer to the opening than the other end.
A method according to claim 39, the at least one leaf spring having a longitudinal direction between the one end and the other end, the longitudinal direction being at least substantial parallel to a direction of movement of the holding means during reception In the slot.
A method according to any of claims 39 or 40, further comprising a releasing step wherein the releasing means removes the engagement between the leaf spring and the holding means.
A method according to claim 41, wherein the releasing means move the other end of the leaf spring in a direction away from the holding means.
A method according to claim 42, wherein the releasing means are translated in a longitudinal direction of the spring, the releasing means having means for engaging the spring and maintaining at least part of the spring away from the holding means.
A method according to any of claims 36-43, wherein the releasable biasing means are rotated around a predetermine axis and having a part exerting the friction force, when the element is rotated into a first position, the releasing means rotating the element to a second position where a lower friction exerted by the element.
A method according to claim 44, wherein the releasable biasing means further comprises means for biasing the element toward the holding means, when the element Is in the first position.
A method according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the engaging step comprises having one or more edge parts of the releasable biasing means engage the holding means, when the element is In the first position.
A method according to any of claims 44-46, wherein the rotation is performed around a predetermined axis which is at least substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the holding means during reception in the slot.
A method according to claim 47, wherein the axis of rotation is positioned closer to the opening than the part adapted to exert the friction.
A dispenser according to any of claims 1-11 or 23-35, further comprising a biasing means adapted to be biased by the holing means when received in the slot and which is adapted to move the holding means in a direction out of the slot, when the releasing means are operated.
A dispenser according to any of claims 1-11 or 23-35, wherein the releasing means comprises one or more push buttons, pushing the one or more buttons toward or into the dispenser releasing the engaging or biasing means.
A dispenser according to any of 1-11 or 23-35, wherein the releasing means comprises one or more rotatable members, rotation of the rotatable member(s) releasing the engaging or biasing means.
A method according to any of claims 12-22 or 36-48, further comprising the step of biasing a biasing means during insertion of the holding means in the slot, an outputting step comprising the step of the biasing means pushing, upon operation of the releasing means, the holding means in a direction out of the slot.
A method according to any of claims 12-22 or 36-48, wherein the releasing step comprises pushing one or more push buttons toward or into the dispenser in order to release the engaging or biasing means.
A method according to any of claims 12-22 or 36-48, wherein the releasing step comprises rotating one or more rotatable members in order to release the engaging or biasing means.