GB2480544A

GB2480544A - Two-part cereal bowl

Info

Publication number: GB2480544A
Application number: GB1108304A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Karl Dorn; Brian Robert Alfred Wybrow
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: KARL DORN
Priority date: 2010-05-19
Filing date: 2011-05-18
Publication date: 2011-11-23
Also published as: GB201108304D0; GB2480544A9; GB201011673D0; GB201008297D0

Abstract

A container system comprises a two-part cereal bowl having an outer part 10 capable of retaining a liquid and a perforated `H' inner part 6 for receiving a cereal to be immersed in a liquid protrusions and indentations provided on the two parts enabling the inner part to be stably supported within the outer part at different relative positions. Preferably the cereal bowl is configured so that the inner part may be rotated relative to the outer so as to adjust its vertical disposition within the outer part. Cooperating helical threads or grooves 8,9 may be provided on the outer and inner portions and the inner part may be provided with a lip 7 having finger holes 11 and/or a handle 12 to facilitate rotating it relative to the outer part. The inner and outer parts may be disassembled for cleaning. In use the container system is particularly adapted for use with a cereal product but is suitable for use with a variety of foodstuffs.

Description

CONTAINER SYSTEM

This invention relates to a container which, in one of its many applications, is used for containing, and dispensing food.

Food bowls are normally made with raised sides which stop food and liquid that is placed in them from leaving the bowl during use. These bowls serve a simple purpose by holding various foods which are to be consumed.

Breakfast cereals are normally served in bowls, and they normally have milk poured over them, or are placed in milk previously placed in the bowl. This gives rise to the problem that when the cereal is left for a little time, while in the milk, the cereal soaks up the liquid and turns soggy. For some people, soggy cereal has an unpleasant taste, so the food tends to be eaten quickly, to avoid the problem. It is true to say, however, that smaller amounts of milk will, of course, tend to reduce the problem, but children tend to eat slowly, so that soggy cereal is more likely to occur, consequently causing uneaten food to go to waste.

When the uneaten food is disposed of, for instance in a food waste bin, the accompanying liquid is often drained off into the sink, leaving the soggy cereal to be placed in the food waste bin; this can be a messy process, and draining can be awkward. It also leads to some food entering the sink drainage system with consequent unwanted food eventually clogging up the waste system and later, the drainage system to the road, and onwards.

According to one variant of the present invention, the foregoing problems are overcome via a two-part cereal bowl comprising an outer part capable of retaining a liquid, and a perforated, inner part, for receiving a cereal to be immersed in a liquid, usually milk, wherein protrusions and indentations are provided on the two parts in order to enable the inner part to be stably supported within the outer part, at different relative heights with respect to the outer bowl, so that when the inner part is at a higher level, the inner part filters and separates the cereal from the liquid, thereby reducing the tendency for the combination of milk and cereal to become soggy. When the inner part is at a lower level, the cereal comes into contact with the liquid so that the combination of liquid and cereal can be consumed.

The invention thus allows time to be saved by, for instance a busy parent, wherein, either with the inner bowl in its raised position relative to the outer bowl, or with the inner bowl totally removed from contact with the outer bowl, the parent can either, first pour milk into the outer bowl via the holes in the inner bowl, or, pour milk, directly into the outer bowl. In either case, the parent can subsequently place cereal into the inner bowl. When the children are ready to eat the cereal, the parent can rotate the inner bowl into its lower position, thereby soaking it in milk, wherein the combination of milk and cereal can then be consumed by the child. There is also an accompanying advantage of reducing food waste in general.

The different heights to be achieved can be assisted via the incorporation of a spring-loaded mechanism which automatically aids the raising of the inner bowl from its lowest position when the inner bowl is rotated. This spring-loaded mechanism can be in the form of a semi-circular shaped bridge-like piece located on the inside surface of the base of the outer part. Alternatively, the mechanism can utilise a specially designed compression spring.

Adjustable raising and lowering of the inner bowl can also be achieved via the unique design of the shape of the each bowl. Thus, for instance, the outer bowl can have an indentation of a hand or the like to make the bowl easy to grip, and the inner bowl can have a lip formed around the top perimeter of the bowl, with fmger holes formed in it to allow the turning of the bowl.

Such a design will allow the user to place solid cereal into the inner bowl, and liquid can then be poured through that, and kept below, in the outer bowl, separate from the inner bowl which contains its cereal. The user then rotates the inner bowl in relation to the outer bowl, while holding the outer bowl, and the inner bowl rotates and moves downwards into the liquid thus covering the cereal for consumption.

If desired, the spring mechanism can then be activated automatically, in order to raise the bowl up to the starting position.

In normal, "full contact between cereal and milk" use, the inner bowl is screwed down against the resistance offered by the spring, so as to have the inner bowl constantly in contact with the milk. The action of separating the cereal from the liquid will make the cereal stay solid for longer (non-soggy), and reduce possible food waste.

After eating has finished, a further simple rotation of the inner bowl in relation to the outer bowl, in the reverse direction, detaches the inner bowl from the outer bowl, and the food and liquid can then be disposed of, without mess, in separate locations. This also allows the two parts of the bowl to be cleaned easily, which is very important for the purpose of maintaining hygiene.

It is pointed out that whilst the basic invention involves one inner bowl provided with holes, and an outer bowl having no holes, there are various ways in which the raising and lowering of the inner bowl can be achieved which are dependent on a range of designs of each, and which can be supplemented with additional material and mechanisms which aid the raising and lowering of the inner bowl.

It is pointed out that, for the application of the invention to the consumption of food, the holes formed in the inner bowl need to be of a size and shape which best suits this application, and that the holes need to be small enough to satisfy the need for adequate filtering, whilst not being so small as to slow down the ensuing process, or give rise to problems with hygiene, resulting from difficulty in cleaning the inner bowl properly.

In order to describe the invention in more detail, reference will now be made to the accompanying diagrams in which: Figure 1 shows, in schematic form, a three-dimensional diagram of externally visible embodiments of the invention in one of the relative configurations adopted by components of the invention during use.

Figure 2 shows, in schematic form, a three-dimensional diagram of externally visible embodiments of the invention in one of the alternative relative configurations adopted by components of the invention during use.

Figure 3 shows, in schematic form, a three-dimensional diagram of externally visible embodiments of the invention in two of the alternative configurations which can be assumed by components of the invention during use.

Figure 4 shows, in schematic form, a three-dimensional diagram of a variant of the invention in which helical grooves are utilised for implementing the rotation and lowering of one component in relation to the other.

Figure 5 shows, in schematic form, a three-dimensional diagram of externally visible embodiments of the invention in opaque and translucent form.

Figure 6 shows, in schematic form, a three-dimensional diagram of embodiments of the invention in which are hidden by other parts.

Figure 7 shows, in schematic form, a three-dimensional diagram of embodiments of the invention which are hidden by other parts.

With reference to Figure 1, which represents a three-dimensional view, an outer food bowl, 1, is shown, in the lower part of the diagram, in its raised position relative to an inner food bowl, 2, wherein the inner bowl, 2, has specially shaped protrusions (not shown in the diagram) formed on its outside surface, diametrically opposite each other, and is assumed to be resting on specially shaped protrusions (not shown in the diagram) which are formed on the inside surface of the outer bowl, 1, also diametrically opposite each other, and in order to provide a stable support for the inner bowl, 2.

With further reference to Figure 1, holes, H, are located within the central flat, base region, of the inner bowl, 2, to allow liquid placed in the inner bowl to pass through into the outer bowl when the two bowls are used together.

Referring, again, to the lower part of Figure 1, the inner bowl, 2, can be seen in its location inside outer bowl, I, so that its lowest extremity is raised above the upper level of the liquid, L (for example, milk) placed in the outer bowl, 1. It can also be seen that the cereal, C, is resting on the inside surface of the inner bowl, 2, and therefore not in contact with the liquid, L, and hence maintained in a dry state.

Handles, 3A, and 3B, formed on the upper rim of the inner bowl, 2, allow the inner bowl to be rotated with the hands. It is pointed out that handles, 3A and 3B, can be of a size, and shape, and made to be in any orientation with respect to the rim of the inner bowl, 2, which is suited to easy handling of the inner bowl, 2 in all orientations and positions of the two bowls.

It is pointed out with reference to the foregoing, that variants of the designs of inner and outer bowl described with reference to Figure 1, can have their respective protrusions formed such that there is a minimum of two protrusions for each bowl, with a greater number in each bowl for stability. Thus three such protrusions can be formed on each bowl, with each respective protrusion fixed, or formed, at 60 degree is intervals around the bowl with respect to a theoretical axis which is at the centre of the circular base, and at right angles to the plane of the base. The term "fixed" refers to the option of fixing a pre-formed insert into the outer bowl, wherein the protrusions formed on the inner bowl can rest upon each protrusion of this insert. It is also possible to fix a unit which has the necessary protrusions, onto the outer surface of the inner bowl.

With reference to Figure 2, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows the inner bowl in its position after clockwise rotation, wherein it has also moved downwards into the outer bowl, and hence has allowed the liquid, L, in the outer bowl, to come into contact with the cereal, C, in the inner bowl, thereby tending to make the cereal soggy.

Since all of the various components referenced in Figure 2, have already been described with reference to, they are not described again here.

With reference to Figure 3, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows the two bowls already described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2, in their two different, major relative orientations with respect to one another, in use.

Since all of the various components referenced in Figure 3, have already been described with reference to Figure 1, and Figure 2, they are not described again here.

With reference to Figure 4, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows a variant of the invention in which a cylindrically shaped, inner container, 6, has a flat circular base, provided with holes, H, and has a circular shaped lip, 7, formed on the outer perimeter of its upper rim. Specially shaped protrusions, 8A, and 8B, formed on the outside of the cylindrical section of the inner container, 6, engage in helical grooves, 9A, and 9B, formed on the cylindrically shaped inside surface of outer container, 10, when the inner container, 6, is located inside outer container, 10.

The inset view in this lower part of Figure 4, shows a representation of a step, formed in the upper surface of helical groove, 9B, near its upper opening. This is described in more detail, later, with reference to Figure 5.

Semi-circular indentations, 11, formed in lip, 7, and a handle, 12, formed on lip, 7, allow inner container, 6, to be rotated in relation to outer container, 10, by using the fmgers, when inner container, 6, is located inside outer container, 10. A handle, 13, formed on the outer cylindrical surface of outer container, 10, allows this container to be held in position whilst inner container, 6, is rotated.

A circular shaped lip, 14, having circular holes, 15, is formed on the outer perimeter of the upper rim of outer container, 10. The various holes, handles, and indentations, serve to allow suitable manually controlled relative movement of one container with respect to the other.

It is pointed out that Figure 4, shows inner container, 6, in its correct alignment with respect to outer container, 10, such that it can be lowered into its start position, with its two protrusions, 8A, and 8B, inserted, respectively, into the vertical starting slots, 1 6A, and 1613, respectively, formed on the inside surface of outer container, 10 at its upper, inner, rim.

With reference to the upper part of Figure 5, which represents a three-dimensional view, it can be seen that the outer container, 10, has a compression spring, 17, located so that part of its outer longitudinal surface is in contact with the inside cylindrical surface of outer container, 10, and so that the spring will support the inner container, 6, when placed in position for applying the principles of the invention. The inset view in this upper part of Figure 5, shows a representation of a step, formed in the upper surface of helical groove, 9B, wherein a series of these steps will serve to ensure that protrusions, 8A and 8B, formed on the outside surface of inner container, 6, sit, stably, in the grooves. Various types of step can be formed in order to make the rotation of inner container, 6, as smooth as possible, consistent with allowing it to stay in any chosen position when rotated.

With reference to the lower part of Figure 5, which represents a three-dimensional view, this shows inner container, 6, lowered into its start position, with its two protrusions, 8A, and 8B, inserted, respectively, into the vertical starting slots, 1 6A, and 16B, respectively, shown in the upper part of the diagram, formed on the inside surface is of outer container, 10, at its upper inner rim, ready for rotation, so that it can move downwards.

With reference to Figure 6, and particularly to the upper part of this Figure, it can be seen, from the location of the handle, 12 on the lip, 7, of inner container, 6, that the inner container has now been rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed from above, so that the protrusions, 8A, and 8B (8B not shown in the diagram) engaging in helical grooves, 9A, and 9B (9B not shown in the diagram) have guided it downwards, to the location shown. In this orientation, liquid (not shown in the diagram) located in outer container, 10, will mix with any material that is present inside inner container, 6 by passing through holes, H. Figure, 6, also shows the compression spring, 17, which is now in its compressed configuration, and which is more easily seen in the lower part of Figure 5, where inner container, 6, is not shown, for the purpose of maintaining clarity in viewing aspects of the invention. Flats, formed on the upper and lower surface of the lower end of spring, 17, and on the upper surface of the upper end of spring, 17, respectively, will provide for suitable contact between the spring and the underside of the inner container, 6, and the inside of the circular shaped base region of the outer container, 10.

With further reference to Figure 6, it is pointed out that as an alternative to the type of spring, 17, already described, spring, 17, can be of smaller diameter, so that instead of touching the inside surface of outer container, 10, it fits into a channel formed on the outside, circular shaped surface of the base of inner container, 6.

With reference to Figure 7, which represents a three-dimensional view, this is intended to provide further clarity in the diagrams, and because all of the various components referenced in Figure 7, have already been described with reference to earlier Figures, they are not described again here.

It is pointed out, with reference to the forgoing, that the helical grooves, 9A, and 9B, can be provided with stepped regions along their length, so that the protrusions, 8A, and 8B, engage with each step, as the inner container is rotated with respect to the outer container. Thus, as the inner container, 6, is rotated in a clockwise, direction as is viewed from above, and consequently moves downwards, it does so in a series of steps, as it engages with each step. By making the contours of the steps curved, this action will be effective and smooth, for both directions of rotation of the inner container, 6.

The combination of spring, 17, and the stepped regions, thus allows the user to apply a downward force on the inner container, 6, whilst it is rotating, and to then release the downward force when the inner container reaches a desired position. The same procedure is adopted when reversing the direction of rotation of the inner container.

It is further pointed out, with reference to the foregoing, that the minimum number of contact regions between each of the movable parts of the invention, is two, and that, ideally, three contact regions are desirable.

It is yet further pointed out, with reference to the foregoing, that the principles of the invention can be applied to the treatment of a variety of objects, and things; for example, paint brushes, which involve the immersion of one object or thing, in a liquid, for any purpose. For instance, the invention lends itself to application in the cleaning of objects by immersion in cleaning solvents, e.g. in workshops, and the like, and in doing the same, where the technique of ultrasonics is involved. It can also be applied to the treatment of salad material, or vegetables in general. Thus, for example lettuce can be kept wet, by periodic use of the inner bowl containing lettuce, in conjunction with the outer bowl, containing water.

It is still further pointed out, with reference to the foregoing, that variation of the change in height of the inner bowl with respect to the outer bowl for required rotations of one bowl with respect to the other, can be achieved by appropriate location of the protrusion and grooves fixed or formed on each of the bowls described.

It is yet still further pointed out, with reference to the foregoing, that, because the diameter of a spherically shaped bowl will decrease towards its base, any protrusion formed in the outside of the inner bowl will need to be designed so that continuous engagement of this protrusion in the helical groove formed on the inside surface of the outer bowl, occurs This will necessitate making the groove deep enough to cater for the fact that the protrusion will make less contact with the lower surface of the groove as the inner bowl is rotated in a direction so that the inner bowl moves downwards.

Since the thickness of the wall of the outer bowl will be limited, for various reasons, one solution is to ensure that an upper protrusion of at least two protrusions which are diametrically opposite one another, but staggered in height with respect to one another, exist such that the upper protrusion extends into the furthest extent of the helical groove at its starting position, and similarly for the lower protrusion. The groove can also be provided with a ledge having a horizontally inclined upper surface which supports the protrusions, along its length.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container system, comprising at least two devices for holding and delivering material to be consumed by a person, wherein one device is movable, relative to the other, in order to achieve separation, or contact, between materials contained within either, or both, devices.
2. A container system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system can be made ready for holding, and delivering, at least two different, or similar, materials, such that one material is deliverable separately from the other, or deliverable mixed with the other.
3. A container system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the container system has an outer part capable of receiving and retaining a liquid, and a perforated inner part for receiving and retaining a material to be immersed in the liquid, wherein protrusions are provided on one part, and indentations are provided on the other part, and vice versa, in order to enable the inner part to be stably supported within the outer part, for the existence of different relative positions of the inner part, in relation to the outer part, and for the existence of different relative heights of the inner part, in relation to the outer part, when one part is rotated with respect to the other part.
4. A container system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the inner part has specially shaped protrusions formed on its outside surface which engage in helical grooves formed on the inside surface of the outer part, when the inner part is located inside the outer part.
5. A container system as claimed in claim 4, in which the inner part has a lip, formed around the perimeter of its top opening, that is wide enough for finger sized holes to be formed in the lip, and for at least one handle to be formed on it, so that the fingers can be used to rotate the inner part in relation to the outer part, whilst the outer part is held by means of at least one handle formed on its outer surface.
6. A container system as claimed in claim 5, in which a spring mechanism supports the inner part, and in which steps formed in helical grooves formed on the inside surface of the outer part, assist in the operation of the system by allowing the temporarily locking of the inner part in the outer part, at any desired position, when the inner part if rotated with respect to the outer part so that the inner part moves downwards, or upwards, depending on the direction in which it is rotated with respect to the outer part.
7. A container system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the container system is a two-part cereal bowl, comprising an outer part, capable of receiving and retaining a material, for example, a liquid, and a perforated inner part for receiving and retaining a material to be immersed in the said material, or said liquid, wherein protrusions and indentations are provided on the two parts in order to enable the inner part to be stably supported within the outer part, for the existence of different relative positions of the two parts, when one part is moved in relation to the other part.
8. A two-part cereal bowl according to claim 7, in which the outer part has a small semi-circular shaped, bridge-like piece, which acts as a spring and therefore automatically assists the raising of the inner part as it is rotated in a direction opposite to that which caused it to move downwards.
9. A container system constructed and arranged to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, of the accompanying drawings.