Injection Mold Years
Pez dispenser stems will usually also be embossed with several injection mold codes [IMC]. Some, like those found on the bottom of the dispenser feet, will tell what mold position the specific piece came from. Another, found on the side of the stem, indicates the country of origin. The IMC code 4 is followed by a superscripted second number which identifies a specific facility within that country.
Patent Year
Name of patent:
U.S. Patent 2,620,061 1952 Pocket article dispensing container; First patent for the Pez dispenser
U.S. Patent 3,410,455 1968 Dispensing Device for tablets
U.S. Patent 3,845,882 1974 Spring cage for use in a tablet dispensing receptacle
U.S. Patent 3,942,683 1976 Tablet dispensing receptacle
U.S. Patent 4,966,305 1990 Tablet dispenser
U.S. Patent 5,984,285 1999 Plastic spring