AU2015100806A4 - Viscous product dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract Viscous product dispensing apparatus A Viscous product dispensing apparatus (10) comprises a generally hollow longitudinally extending handle (12) having a proximal end (14) and an opposing distal end (16). The handle (12) has an internal reservoir (13). The apparatus (10) includes a spreader (11) connected to the distal end (16) of the handle (12), the spreader (11) having an outlet port (40) in fluid communication with the reservoir (13), such that contents of the reservoir (13) can be selectively dispensed through the outlet port (40). Fig. 1

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Innovation Patent Specification Title: Viscous product dispensing apparatus Applicant(s): Alison Dawson Inventor(s): Alison Dawson Agent: COTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys The following is a full description of the invention which sets forth the best method known to the applicant of performing it.

2 Viscous product dispensing apparatus Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a viscous product dispensing apparatus. In particular, the 5 present invention relates to a dispenser for viscous food products. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be utilised to dispense other products such as adhesives and fillers. Background of the Invention 10 Condiments and spreads such as jam, Vegemite , Nutella T , cream cheeses, honey and various other products are widely used as a covering for bread or crackers during the preparation of lunches and other snacks for school children, university students and workers. The nature of such spreads is that they can be used quickly and effectively to prepare a take away snack with minimal effort or time. However, there are inherent disadvantages with the application of such spreads. One issue concerns the need to apply the spread in some instances several hours before the time at which it is consumed. This can lead to the bread becoming soggy, which reduces the appeal of the snack or sandwich. 20 Another drawback is the way such spreads and condiments are typically stored. They are generally sold in large jars or containers. Such containers are intended to be kept in the fridge once opened for a prolonged period of time. However, in practice there is a risk that the jar with be contaminated by mould or other pathogens over time. The result of such a 25 contamination event is that the remaining portion of the jar is normally discarded, which is undesirable and wasteful. In other settings such as hotels, cafeterias and cafes, especially where a patron may serve their own condiment or spread, it is often unacceptable to provide a patron with a half 30 empty jar of condiment or spread, for fear of a bacterial pathogen or other such contamination resulting from poor hygiene by a previous patron.

3 A still further disadvantage with existing condiment or spread containers is that they are generally intended to be multi-use. However for events such as picnics or outdoor activities where the user takes such a container, the user must not forget to also take a suitable knife or other such utensil to spread the condiment or spread. Without the requisite utensil the s condiment may not be easily used. Even with the correct utensil, the user must also be mindful of whether the condiment or spread is still usable at a later point, or if there is a risk that the product has spoiled as a result of heat, and being away from refrigeration for a prolonged period, especially if the container is already open. Object of the Invention io It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a viscous product dispensing apparatus comprising: a generally hollow longitudinally extending handle having a proximal end and an is opposing distal end, the handle having an internal reservoir; a spreader connected to the distal end of the handle, the spreader having an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir, such that contents of the reservoir can be selectively dispensed through the outlet port. 20 The viscous product dispensing further preferably comprises: a piston located within the handle, the piston being adapted to selectively urge the viscous product from the reservoir to the outlet port; and a locking mechanism adapted to prevent the piston from moving toward the proximal end of the handle, wherein the locking mechanism is a ratchet type mechanism including a 2s plurality of ratchet teeth located on one of an outer or inner wall of the handle, the ratchet teeth being adapted to engage with an engagement formation associated with the piston. The viscous product dispensing apparatus further preferably comprises: a piston located within the handle, the piston being adapted to selectively urge the 30 viscous product from the reservoir to the outlet port; and a drive rod located within the handle and adapted to drive the piston, wherein the drive rod is threaded and adapted to engage with a corresponding threaded hole formed in the piston, wherein rotation of the drive rod causes the piston to move longitudinally 4 between the proximal end and the distal end of the handle; further wherein the drive rod is connected to a cap located adjacent to the proximal end of the handle, wherein rotation of the cap about a longitudinal axis results in longitudinal movement of the piston. A portion of the piston preferably engages with a corresponding portion of an inner wall of the handle to prevent the piston from rotating within the handle. The viscous product dispensing apparatus further preferably comprises a removable seal 10 located over the outlet port or alternatively located between the handle and the spreader. Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. I is a cross sectional view showing a viscous product dispensing apparatus is according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view showing the viscous product dispensing apparatus according to a Fig. 1 in a pre-assembled configuration; and Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view showing a viscous product dispensing apparatus according to a second embodiment. 20 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Several embodiments of a viscous product dispensing apparatus 10 are disclosed in the accompanying drawings. In each embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes an elongate handle 12, having a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16, and a reservoir 13 located within the handle 12. In each embodiment, the handle is connected to a blade or spreader 11. The 2s apparatus 10 is used to dispense and spread a small volume of an edible spread such as Vegemite , Nutella

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, jam, honey or some cream cheeses in the reservoir 13. The reservoir 13 typically initially contains 40g of the edible spread when unused, which corresponds to a typical single serve of the spread, which would generally cover two pieces of bread, or both internal surfaces on an open bun. However, larger or smaller volumes may be contained 30 within the reservoir 13. The apparatus 10 may be sold individually, or alternatively it may be sold in a multi pack. The apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment is depicted in Figs. 1 and 2, and includes 5 an end cap 18. The end cap 18 is rotatable and located adjacent to the proximal end 14 of the handle 12. The end cap 18 is connected to a drive rod 20 located within the handle 12. The drive rod 20 is threaded and extends longitudinally within the handle 12. The drive rod 20 is rotatably secured to the end cap 18, and terminates at a front portion 19 of the handle 12. The Front portion 19 acts as a bearing by permitting the drive rod 20 to rotate whilst also providing radial support for the drive rod 20. 10 A piston or plunger 22 is positioned within the handle 12. The piston 22 has a central threaded through hole which has a thread corresponding in size to the thread formed on the drive rod 20. The piston 22 has a shape which corresponds to the internal shape of the handle 12. However, the piston 22 is prevented from rotating about the axis X-X relative to the handle 12. This may be achieved by the piston 22 having a non-circular shape. Alternatively, if the piston 22 is generally circular in shape, it may include one or more notches or projections which engage with corresponding ribs or channels formed on the inner wall of the handle 12 to prevent rotation. In the first embodiment, when the end cap 18 is rotated, the piston 22 is driven axially 20 between the proximal end 14 and the distal end 16 of the handle 12. Typically clockwise rotation drives the piston 22 toward the distal end 16, and counter clockwise rotation drives the piston 22 toward the proximal end 14. The handle 12 is generally manufactured from a transparent material, or at least has a 2- transparent window located in it. This enables the user to visually observe the remaining amount of spread located within the reservoir 13. As depicted in the drawings, the handle 12 may be bulged to provide enhanced visual appeal and ergonomics. The reservoir 13 is in fluid communication with an outlet tube 36 formed within the spreader 30 11. The outlet tube 36 extends away from the handle 12. The outlet tube 36 is in fluid communication with an outlet port or opening 40 which is formed on the surface of one side of the spreader 11. The connection between the spreader 11 and the handle 12 may be by means of an 6 interference fit, corresponding male and female threaded potions, or any other form of mechanical coupling. Alternatively, the spreader 11 and the handle 12 may be integrally formed from a single piece of plastic. s The opening 40 provides a fluid flow path for the viscous fluid to be ejected from the spreader 11. The spreader 11 may be serrated or flat. The opening 40 may be a small circular opening, or it may be an elongate slot as depicted in the figures. As depicted in Fig. 2, the spreader 11 may be separable from the handle 12 to provide 10 access to the internal reservoir 13. This is achieved by the front portion 19 of the handle 12 being separable into two portions, which have corresponding male and female threads, a snap connection or some other engagement formation which enables the handle 12 and the spreader 11 to be selectively coupled or decoupled. As depicted in the configuration of Fig. 2, an adhesive seal 42 is initially located over an opening in the handle 12. The seal is in the form of a thin sticker-like adhesive membrane. Before use, the user initially peels away the seal 42, and this provides access to the edible spread within the handle 12. The user then connects the handle 12 to the spreader 11, which permits the apparatus 10 to then be used to dispense the spread. 20 In an alternative embodiment, the handle 12 and spreader 11 may be supplied already assembled, for example as depicted in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the seal 42 may be initially located over the opening 40 of the spreader 11. In this embodiment, the user simply peels the seal 42 away, breaking a hermetic seal which opens the fluid flow path, enabling 2- the viscous product to be dispensed. In this embodiment, it is not necessary for a user to combine the spreader 11 with the handle 12. A second embodiment of the viscous product dispensing apparatus 10 is depicted in Fig. 3. In the second embodiment, the handle 12 also includes an internal plunger 60. The plunger 30 60 includes a projection 62 which extends through a slot formed on the side wall of the handle 12. The projection 62 has a user engagement portion 64 in the form of a knob or button. A user can apply a force against the user engagement portion 64 to advance the plunger 60 longitudinally within the handle 12, toward the distal end 16.

7 In the second embodiment, a locking mechanism 61 may be included to prevent the plunger 60 from moving backwards, toward the proximal end 14 of the handle 12. This serves the purpose of preventing the pressure within the handle 12 from decreasing once the user releases the engagement portion 64 of the locking mechanism 61. In the second embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, the locking mechanism 61 is a ratchet type mechanism. A plurality of ratchet teeth 70 are located on the outer wall of the handle 12. The ratchet teeth 70 engage with an engagement formation 72 in the form of a locking tooth 72 located on the projection 62 or the user engagement portion 64. The interaction 10 between the ratchet teeth 70 and the locking tooth 72 prevents the plunger 60 from moving backwards. It will be appreciated that other locking mechanisms 61 or variations of the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 3 may be utilised. For example, the ratchet teeth 70 may be 15 located internally within the handle 12. In a further embodiment of the viscous fluid dispensing apparatus 10 not shown in the drawings, the apparatus 10 includes a plunger 60 similar to the second embodiment. However, the plunger 60 is operated by a push type user engagement feature located axially 20 at the rear end of the handle, and connected to the plunger 60 with a push rod. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (5)

1. A viscous product dispensing apparatus comprising: a generally hollow longitudinally extending handle having a proximal end and an opposing distal end, the handle having an internal reservoir; a spreader connected to the distal end of the handle, the spreader having an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir, such that contents of the reservoir can be selectively dispensed through the outlet port.

2. The viscous product dispensing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a piston located within the handle, the piston being adapted to selectively urge the viscous product from the reservoir to the outlet port; and a locking mechanism adapted to prevent the piston from moving toward the proximal end of the handle, wherein the locking mechanism is a ratchet type mechanism including a plurality of ratchet teeth located on one of an outer or inner wall of the handle, the ratchet teeth being adapted to engage with an engagement formation associated with the piston.

3. The viscous product dispensing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a piston located within the handle, the piston being adapted to selectively urge the viscous product from the reservoir to the outlet port; and a drive rod located within the handle and adapted to drive the piston, wherein the drive rod is threaded and adapted to engage with a corresponding threaded hole formed in the piston, wherein rotation of the drive rod causes the piston to move longitudinally between the proximal end and the distal end of the handle; further wherein the drive rod is connected to a cap located adjacent to the proximal end of the handle, wherein rotation of the cap about a longitudinal axis results in longitudinal movement of the piston.

4. The viscous product dispensing apparatus of either of claims 2 or 3, wherein a portion of the piston engages with a corresponding portion of an inner wall of the handle to prevent the piston from rotating within the handle. 9

5. The viscous product dispensing apparatus of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a removable seal located over the outlet port or alternatively located between the handle and the spreader. Alison Dawson By Patent Attorneys for the Applicant COTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys