US20170174399A1 - Spill-preventing snack container and dispenser - Google Patents
Spill-preventing snack container and dispenser Download PDFInfo
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- US20170174399A1 US20170174399A1 US15/449,055 US201715449055A US2017174399A1 US 20170174399 A1 US20170174399 A1 US 20170174399A1 US 201715449055 A US201715449055 A US 201715449055A US 2017174399 A1 US2017174399 A1 US 2017174399A1
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- Prior art keywords
- lid
- dispensing
- food
- flow gate
- food dispensing
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
- A47J47/01—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread with dispensing devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/26—Mechanisms for opening or closing, e.g. pedal-operated
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/02—Internal fittings
- B65D25/04—Partitions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
- B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/40—Applications of laminates for particular packaging purposes
- B65D65/403—Applications of laminates for particular packaging purposes with at least one corrugated layer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/42—Applications of coated or impregnated materials
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
- B65D83/0409—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills the dispensing means being adapted for delivering one article, or a single dose, upon each actuation
- B65D83/0427—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills the dispensing means being adapted for delivering one article, or a single dose, upon each actuation the articles being dispensed by inverting the container each time, by which action movable parts may be displaced by their own weight
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/60—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for sweets or like confectionery products
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
- A47J47/02—Closed containers for foodstuffs
- A47J47/08—Closed containers for foodstuffs for non-granulated foodstuffs
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to food dispensers and more particularly to a snack container and dispenser that prevents spills.
- a snack dispenser that can be refilled with a favorite snack that dispenses a small amount of the snack into a dispensing area (which can also be a lid) by simply turning the dispenser or by pushing a button and turning the dispenser.
- the present invention relates to a snack carrying container that allows a correct amount of material for dispensing to move from the body of the container into the lid or dispensing area by turning the container upside down, or by pressing a button to open a flow gate and turning the container upside down for dispensing.
- the child can access the dispensed portion easily for consumption while the bulk of the contents are closed in the body of the container and prevented from spilling.
- One embodiment of the present invention is a four-piece, cup size, snack container that stores and releases a fixed amount of treats when the child closes the lid, briefly turns the unit upside down and opens the lid again. This container prevents the child from spilling the entire contents while eating the snacks.
- a snack container according to the present invention is not only spill free but also keeps the stored snack clean and free from dirt and germs due to recontamination of the snack. Recontamination is typical in most snack dispensers, where a child may repeatedly touch the stored snacks. Since the child never puts his or her hands back in the storage unit of the snack container of the present invention, it prevents the snack from getting touched every time the child grabs a snack. And, thus, the container prevents the possibility of recontamination. It also does not expose the snack to the outside environment, reducing the possibility of the snack getting stale in the short term.
- a novel combination of structure for a snack dispensing container including a storage compartment and a dispensing compartment in material communication through a gate, the gate being hinged to permit material flow or prevent material flow, the snack dispensing container also including a lid in communication with the gate wherein, when the lid is closed, the gate can swing open allowing material flow from the storage compartment into the dispensing compartment when the snack dispensing container is inverted, and when the lid is open, the gate is locked closed preventing said material flow.
- a novel combination of structure is provided for a snack dispensing container comprising a button configured to open the hinged flow gate when pressed.
- a novel combination of structure is provided for a snack dispensing container comprising said storage compartment being segmented into a plurality of sub-compartments, one of the sub-compartments being selectable by a rotatable window between the storage compartment and the dispensing compartment.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating respective components of a snack container and dispenser in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E illustrate steps for using a snack container and dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an assembled and a disassembled snack container and dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a flow gate mechanism in the snack container and dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the hinged assembly for the lid and flow gate, respectively, for the snack container and dispenser in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are cutaway diagrams showing the operation of the flow gate mechanism for snack dispensing in the snack container and dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a diagram and a magnified inset showing a button-toggled flow gate in a snack container and dispenser according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a snack dispensing lid for use with a commercial snack container according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing a snack container and dispenser with multiple selectable container compartments according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
- the preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for a snack dispenser that advantageously limits potential spills of the snack food within its container.
- the snack container 100 may comprise four molded parts that are assembled together in the manner illustrated for ease of manufacturing.
- the snack container 100 includes a reservoir 105 as a main storage for the snack.
- a dispensing cup 110 is detachably inserted on top of the reservoir 105 .
- a flow gate 115 may be attached to the dispensing cup 110 on a hinge such that it can move between open and closed positions in relation to an aperture disposed in the dispensing cup 110 , covering the aperture in the closed position.
- An outer cap (or lid) 120 may be attached to the dispensing cup 110 on another hinge such that the cap can be opened and closed.
- the dispensing cup 110 may include one or more holes or notches 125 that interact with one or more corresponding protrusions 130 on the cap 120 element for holding the cap 120 in the closed position.
- the holes 125 and protrusions 130 on the cap 120 may include smoothed edges and angles for an interlocking relationship that is easily released with a small amount of force—for example, by a small child—in opening the cap 120 in relation to the dispensing cup 110 .
- FIG. 1B illustrates a back side of dispensing cup 110 showing a release button 200 disposed at an end of a section 205 . Operations in connection with this release button 200 is discussed below in detail in view of FIGS. 2A-2E .
- FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E illustrate a process for using the snack container according to the invention.
- the snack container 100 may be opened by pushing a release button 200 on the dispensing cup 110 to disengage it from a corresponding aperture in the reservoir 105 while pulling the reservoir 105 and the dispensing cup 110 (and the attached cap/lid 120 ) apart.
- the engagement between the release button 200 and the corresponding aperture in reservoir 105 may require additional strength and dexterity such that a toddler could not separate the dispensing cup 110 from the reservoir 105 .
- the section 205 of the dispensing cup 110 comprising the release button 200 may be made of a material—e.g., composite, and the like—of sufficient rigidity so that a threshold amount of pressure is needed on the release button 200 to disengage it from the corresponding aperture in the reservoir 105 .
- snack food such as cereals, crackers, or any kind of finger snacks for small children—may be filled in the reservoir cup 105 —for example, to about 2 ⁇ 3 full.
- the reservoir cup 105 may include a molded indicator line to mark an ideal filling level, such as 2 ⁇ 3 full.
- the dispensing cup 110 may be re-inserted to the reservoir cup 105 .
- the snack cup 100 With the cap/lid 120 closed, the snack cup 100 may be turned upside down, as shown in FIG. 2D , and given a shake or two, whereby a portion of the snack food in the reservoir cup 105 is allowed through the aperture in the dispensing cup 110 .
- the flow gate 115 pivots to an open position when the snack cup 100 is flipped upside down with the cap 120 closed, thereby allowing the snack food in the reservoir cup 105 to be dispensed to dispensing cup 110 .
- the flow gate 115 pivots back to the closed position, preserving the dispensed snack food in the dispensing cup 110 while preventing additional snack food from spilling out of the reservoir cup 105 .
- the user may open the lid and enjoy the snacks in the dispensing cup 110 , as illustrated in FIG. 2E .
- the user may close the lid and repeat the process of turning the snack cup 100 upside down and shaking it to add more of the snack food from the reservoir cup 105 to the dispensing cup 110 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the reservoir cup (base container) 105 , the dispensing cup 110 with lid 120 in an open position, and a fully assembled snack cup 100 .
- snack cup 100 may include outer displays of various animals or characters. Also, snack cup 100 may take on alternative shapes and need not be substantially cylindrical.
- flow gate 115 may be a single injection molded part. But occasionally, a piece of snack may become pinched between such a flow gate 115 and the dispensing cup 110 , locking up operation. As illustrated and described in further detail below, if the gate 115 could not fully close, the lid 120 could not be opened—as part of the spill prevention feature of the invention.
- flow gate 115 may comprise two separate parts made of different materials. As shown in FIG. 4A , flow gate 115 may comprise a hinge portion 405 that is made of a rigid plastic in order to swing freely and operate as a locking mechanism.
- a front edge portion (or “tongue”) 410 of the flow gate 115 can be a separate piece made of silicone.
- the flexibility of the silicone allows the tongue 410 some bend as the lid 120 , while it is being opened, forces the gate 115 closed.
- any stuck piece of food between the tongue 410 and the aperture rim in the dispensing cup 110 can be pulled out by hand or just allowed to remain and subsequently fall into the dispenser cup with the next inverted shake.
- tongue 410 may have a perforated edge (as illustrated by notches 415 and 420 ) so that should food get wedged, just a part of the tongue would be stuck open—the rest of the flow gate 115 would still be fully closed to prevent spills.
- tongue 410 may be made with a flexible food grade silicone, or any similar composite plastic material. The two pieces could be co-molded or made as two separate pieces and assembled together.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the respective hinged connections of the lid 120 and the flow gate 115 to the dispensing cup 110 .
- the lid 120 may be hinged to the dispensing cup 110 to allow for approximately 90 degrees of rotation of the lid 120 between the closed position and a final resting open position.
- the flow gate 115 may be hinged to the dispensing cup 110 within a corresponding recess that limits a rotation of the flow gate 115 in its open position into the dispensing cup 110 while the snack cup 100 is held upside down with the lid 120 closed.
- FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are cutaway diagrams illustrating the interlocking hinges between the lid 120 and flow gate 115 that provide for the above-described process of dispensing snack food into the dispensing cup 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- the hinged connection of lid 120 includes a notch 605 that allows for a range through which the flow gate 115 can rotate around its hinge while the lid 120 is in the closed position—thus allowing for the flow gate 115 to swing open, through gravity, into the dispensing cup 110 when the snack cup 100 is inverted to an upside down position, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6D .
- FIG. 6A and 6D As further illustrated in FIG.
- flow gate 115 may include a corresponding notch 610 that fits around the hinged portion of lid 120 so that it is held in the closed position while the lid 120 is opened.
- the flow gate 115 is locked closed so that the snack food in reservoir 105 cannot be spilled out while the lid 120 is opened. And the snack cup 100 , thus, dispenses snacks one mouthful at a time while preventing any spills from the reservoir 105 (container body) no matter what the position of the snack cup 100 is.
- the snack cup 100 according to the invention provides for an ideal spill-proof snack dispenser for young children.
- the device of the present invention is not just for small children.
- Various embodiments and styles can be used by adults, such as hikers, sports fans, on-the-go families, outdoors sports enthusiasts, pet owners, and the elderly.
- Alternate embodiments can have a dispensing button for providing the user explicit control over the flow gate for dispensing the snack food, as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the button would cause the release of the gate regardless of the devices orientation. Accordingly, when the snack container is used, for example, in an outdoor activity context, snack food would not be unintentionally dispensed when it is inverted, say, while it is packed away. And snack food would be dispensed only when the user wishes it to by pressing the dispensing button.
- the hinge connection of the dispensing button as shown in FIG. 7 , may provide, for example, spring-loaded resistance sufficient to reduce unintentional toggling.
- the top section (the dispensing cup 110 and cap 120 ) can be attached to a third-party container, as shown FIG. 8 .
- the dispensing cup 110 and cap 120 assembly may be customized to dimensions suitable for retrofit attachment to third-party disposable containers, such as containers for store-bought snacks and the like.
- reservoir 105 may be embodiment by a vessel having multiple compartments, allowing a variety of snacks to be chosen from, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B .
- a rotating selector may be operated by rotating a knob 905 on the bottom (or alternatively by rotating the top) of the snack cup 900 that is connected to the partitions of the compartments within the reservoir 910 to align a window (the flow gate 115 ) with the chosen compartment.
- the cap mechanism as described above may fit directly above the window.
- FIGS. 9A and 9B show three compartments but any number of compartments is within the scope of the present invention.
- the components of present invention are preferably made from molded plastic. But any rigid or semi-rigid material may be used and is within the scope of the present invention.
- the entire device may have parts made of different materials.
- the base (or hinge portion) of the (flow) gate may be hard plastic, while the tip (or tongue) of the gate may be soft silicone. Any combination of materials is within the scope of the present invention. While the shape of the containers in most illustrations is cylindrical, this is not necessary; any shaped container is within the scope of the present invention.
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Abstract
A food dispensing container having a removable dispensing member that includes a hinged flow gate configured to cover, in a closed position, a corresponding aperture in a bottom of a dispensing compartment of the dispensing member. The dispensing member also includes a hinged lid configured to cover a top of the dispensing compartment, the hinged lid having a notch that allows a range of rotation of the hinged flow gate when the hinged lid is in a closed position covering the top of the dispensing compartment and the rotation of the hinged flow gate opening the corresponding aperture when the food dispensing container is tilted from an upright position. The hinged lid and the hinged flow gate interlock, limiting the hinged flow gate to the closed position, when the hinged lid is in an open position uncovering the top of the dispensing compartment.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to food dispensers and more particularly to a snack container and dispenser that prevents spills.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Children love to eat snacks such as cereal, small candies such as coated chocolate candies, nuts and the like. However, when a child, especially a young child like a toddler, attempts to carry a snack container around, it inevitably gets spilled, because while the child can get the snacks out with a hand or fingers, they cannot manage to keep the container upright. Also, when a child scoops out a quantity of the snack, there is no control on how much is scooped. In many cases, it is more than the child can control, and the overfilled hand or fingers lose materials resulting in unwanted spills.
- It would be extremely advantageous to have a snack dispenser that can be refilled with a favorite snack that dispenses a small amount of the snack into a dispensing area (which can also be a lid) by simply turning the dispenser or by pushing a button and turning the dispenser.
- The present invention relates to a snack carrying container that allows a correct amount of material for dispensing to move from the body of the container into the lid or dispensing area by turning the container upside down, or by pressing a button to open a flow gate and turning the container upside down for dispensing. The child can access the dispensed portion easily for consumption while the bulk of the contents are closed in the body of the container and prevented from spilling. One embodiment of the present invention is a four-piece, cup size, snack container that stores and releases a fixed amount of treats when the child closes the lid, briefly turns the unit upside down and opens the lid again. This container prevents the child from spilling the entire contents while eating the snacks. In addition, a snack container according to the present invention is not only spill free but also keeps the stored snack clean and free from dirt and germs due to recontamination of the snack. Recontamination is typical in most snack dispensers, where a child may repeatedly touch the stored snacks. Since the child never puts his or her hands back in the storage unit of the snack container of the present invention, it prevents the snack from getting touched every time the child grabs a snack. And, thus, the container prevents the possibility of recontamination. It also does not expose the snack to the outside environment, reducing the possibility of the snack getting stale in the short term.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, a novel combination of structure is provided for a snack dispensing container including a storage compartment and a dispensing compartment in material communication through a gate, the gate being hinged to permit material flow or prevent material flow, the snack dispensing container also including a lid in communication with the gate wherein, when the lid is closed, the gate can swing open allowing material flow from the storage compartment into the dispensing compartment when the snack dispensing container is inverted, and when the lid is open, the gate is locked closed preventing said material flow.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, a novel combination of structure is provided for a snack dispensing container comprising a button configured to open the hinged flow gate when pressed.
- According to a third aspect of the present invention, a novel combination of structure is provided for a snack dispensing container comprising said storage compartment being segmented into a plurality of sub-compartments, one of the sub-compartments being selectable by a rotatable window between the storage compartment and the dispensing compartment.
- Exemplary embodiments of the presently preferred features of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating respective components of a snack container and dispenser in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E illustrate steps for using a snack container and dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an assembled and a disassembled snack container and dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a flow gate mechanism in the snack container and dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the hinged assembly for the lid and flow gate, respectively, for the snack container and dispenser in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are cutaway diagrams showing the operation of the flow gate mechanism for snack dispensing in the snack container and dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 7 is a diagram and a magnified inset showing a button-toggled flow gate in a snack container and dispenser according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a snack dispensing lid for use with a commercial snack container according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing a snack container and dispenser with multiple selectable container compartments according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. - Briefly, the preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for a snack dispenser that advantageously limits potential spills of the snack food within its container.
- 2. The Structure of the Preferred Embodiment
- With reference to
FIG. 1A , thesnack container 100 according to an embodiment of the invention may comprise four molded parts that are assembled together in the manner illustrated for ease of manufacturing. As shown inFIG. 1A , thesnack container 100 includes areservoir 105 as a main storage for the snack. A dispensingcup 110 is detachably inserted on top of thereservoir 105. And aflow gate 115 may be attached to the dispensingcup 110 on a hinge such that it can move between open and closed positions in relation to an aperture disposed in the dispensingcup 110, covering the aperture in the closed position. An outer cap (or lid) 120 may be attached to the dispensingcup 110 on another hinge such that the cap can be opened and closed. The dispensingcup 110 may include one or more holes ornotches 125 that interact with one or morecorresponding protrusions 130 on thecap 120 element for holding thecap 120 in the closed position. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, theholes 125 andprotrusions 130 on thecap 120 may include smoothed edges and angles for an interlocking relationship that is easily released with a small amount of force—for example, by a small child—in opening thecap 120 in relation to the dispensingcup 110. -
FIG. 1B illustrates a back side of dispensingcup 110 showing arelease button 200 disposed at an end of asection 205. Operations in connection with thisrelease button 200 is discussed below in detail in view ofFIGS. 2A-2E . -
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E illustrate a process for using the snack container according to the invention. As shown inFIG. 2A , thesnack container 100 may be opened by pushing arelease button 200 on the dispensingcup 110 to disengage it from a corresponding aperture in thereservoir 105 while pulling thereservoir 105 and the dispensing cup 110 (and the attached cap/lid 120) apart. In contrast to the interlocking relationship betweenholes 125 andprotrusions 130, the engagement between therelease button 200 and the corresponding aperture inreservoir 105 may require additional strength and dexterity such that a toddler could not separate the dispensingcup 110 from thereservoir 105. For example, thesection 205 of the dispensingcup 110 comprising therelease button 200 may be made of a material—e.g., composite, and the like—of sufficient rigidity so that a threshold amount of pressure is needed on therelease button 200 to disengage it from the corresponding aperture in thereservoir 105. - As shown in
FIG. 2B , snack food—such as cereals, crackers, or any kind of finger snacks for small children—may be filled in thereservoir cup 105—for example, to about ⅔ full. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, thereservoir cup 105 may include a molded indicator line to mark an ideal filling level, such as ⅔ full. - After the snack food has been filled into the
reservoir cup 105, as shown inFIG. 2C , the dispensingcup 110, along with attachedcap 120, may be re-inserted to thereservoir cup 105. With the cap/lid 120 closed, thesnack cup 100 may be turned upside down, as shown inFIG. 2D , and given a shake or two, whereby a portion of the snack food in thereservoir cup 105 is allowed through the aperture in the dispensingcup 110. As will be described in further detail below, theflow gate 115 pivots to an open position when thesnack cup 100 is flipped upside down with thecap 120 closed, thereby allowing the snack food in thereservoir cup 105 to be dispensed to dispensingcup 110. And when thesnack cup 100 is flipped back over right side up, theflow gate 115 pivots back to the closed position, preserving the dispensed snack food in the dispensingcup 110 while preventing additional snack food from spilling out of thereservoir cup 105. And the user may open the lid and enjoy the snacks in the dispensingcup 110, as illustrated inFIG. 2E . When the dispensing cup is empty, the user may close the lid and repeat the process of turning thesnack cup 100 upside down and shaking it to add more of the snack food from thereservoir cup 105 to the dispensingcup 110. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the reservoir cup (base container) 105, the dispensingcup 110 withlid 120 in an open position, and a fully assembledsnack cup 100. According to an embodiment of the invention,snack cup 100 may include outer displays of various animals or characters. Also,snack cup 100 may take on alternative shapes and need not be substantially cylindrical. - In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, flow
gate 115 may be a single injection molded part. But occasionally, a piece of snack may become pinched between such aflow gate 115 and the dispensingcup 110, locking up operation. As illustrated and described in further detail below, if thegate 115 could not fully close, thelid 120 could not be opened—as part of the spill prevention feature of the invention. Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, flowgate 115 may comprise two separate parts made of different materials. As shown inFIG. 4A , flowgate 115 may comprise ahinge portion 405 that is made of a rigid plastic in order to swing freely and operate as a locking mechanism. And a front edge portion (or “tongue”) 410 of theflow gate 115 can be a separate piece made of silicone. The flexibility of the silicone allows thetongue 410 some bend as thelid 120, while it is being opened, forces thegate 115 closed. And any stuck piece of food between thetongue 410 and the aperture rim in the dispensingcup 110, as shown inFIG. 4B , can be pulled out by hand or just allowed to remain and subsequently fall into the dispenser cup with the next inverted shake. - Additionally, the
tongue 410 may have a perforated edge (as illustrated bynotches 415 and 420) so that should food get wedged, just a part of the tongue would be stuck open—the rest of theflow gate 115 would still be fully closed to prevent spills. As described above,tongue 410 may be made with a flexible food grade silicone, or any similar composite plastic material. The two pieces could be co-molded or made as two separate pieces and assembled together. -
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the respective hinged connections of thelid 120 and theflow gate 115 to the dispensingcup 110. As shown inFIG. 5A , thelid 120 may be hinged to the dispensingcup 110 to allow for approximately 90 degrees of rotation of thelid 120 between the closed position and a final resting open position. And as shown inFIG. 5B , theflow gate 115 may be hinged to the dispensingcup 110 within a corresponding recess that limits a rotation of theflow gate 115 in its open position into the dispensingcup 110 while thesnack cup 100 is held upside down with thelid 120 closed. -
FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are cutaway diagrams illustrating the interlocking hinges between thelid 120 and flowgate 115 that provide for the above-described process of dispensing snack food into the dispensingcup 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIGS. 6A, 6D, and 6E , the hinged connection oflid 120 includes anotch 605 that allows for a range through which theflow gate 115 can rotate around its hinge while thelid 120 is in the closed position—thus allowing for theflow gate 115 to swing open, through gravity, into the dispensingcup 110 when thesnack cup 100 is inverted to an upside down position, as illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6D . As further illustrated inFIG. 6D , a portion of the snack food inreservoir 105 flows through the aperture uncovered by the openedflow gate 115 into the dispensingcup 110. And when thesnack cup 100 is returned to an upright position, flowgate 115, via gravity, swings back into the closed position through the range of rotation around its hinged connection, as illustrated inFIG. 6C —thus, separating the portion of snack food captured in the dispensingcup 110 from the remaining portion in thereservoir 105. And as illustrated inFIGS. 6B and 6C ,flow gate 115 may include acorresponding notch 610 that fits around the hinged portion oflid 120 so that it is held in the closed position while thelid 120 is opened. In this way, theflow gate 115 is locked closed so that the snack food inreservoir 105 cannot be spilled out while thelid 120 is opened. And thesnack cup 100, thus, dispenses snacks one mouthful at a time while preventing any spills from the reservoir 105 (container body) no matter what the position of thesnack cup 100 is. - Advantageously, the
snack cup 100 according to the invention provides for an ideal spill-proof snack dispenser for young children. But the device of the present invention is not just for small children. Various embodiments and styles can be used by adults, such as hikers, sports fans, on-the-go families, outdoors sports enthusiasts, pet owners, and the elderly. - Alternate embodiments can have a dispensing button for providing the user explicit control over the flow gate for dispensing the snack food, as shown in
FIG. 7 . The button would cause the release of the gate regardless of the devices orientation. Accordingly, when the snack container is used, for example, in an outdoor activity context, snack food would not be unintentionally dispensed when it is inverted, say, while it is packed away. And snack food would be dispensed only when the user wishes it to by pressing the dispensing button. The hinge connection of the dispensing button, as shown inFIG. 7 , may provide, for example, spring-loaded resistance sufficient to reduce unintentional toggling. - In some embodiments, the top section (the dispensing
cup 110 and cap 120) can be attached to a third-party container, as shownFIG. 8 . For example, the dispensingcup 110 and cap 120 assembly may be customized to dimensions suitable for retrofit attachment to third-party disposable containers, such as containers for store-bought snacks and the like. - In addition,
reservoir 105 may be embodiment by a vessel having multiple compartments, allowing a variety of snacks to be chosen from, as shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B . A rotating selector may be operated by rotating aknob 905 on the bottom (or alternatively by rotating the top) of thesnack cup 900 that is connected to the partitions of the compartments within thereservoir 910 to align a window (the flow gate 115) with the chosen compartment. The cap mechanism as described above may fit directly above the window.FIGS. 9A and 9B show three compartments but any number of compartments is within the scope of the present invention. - The components of present invention are preferably made from molded plastic. But any rigid or semi-rigid material may be used and is within the scope of the present invention. The entire device may have parts made of different materials. For example, as described above, the base (or hinge portion) of the (flow) gate may be hard plastic, while the tip (or tongue) of the gate may be soft silicone. Any combination of materials is within the scope of the present invention. While the shape of the containers in most illustrations is cylindrical, this is not necessary; any shaped container is within the scope of the present invention.
- While the present invention has been described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
- All U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications discussed above are hereby incorporated by reference into the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments.
Claims (18)
1. A food dispensing lid for a storage container, the food dispensing lid comprising:
a dispensing member removably attached to the storage container;
a flow gate configured to cover, in a closed position, an aperture in a bottom of the dispensing member; and
a lid configured to cover a top of the dispensing compartment,
wherein, when the lid is in a closed position, rotation of the flow gate away from the aperture is allowed when the food dispensing lid is rotated from an upright position; and
wherein, when the lid is in an open position, rotation of the flow gate away from the aperture is prevented.
2. The food dispensing lid of claim 1 , wherein the dispensing member contains apertures which engage with protrusions on the lid to hold the lid in the closed position.
3. The food dispensing lid of claim 2 , wherein the dispensing member further comprises:
a release button which interfaces with an aperture in the storage container to removably attach the food dispensing lid to the storage container.
4. The food dispensing lid of claim 3 , wherein a force required to actuate the release button to remove the dispensing member from the storage container is greater than a force required to overcome the engagement between the apertures and protrusions to open the lid.
5. The food dispensing lid of claim 1 , wherein the hinged flow gate comprises a rigid hinge portion and a flexible tongue portion.
6. The food dispensing lid of claim 5 , wherein the flexible tongue portion comprises a perforated edge.
7. The food dispensing lid of claim 6 , wherein the perforated edge contains at least two notches.
8. The food dispensing lid of claim 5 , wherein the flexible tongue portion is silicone.
9. The food dispensing lid of claim 1 , wherein the storage container comprises an indicator line.
10. The food dispensing lid of claim 1 , wherein the flow gate is hinged to the dispensing member within a recess to limit rotation of the flow gate to less than 90°.
11. The food dispensing lid of claim 1 , wherein the storage container comprises a rotatable divider element for defining plural selectable snack food compartments therewithin.
12. The food dispensing lid of claim 11 , wherein a rotating knob is used to rotate the rotatatable divider element.
13. A food dispensing lid for a storage container, the food dispensing lid comprising:
a dispensing member removably attached to the storage container;
a flow gate configured to cover an aperture in a bottom of the dispensing member in a closed position;
a lid configured to cover a top of the dispensing compartment; and
a dispensing button for moving the flow gate from the closed position to an open position.
14. The food dispensing lid of claim 13 , wherein the dispensing button operates regardless of an orientation of the food dispensing lid.
15. The food dispensing lid of claim 13 , wherein the dispensing button is biased in a closed position by a living hinge or a spring loaded hinge.
16. A food dispensing lid for a container, comprising:
a dispensing member configured to be removably attachable to a storage container;
a flow gate configured to cover, in a closed position, an aperture in a bottom of the dispensing member; and
a lid configured to cover a top of the dispensing compartment.
17. The lid according to claim 16 , wherein, when the lid is in a closed position, rotation of the flow gate away from the aperture is allowed; and
wherein, when the lid is in an open position, rotation of the flow gate away from the aperture is prevented.
18. The lid according to claim 16 , wherein the rotation is about an axis substantially parallel to a plane of the lid.
Priority Applications (1)
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US15/449,055 US20170174399A1 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2017-03-03 | Spill-preventing snack container and dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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US201462046761P | 2014-09-05 | 2014-09-05 | |
PCT/US2015/048641 WO2016037107A1 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2015-09-04 | Spill-preventing snack container and dispenser |
US15/449,055 US20170174399A1 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2017-03-03 | Spill-preventing snack container and dispenser |
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PCT/US2015/048641 Continuation WO2016037107A1 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2015-09-04 | Spill-preventing snack container and dispenser |
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US15/449,055 Abandoned US20170174399A1 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2017-03-03 | Spill-preventing snack container and dispenser |
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US14/911,346 Expired - Fee Related US9505530B2 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2015-09-04 | Spill-preventing snack container and dispenser |
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US (2) | US9505530B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3188984A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2017530068A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20170048552A (en) |
CN (1) | CN107207148A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2015311731A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2960201A1 (en) |
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Cited By (1)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US20190110566A1 (en) * | 2016-11-21 | 2019-04-18 | Satoshi Hatanaka | Hinge |
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AU2015311731A1 (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2017-03-23 | Big Monster Toys Llc | Spill-preventing snack container and dispenser |
EP3263484A4 (en) * | 2015-02-26 | 2018-11-14 | PARK, Suhjun | Passing device, valve, containing apparatus having same, contents moving apparatus and contents apparatus |
KR101874328B1 (en) | 2016-02-01 | 2018-07-05 | 박서준 | Contents passing device, valve, and containing apparatus, contents moving apparatus and contents apparatus having the contents passing device and valve |
US10527464B2 (en) | 2016-08-18 | 2020-01-07 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Rotatable sensor cover |
USD838231S1 (en) | 2016-08-18 | 2019-01-15 | Ford Motor Company | Sensor cover |
USD797646S1 (en) * | 2016-08-18 | 2017-09-19 | Ford Motor Company | Sensor cover |
USD809995S1 (en) * | 2016-08-18 | 2018-02-13 | Ford Motor Company | Sensor cover |
USD838230S1 (en) | 2016-08-18 | 2019-01-15 | Ford Motor Company | Sensor cover |
USD815546S1 (en) * | 2016-12-08 | 2018-04-17 | Breeden Brothers, LLC | Pill bottle with cap |
GB2559586A (en) * | 2017-02-09 | 2018-08-15 | Mars Inc | Dispenser |
US10457475B2 (en) * | 2017-07-25 | 2019-10-29 | Phoenix Closures, Inc. | Cap assembly with dispensing vessel |
US11154460B2 (en) | 2018-12-10 | 2021-10-26 | International Business Machines Corporation | Personal prescription dispenser |
US10889934B2 (en) | 2019-04-01 | 2021-01-12 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Removable additive container for laundry appliances |
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US9505530B2 (en) | 2016-11-29 |
RU2017111251A (en) | 2018-10-05 |
WO2016037107A1 (en) | 2016-03-10 |
MX2017002899A (en) | 2017-10-11 |
EP3188984A1 (en) | 2017-07-12 |
AU2015311731A1 (en) | 2017-03-23 |
JP2017530068A (en) | 2017-10-12 |
KR20170048552A (en) | 2017-05-08 |
CN107207148A (en) | 2017-09-26 |
RU2017111251A3 (en) | 2018-10-05 |
US20160264315A1 (en) | 2016-09-15 |
EP3188984A4 (en) | 2018-04-11 |
CA2960201A1 (en) | 2016-03-10 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BIG MONSTER TOYS LLC, ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DOWNEY, PAUL GORDON;CIVETTINI, ROBERT JAMES;ROSENWINKEL, DONALD ALFRED;SIGNING DATES FROM 20170310 TO 20170313;REEL/FRAME:041979/0707 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |