US Patent 7559436 Small item dispenser

A dispenser for dispensing small items such as pieces of candy is disclosed herein. The dispenser includes a container having a first major side, a second major side, and a storage volume positioned between the first and second major sides. The dispenser includes a dispensing opening defined through the first major side. A dispensing member for carrying the items from the storage volume to the dispensing opening carries the items along a path of travel aligned along a plane, the dispensing opening having an axis aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane.