CN109154595B - Dispenser for objects, in particular for test strips - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispenser for products (2), comprising a container (3) which forms a receiving space (4) for the products (2), wherein the container (3) comprises a first container part (5) and a second container part (7), wherein the second container part (7) comprises an outlet device (8) which has an outlet opening (9) for the products (2), wherein the second container part (7) can be moved relative to the first container part (5) in such a way that the volume of the receiving space (4) is changed. The invention is characterized in that a cover (6) is arranged on the first container part (5), which cover can assume an open position and a closed position and which in its closed position abuts against the first container part (5) and covers the second container part (7).

Description

Dispenser for objects, in particular for test strips

Technical Field

The invention relates to a dispenser for goods, comprising a container which forms a receiving space for the goods, wherein the container comprises a first container part and a second container part, wherein the second container part comprises a dispensing device which has a dispensing opening for the goods, wherein the second container part can be moved relative to the first container part in such a way that the volume of the receiving space is changed. In particular, the present invention relates to a dispenser for strip-shaped articles, such as test strips.

Test strips are used, for example, in medicine for checking the properties of liquids. For example, diabetic patients use test strips by means of which the sugar content of the blood can be checked. Test strips are also used to determine other properties of the body fluid, such as pH, protein content, and the like. But test strips are also used in other technical fields to check the properties of liquids. Generally, the test strip is sensitive to moisture in this case. It is therefore important that the test strips are preserved in a protected manner in the closed container. If desired, a desiccant can be arranged in the container, which desiccant can absorb the penetrating moisture. The test strip typically has a portion in which the analyte substance is disposed. In order to avoid erroneous results, it is important that the portion with the analyte substance is not touched by a finger.

Background

A dispenser for test strips has been proposed in WO2006/009534A 1.

Another previously known dispenser for test strips is known from US9,248,950B2. The dispenser has a push rod which is movably arranged in the housing part. In order to protect the receiving space from penetrating moisture, the housing is sealed with respect to the tappet by means of a rubber seal.

Disclosure of Invention

In contrast, the object set by the present invention is to provide a dispenser for articles, such as in particular test strips, which integrates ease of handling and safe preservation of the articles.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Provision is therefore made for a cover to be provided on the first container part, which cover can assume an open position and a closed position and which in its closed position abuts against the first container part and covers the second container part.

The design with the first and second container parts movable relative to each other and the lid abutting on the first container part in its closed position and covering the second container part with the output device arranged therein achieves safe preservation of the article and good manoeuvrability. In particular, strip-shaped articles, such as test strips, can be safely stored and reliably dispensed. Since the volume of the receiving space changes during the displacement, the volume of the receiving space can be adapted to the number of articles remaining in the receiving space after removal of one or more articles. It is thereby achieved in particular that the articles do not move in an undesired manner in the receiving space. This prevents damage to the article and facilitates output through the output device. In particular, the articles may be accommodated in the accommodating space in a stacked manner. By adapting the volume of the receiving space, it is possible to achieve that the articles remaining in the receiving space remain stacked after removal of a plurality of articles, even if the container is moved. Furthermore, the penetration of moisture and dirt is largely avoided. By the lid abutting on the first container part and covering the second container part in the closed position, a reliable seal can be achieved, which seal is still functional even after repeated opening and closing. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter can be manufactured cost-effectively and with high process reliability.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first container part has a support for the articles, which together with the second container part limits the volume of the receiving space. In particular, it can be provided that the support element delimits the receiving space in a first direction (for example downward) and the second container part delimits the receiving space in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction (for example upward). Preferably, the support is designed to accommodate a stack of strip-shaped articles, such as test strips. According to a preferred embodiment, the support can be designed in a table shape. Preferably, the support forms a flat face. The support member may also be designed to accommodate two or more stacks of articles. In this case, the support may comprise a plurality of support parts.

In addition, it can be provided in an advantageous manner that the support is arranged on a support part arranged perpendicularly to the support. This facilitates easy handling and safe storage of the articles. In particular, the support portion arranged in this way achieves that the first and second container parts can be moved relative to each other without problems during the volume of the receiving space being reduced. Between the support portion and the outer wall of the first container part, a cavity for accommodating an area of the second container part may be formed. In particular, a first and a second apron, described in more detail below, can be accommodated in the cavity.

A further development of the inventive concept provides that the support element and the support section form a substantially cuboid-shaped part of the first container part. In this case, it can be provided that the support part has four side faces, two of which are arranged parallel to one another.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the support section is connected via a connecting section to a section of the outer wall of the first container part, which section forms a region of the outer wall of the first container part. In particular, the connection portion may be arranged perpendicular to the support portion.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first container part has an outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the second container part has a base on which the support device for the items contained in the receiving space is arranged. This contributes to a simple operation. The support device may preferably laterally enclose the support. In particular, the support device can be tubular in design. In this case, the cross section of the support device can be adapted to the bearing. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support device slides laterally along the support when the first and second container parts are moved relative to each other. The support means are preferably designed for abutting on the articles of the stack. In particular, the (stacked) articles may be enclosed between the support of the first container part, the support means and the inner side of the base of the second container part. In a preferred manner, the supporting means can be designed for supporting one or more stacks of articles.

Preferably, a first apron is provided on the base, which extends from the base towards the first container part and forms the support means. In this case, the skirt may be arranged perpendicular to the support and/or the base.

It is furthermore preferred that a second apron is provided on the base, which second apron encloses the first apron at a distance. The second apron may be arranged further externally on the base. Preferably, the second apron is arranged on an edge region of the base.

A preferred embodiment provides that the first container part forms a cavity, in which at least a part of the second container part is accommodated.

It is furthermore preferred that the second apron is designed to abut against an inner side of the first container part.

According to a preferred embodiment, a locking mechanism is provided which fixes the first container part relative to the second container part, but allows the second container part to be moved toward the first container part after removal of the one or more items. The locking mechanism may in particular be configured between the second apron and the inner side of the first container part. The locking mechanism may comprise projections formed on the skirt and/or the first container part and resiliently lockingly engaging into each other.

According to the invention, it can be provided that the base has a first section and a second section which is offset in height relative to the first section, wherein the outlet opening is arranged between the first and second sections. The outlet opening can in this case be designed in particular in the form of a slit.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the second section forms a first guide section for the articles pushed out through the outlet opening. Preferably, the guide surface is flat. The length of the first guide surface in the direction of removal is between 10% and 25% (preferably between 15% and 25%) of the total length of the article. The total length is the length of the article in the direction of removal.

It is also preferred that the second section is provided with a second guide section arranged on a side of the first guide section for the articles to be transported out. The second guide portion may in particular form a side guide for the articles during the dispensing process. Preferably, the second guide portion is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first guide portion. The height of the second guide portion may in particular be between 1 and 10 times (preferably between 2 and 5 times) the height of the article.

A further improvement is achieved when a third guide for the article to be discharged is provided on the region of the base abutting the receiving space. The third guide portion may be disposed in parallel with the first guide portion. The first and third guide portions are preferably arranged such that the first guide portion points in a first direction and the third guide portion points in a direction opposite to the first direction. The articles to be discharged can thus be guided, for example, upwards and downwards. The length of the third guide portion in the direction of removal is preferably between 10% and 25% (preferably between 15% and 25%) of the total length of the article.

A preferred embodiment provides that the lid is connected to the first container part via a film hinge. This contributes to a simple operation. In particular, the first container part and the lid may form a continuous injection-molded part, which is manufactured together in an injection-molding die.

Preferably, the lid has a circumferential lid edge which, in the closed position of the lid, abuts against the first container part. In particular, a seal between the lid and the first container part may thereby be achieved. In this case, it is preferred that a circumferential sealing line is formed between the lid and the first container part.

It is furthermore preferred that a circumferential sealing portion is formed on the first container part, which circumferential sealing portion is offset radially inwards with respect to the outer wall of the container part. In particular, a step may be provided between the sealing portion and the outer wall.

The dispensing device can advantageously be designed such that a single one of the articles can be dispensed via the dispensing opening.

The operability is further improved by providing the delivery device with an operating element which can be moved from a starting position towards the delivery opening into a delivery position. In particular, the operating element can be moved in translation from a starting position into an output position in this case. The operating element can be designed, for example, as an operating button. The operating button can have a finger rest surface which can be easily grasped with the fingers.

A preferred embodiment provides that the second container part has a sliding guide for the operating element. The movement of the operating element from the starting position into the output position (and back again) can thereby be carried out particularly easily.

In an advantageous manner, it can be provided that the operating element is connected to the second container part in a form-fitting manner, but is movably connected thereto. In particular, the second container part can have a slot-shaped recess, wherein the operating element has a guide mechanism which extends into the slot-shaped recess. Preferably, two parallel slot-shaped recesses can be provided, wherein the guide means comprise two projections which extend into the two parallel slot-shaped recesses.

It is furthermore advantageous if the operating element has an operating portion for abutment on one of the articles. The actuating part can be designed in particular as an actuating cam. The base of the second container part may have a slit-shaped void through which the operating portion extends. The operating portion may have a guide region and a stop surface for abutting on an uppermost article accommodated in the accommodating space. Preferably, the guide region and the stop face are arranged perpendicular to one another. The guide area extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the article over at least 10% of the total length of the article. Preferably, the guide area extends over less than 40% of the total length of the article.

Preferably, the first container part has a portion which forms a region of the outer wall of the container.

Preferably, it is provided that the second container part comprises a continuous injection-molded part made of plastic, which injection-molded part forms the base and the first and second skirt panels.

Preferably, the first container part has a bottom part which is arranged on the side of the container opposite the lid. The bottom part can in particular be a separate injection-molded part made of plastic.

Preferably, the first container part has a desiccant chamber, in which a desiccant is accommodated. Preferably, silica gel may be provided as a desiccant. The desiccant chamber is connected to the receiving space in such a way that moisture in the receiving space can be absorbed by the desiccant.

Provision is preferably made for the first container part and the cover to form a moisture-tight housing shell in the closed state of the cover. In this case, provision can be made for the first container part and the lid to be manufactured from a plastic with barrier properties. Furthermore, it can be provided that a second container part is arranged in the interior of the housing shell.

Provision is preferably made for a test strip to be accommodated in the accommodating space.

Further objects, features, advantages and possibilities of application of the invention will emerge from the following description of an embodiment with the aid of the attached drawings. All described and/or illustrated features form the subject matter of the invention here, individually or in any meaningful combination, and independently of the summary in the individual claims or their back-reference.

Drawings

FIG. 1 a: a perspective view of a dispenser according to the invention, with a lid in a closed position;

FIG. 1 b: from the top view of the dispenser in fig. 1 a;

FIG. 1 c: a longitudinal section through the dispenser from fig. 1b along line a-a;

FIG. 2 a: the dispenser from fig. 1a, with the lid in the open position;

FIG. 2 b: from the top view of the dispenser in fig. 2 a;

FIG. 2 c: a longitudinal section through the dispenser from fig. 2B along line B-B;

FIG. 2 d: an enlarged view of a portion of the container from figure 2 c;

FIG. 2 e: through the cross-sectional view from the dispenser in fig. 2b along line H-H;

FIG. 3 a: from the dispenser in fig. 2a during output of the articles;

FIG. 3 b: a top view from the dispenser in fig. 3 a;

FIG. 3 c: a longitudinal section through the dispenser from fig. 3b along line C-C;

FIG. 4 a: directly after the output of the article, from the dispenser in fig. 3 a;

FIG. 4 b: from the top view of the dispenser in fig. 4 a;

FIG. 4 c: a longitudinal section through the dispenser from fig. 4b along line D-D;

FIG. 5 a: dispenser from fig. 4a after the operating element has been moved back to the starting position;

FIG. 5 b: from the top view of the dispenser in fig. 5 a;

FIG. 5 c: a longitudinal section through the dispenser from fig. 5b along line E-E;

FIG. 6: dispenser from fig. 5c after the second container part has been moved towards the first container part;

FIG. 7: a perspective view of the first container component;

FIG. 8: a perspective view of the second container component;

FIG. 9: an enlarged view of the operating element;

FIG. 10: a perspective view of the bottom part.

Detailed Description

These figures show a dispenser 1 forarticles 2. The dispenser shown here is designed in particular forflat objects 2 to be dispensed, such as test strips.

The dispenser 1 comprises acontainer 3 forming a receiving space 4 for thearticles 2. The receiving space 4 is here hermetically sealed with respect to the environment of the dispenser. Thearticles 2 can thus be stored in the receiving space 4 while being reliably protected from environmental influences, such as moisture and dust.

Thecontainer 3 has afirst container part 5 and alid 6. When thecover 6 is in the closed position shown in fig. 1a to 1c, the first container part and the cover form a closed, in particular dust-and moisture-tight, housing. For this purpose, thefirst container part 5 and thelid 6 can be manufactured from a barrier-acting plastic which allows moisture to diffuse only to a greatly reduced extent.

Fig. 1c furthermore shows that thecontainer 3 has asecond container part 7. Thesecond container part 7 has anoutlet device 8 with anoutlet opening 9 for thearticles 2. Thelid 6 in this case in its closed position, as shown in fig. 1a to 1c, sealingly covers thesecond container part 7. Dirt and moisture are thereby prevented from entering the receiving space 4.

Fig. 1c furthermore shows that thearticles 2 each comprise an elongate strip. Theitem 2 shown in simplified form is a test strip which comprises a strip-shaped holder made of plastic on which a test substance is arranged in one region. Fig. 1c clearly shows in this case that thearticles 2 are accommodated in the accommodation space 4 in the form of a stack. Thestacked articles 2 now lie flat on thesupport 10. Thestacked articles 2 are in this case held between the inner side of thesecond container part 7 and thesupport 10.

Fig. 1c furthermore shows that thesupport 10 has a flat surface. Furthermore, thesupport 10 is designed in the shape of a table.

Thebearing 10 is arranged on asupport part 11 arranged perpendicularly to thebearing 10. In this case, thebearing 10 and thesupport portion 11 are substantially cubical. Thesupport portion 11 comprises in this case two portions arranged at the longitudinal sides of thebearing 10 and two portions arranged at the lateral sides of thebearing 10.

Thefirst container part 5 has aportion 12 forming an area of the outer wall of thecontainer 3. Thesupport portion 11 is in this case connected with theregion 12 via a connectingportion 13. As shown, the connectingportion 13 is arranged perpendicular to thesupport portion 11.

Thesecond container part 7 has abase 14. On which support means 15 for thearticles 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 4 are arranged. In the embodiment shown, the support device 15 is tubular in design and has a rectangular cross section. Furthermore, the support means 15 enclose thesupport 10. As will be explained in more detail below, if thefirst container part 5 is moved relative to thesecond container part 7, the support means 15 slide on the sides along thebearing 10 and/or thesupport part 11. The support means 15 laterally hold thearticle 2 on thesupport 10. Thereby, the piledarticles 2 can be individually held in place.

Afirst skirt 16 is provided on thebase 14, extending from the base 14 towards thefirst container part 5. Theapron 16 is in this case arranged perpendicularly to thesupport 10. Theskirt 16 forms the support means 15.

Furthermore, asecond apron 17 is arranged on thebase 14, which encloses thefirst apron 16 at a distance. Thesecond apron 17 is arranged at an edge region of thesusceptor 14.

Fig. 1c furthermore shows that thefirst container part 5 forms acavity 18, in which a part of thesecond container part 7 is accommodated.

Fig. 1c furthermore shows that thesecond apron 17 abuts on the inner side of thefirst container part 5.

Thelid 6 is connected to thefirst container part 5 via afilm hinge 19. In this case, thefirst container part 5 and thelid 6 form a continuous injection-molded part.

Thelid 6 has acircumferential lid edge 20 which, in the closed position of thelid 6, sealingly abuts against thefirst container part 5. In this case, as shown, a circumferential sealing line is formed between thelid 6 and thefirst container part 5.

The other figures show the same dispenser 1 or parts of the dispenser, respectively. Therefore, the above description also applies to the other figures. In the following we will explain the mode of operation of the dispenser 1 and other features by means of other figures.

Fig. 2a shows the dispenser 1 with thelid 6 in an open position. In this position, theoutput device 8 is accessible. As shown in fig. 2a to 2c, theoutput device 8 has anoperating element 21. In the exemplary embodiment shown, theactuating element 21 is designed as an actuating knob with an upwardly pointing finger rest surface.

Thesecond container part 7 has a sliding guide for the operatingelement 21. In the embodiment shown, the sliding guide comprises two parallel slit-shapedinterspaces 22. The operatingelement 21 has acorresponding guide mechanism 23 which extends into the slot-shapedrecess 22. The operatingelement 21 is in this case secured in a loss-proof manner, but is slidably fixed on thesecond container part 7. Fig. 2a to 2c show theactuating element 21 in its starting position. From this position, the operatingelement 21 can be moved towards theoutlet opening 9 into the outlet position shown in fig. 3a to 3 c. Since the operatingelement 21 has an operatingportion 24 for abutment with theuppermost article 2 accommodated in the accommodating space 4, during the movement theuppermost article 2 is pushed out through theoutput opening 9 so far that the end can be grasped with two fingers. In this case, as can be clearly seen in fig. 2d, the operatingpart 24 is designed as an operating boss which extends through a centrally arranged slit-shapedclearance 25 of thebase 14.

Figures 4a to 4c show the dispenser 1 after removal of theuppermost article 2. The operatingelement 21 is still in the output position and is then moved back into the starting position shown in fig. 5a to 5 c. After removal of one of thearticles 2 from the receiving space 4, the receiving space 4 is now no longer completely filled. When the operatingelement 21 is in the position shown in fig. 4a-c, the operatingportion 24 abutting the top surface of thearticles 2 remaining in the receiving space 4 prevents thesecond container part 7 from being able to be moved towards thefirst container part 5. After the operatingpart 24 has been moved back again into the starting position (see fig. 5a-c), the second container part can be moved relative to thefirst container part 5 by a slight pressure on thesecond container part 7 in order to change and in particular reduce the volume of the receiving space 4. This is shown in fig. 6. It can be seen here that thesecond container part 7 has been moved downwards. In this position, the inner side of the base 14 again abuts against the uppermost of thearticles 2. The dispenser 1 can now be closed by closing thelid 6 until the next dispensing process. Furthermore, as can be seen clearly in fig. 4, a stop for theactuating element 21 is provided, which defines the output position of theactuating element 21. In this case, the stop is designed in such a way that theactuating element 21 with theactuating section 24 cannot be moved beyond the stack in the removal direction.

The illustrated dispenser 1 has alocking mechanism 26 which fixes thesecond container part 5 relative to thefirst container part 7, but allows to move thesecond container part 7 towards thefirst container part 5 after removal of the article(s) 2, so that the volume of the receiving space 4 is adapted to the reduced number ofarticles 2. In the embodiment shown, thelocking mechanism 26 is arranged on thesecond apron 17 and on the inner side of thefirst container part 5. Thelocking mechanism 26 comprises in this case a plurality of rows of projections which are arranged on thesecond container part 7. These projections can engage with projections arranged on the inner side of the first container part. The projection on thefirst container part 5 is in this case designed as a resilientlymovable clamping plate 40 which allows a movement of thesecond container part 7 towards thefirst container part 5 but prevents a movement in the opposite direction. In this way, thesecond container part 7 cannot be inadvertently removed from thefirst container part 5 or pulled outwards to such an extent that thearticles 2 in the receiving space 4 are in an out-of-order position.

When the article is, for example, a test strip, thearticle 2 is flexible and bendable. However, in order to enable them to be reliably delivered through thedelivery opening 9, thebase 14 is provided with afirst portion 27 and asecond portion 28 which is offset in height with respect to thefirst portion 27. In this case, theoutlet 9 is arranged between thefirst portion 27 and thesecond portion 28. This can be seen well in fig. 2c, for example. Thesecond portion 28 in this case forms a first guide portion for the articles pushed out through theoutput opening 9. This can be seen particularly well in fig. 3c, in which theuppermost article 2 is pushed out partially through theoutlet opening 9. The first guide surface is designed here flat and has a length in the removal direction of between 10% and 75% of the total length of thearticle 2.

Second guide portions 29 are provided for thesecond portions 28 on both sides of the first guide portion. Thesecond guide portion 29 comprises in this case a face arranged perpendicular to the guide portion formed by thesecond portion 28 of the base.

Further, athird guide portion 30 is provided on a region of the base 14 adjacent to the accommodation space 4. Thethird guide portion 30 is arranged in parallel with the first guide portion formed by thesecond portion 28 of thebase 14. The first andthird guide portions 30 are in this case directed in opposite directions. The third guide portion (30) defines theoutlet opening 9.

These figures show that thefirst container part 5 has abottom portion 31. Thebottom part 31 is a separate component which is inserted into thecontainer 3 from below. Adesiccant chamber 32 is provided in thebottom portion 31. The desiccant chamber may be provided with, for example, silica gel or other suitable desiccant (not shown). Thedesiccant chamber 32 communicates with the accommodating space 4, whereby the accommodating space 4 and thearticles 2 accommodated therein are protected from moisture. For this purpose, thedesiccant chamber 32 is provided with a moisture-permeable cover sheet 33, for example made of cardboard.

Fig. 7 clearly shows that a surrounding sealingportion 34 is formed on thefirst container part 5. Which is radially inwardly offset with respect to theouter wall 35 of thefirst container part 5. In this case, a step is provided between theseal portion 34 and theouter wall 35.

Claims (14)

1. A dispenser for articles (2) having a container (3) forming a receiving space (4) for the articles (2), wherein the container (3) has a first container part (5) and a second container part (7), wherein the second container part (7) has an output device (8) with an output opening (9) for the articles (2), wherein the second container part (7) is movable relative to the first container part (5) such that the volume of the receiving space (4) is changed, characterized in that a cover (6) is arranged on the first container part (5), the lid can take up an open position and a closed position and in its closed position it abuts against the first container part (5) and covers the second container part (7);

the first container part (5) having a support (10) for the articles (2), which together with the second container part (7) limits the volume of the receiving space (4), the stacked articles (2) being held between the inner side of the second container part (7) and the support (10);

the support (10) is arranged on a support part (11) arranged perpendicularly to the support (10);

between the supporting portion (11) and the outer wall of the first container part (5), a cavity is formed for accommodating an area of the second container part (7), said cavity being capable of accommodating a first apron (16) and a second apron (17);

the second container part (7) having a base (14), on which base (14) supporting means (15) for the articles (2) accommodated in the accommodation space (4) are arranged; -providing a first apron (16) on the base (14), which extends from the base (14) towards the first container part (5) and forms the support means (15);

-a second apron (17) is provided on the base (14), which second apron encloses the first apron (16), and the second apron (17) has a distance to the first apron (16); the second apron (17) is designed for abutting on an inner side of the first container part (5);

a locking mechanism (26) is arranged on the second apron (17) and on an inner side of the first container part (5), said locking mechanism fixing the first container part (5) relative to the second container part (7) but allowing the second container part (7) to be moved towards the first container part (5) after removal of the one or more articles (2).

2. Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the support (10) and the support portion (11) form a substantially cube-shaped part of the first container part (5).

3. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first container part (5) has an outer wall and an inner wall spaced from the outer wall.

4. Dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the support portion (11) is connected via a connecting portion (13) to a part-area (12) of the first container part (5), which part-area (12) forms an area of the outer wall of the first container part (5).

5. Dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the connecting portion (13) is arranged perpendicularly to the support portion (11).

6. Dispenser according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first container part (5) has a bottom portion (31), which bottom portion (31) is arranged on the opposite side of the container (3) from the lid (6).

7. Dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the bottom part (31) is a separate component which is inserted into the container (3) from below.

8. A dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that a desiccant chamber (32) is provided in the bottom part (31).

9. Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the base (14) has a first portion (27) and a second portion (28) which is staggered in height with respect to the first portion (27), wherein the outlet opening (9) is arranged between the first portion (27) and the second portion (28).

10. Dispenser according to claim 9, wherein the second portion (28) forms a first guide portion for the articles (2) pushed out through the output opening (9).

11. Dispenser according to claim 10, characterized in that the second portion (28) is provided with a second guide portion (29) arranged at the side of the first guide portion for the articles to be discharged.

12. Dispenser according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a third guide portion (30) for the articles (2) to be discharged is provided on a region of the base (14) adjacent to the receiving space (4).

13. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (26) comprises a plurality of rows of projections arranged on the second container part (7); these projections can engage with projections arranged on the inner side of the first container part (5);

the projection on the first container part (5) is designed as a resiliently movable clamping plate (40) which allows a movement of the second container part (7) towards the first container part (5) but prevents a movement in the opposite direction.

14. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the article (2) is a test strip.

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