A substantially moisture-proof, airtight dispenser for both storing and
dispensing several flattened articles such as diagnostic test strips. The
inventive dispenser includes a novel pivotable housing that a user need
merely grab and squeeze to eject a test strip. Independent movement of
the user's fingers to push a button or turn a knob is unnecessary to
dispense a strip, which makes the present invention well suited for
diabetics suffering from nerve damage in their extremities and other
complications resulting from the disease. The invention includes a novel
flexible arm member and pusher head that engage and push an article from
the dispenser as the two parts of the housing are pivoted together. The
articles are dispensed through an exit that is configured with a novel
flexible seal that maintains the dispenser substantially airtight.
Several inventive seal embodiments and methods of making the same are
disclosed.