US20200377287A1 - Granular dispenser - Google Patents
Granular dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200377287A1 US20200377287A1 US16/999,410 US202016999410A US2020377287A1 US 20200377287 A1 US20200377287 A1 US 20200377287A1 US 202016999410 A US202016999410 A US 202016999410A US 2020377287 A1 US2020377287 A1 US 2020377287A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- dispenser
- slider
- product
- metering chamber
- bottom wall
- Prior art date
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000011194 food seasoning agent Nutrition 0.000 description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/30—Other containers or devices used as table equipment
- A47G19/32—Food containers with dispensing devices for bread, rolls, sugar, or the like; Food containers with movable covers
- A47G19/34—Food containers with dispensing devices for bread, rolls, sugar, or the like; Food containers with movable covers dispensing a certain quantity of powdered or granulated foodstuffs, e.g. sugar
-
- 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
- B65D83/06—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing powdered or granular material
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F11/00—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it
- G01F11/10—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation
- G01F11/12—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements
- G01F11/14—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber reciprocates
- G01F11/18—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber reciprocates for fluent solid material
Definitions
- This patent relates to a dispenser for flowable products. More particularly, this patent relates to a dispenser that can dispense various metered amounts of granular product over varying dispersion areas.
- the present disclosure addresses these challenges.
- the present invention is a dispenser for dispensing a flowable product.
- a dispenser for dispensing a flowable product comprises a body, a base, a handle, a trigger and slider.
- the body has a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upward from a periphery of the bottom wall and terminating at a top rim.
- the bottom wall and the sidewall define a compartment for holding the flowable product.
- the top rim defines an opening through which the flowable product may be introduced into the compartment.
- the bottom wall defines a bottom opening.
- the base is attached to the body and comprises a planar platform, an upper portion and a chute.
- the upper portion extends upward from the platform and is secured to the body.
- the upper portion separates (spaces) the body bottom wall and the platform.
- the chute extends downwardly from the platform.
- the platform defines a dispensing opening directly above and in fluid communication with the chute.
- the handle extends from and is stationary with respect to the body.
- the trigger is moveably attached to the body or the handle.
- the trigger includes a retaining structure for operably connecting the trigger to the slider.
- the slider comprises an elongated slider body, a metering chamber extending downwardly from the slider body and attachment means attached to the slider body that cooperate with the retaining structure to operably connect the slider to the trigger.
- the metering chamber defines an intake opening at its top end.
- the metering chamber extends downward from its top end to a bottom end.
- the slider is slidably and reciprocally moveable between a closed position and an open position.
- the closed position the bottom opening in the bottom wall is aligned with the intake opening in the slider and the bottom end of the metering chamber is sealed off by the platform.
- the open position the bottom opening in the bottom wall is sealed off by the slider and the bottom end of metering chamber is aligned with the chute so that a discrete amount of flowable product located in the metering chamber can be dispensed through the chute.
- the slider may be biased in the closed position. Squeezing the handle and the trigger together causes the slider to move into the open position.
- the slider may further comprise ribs that extend upwardly from the slider body into the product compartment.
- the dispenser may include one or more interchangeable dispersion cones removably attachable to the base.
- the dispersion cone may be positioned underneath the chute so that the cone is in fluid communication with the chute.
- the dispersion cone may have an inverted cone shape with an apex located under the chute so that product falling from the chute 46 is dispersed outwardly in a predetermined pattern.
- another dispenser for dispensing a flowable product having a closed position and an open position.
- the dispenser comprises a body, a base, a slider and a trigger.
- the body has a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upward from a periphery of the bottom wall.
- the bottom wall and the sidewall define a compartment for holding the flowable product.
- the bottom wall defines a bottom opening.
- the base is attached to the body in stationary relationship therewith, and comprises a platform, an upper portion and a chute.
- the platform is spaced vertically from the bottom wall by the upper portion.
- the chute extends downwardly from the platform.
- the platform defines a dispensing opening located directly above and in fluid communication with the chute.
- a dispersion cone may be removably attached to the base.
- the slider comprises an elongated slider body and a metering chamber extending downwardly from the slider body.
- the metering chamber defines an intake opening at its top end and an outflow opening at its bottom end.
- the slider is reciprocally moveable with respect to the body.
- the trigger is moveably attached to the body and is operably connected to the slider.
- the dispenser normally is in the closed position. When the dispenser is in the closed position, product may flow from the product compartment into the metering chamber but no further.
- Activating the trigger such as by squeezing the handle and trigger together, causes the dispenser to open. When the dispenser is in the open position, product located in the metering chamber may flow through the chute.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to the disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 shown in the open (dispensing) position.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 shown in the closed (refilling) position.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 3 .
- FIGS. 1 to 5 there is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 one embodiment of the present invention, a dispenser 10 having the ability to dispense various predetermined volumes of a flowable product over varying areas by moving a handle activated slider.
- the flowable product may be a granular or powdered product such as seasoning.
- the dispenser 10 comprises a body 12 for holding the granular or powdered product, a base 14 removably attached to or integral with the body 12 , a lid 16 for covering a top opening of the body 12 , a stationary handle 18 extending from the body 12 , a movable and/or deformable triggering element (a.k.a. trigger) 20 moveably attached to the body 12 , a slider 22 operably attached to the trigger 20 , and one or more interchangeable dispersion cones 24 removably attachable to the base 14 .
- a movable and/or deformable triggering element a.k.a. trigger
- the body 12 may be constructed of rigid plastic or other suitable material, and has a bottom wall 26 and a sidewall 28 extending upward from a periphery of the bottom wall 26 and terminating at a top rim 30 .
- the bottom wall 26 may be substantially flat or slightly concave so that the flowable product (not shown in the figures) easily moves toward a bottom opening 27 located in the bottom wall 26 .
- the bottom wall 26 , the sidewall 28 and the lid 16 define a compartment 32 for holding the flowable product.
- the top rim 30 defines an opening 34 through which the product may be introduced into the compartment 32 when the lid 16 is raised or otherwise removed from the body 12 .
- the bottom wall 26 defines a bottom opening 27 , the purpose of which is described below.
- the base 14 is stationary (with respect to the body 12 ) and comprises a substantially planar platform 38 , an upper portion 40 , a lower portion 41 , and legs 44 .
- the upper portion 40 of the base 14 may be substantially cylindrical, shaped like a truncated cone or any other suitable shape.
- the upper portion may be removably attached to the body 12 at its upper end and extends downward from the body 12 .
- the lower portion 41 of the base 14 also may be substantially cylindrical, shaped like a truncated cone or any other suitable shape.
- the lower portion 41 extends downward from the upper portion 40 to the legs 44 .
- the legs 44 support the dispenser 10 , and may be of a sufficient length so that the dispersion cone 24 does not contact the surface upon which the dispenser 10 rests. Alternatively or in addition to the legs 44 , the dispenser 10 may be supported by the dispersion cone 24 .
- the platform 38 is substantially flat and extends substantially horizontally between the upper portion 40 and lower portion 41 of the base 14 .
- the platform 38 is spaced vertically from the bottom wall 26 .
- a chute 46 extends downwardly from the platform 38 .
- the platform 38 defines a dispensing opening 48 directly above and in fluid communication with the chute 46 .
- the chute 46 may be cylindrical or other suitable shape and is configured to guide product onto the dispersion cone 24 .
- the lid 16 may be any suitable configuration that covers the top opening 34 of the body 12 .
- the lid 16 preferably comprises a covering portion 35 that is hingedly attached to the body 12 and a thumb or finger activated lever 36 that, when depressed, raises the covering portion 35 from the top rim 30 .
- the lid may further comprise a downwardly extending skirt 37 that forms a seal with the top rim 30 .
- the handle 18 may be an elongated structure designed to comfortably fit within a user's palm, and may extend rearward from the body 12 .
- the handle 18 may be stationary with respect to the body 12 and may be an integral part of the body 12 .
- the handle 18 and the lever 36 may be positioned relative to each other so that the same hand can both hold the handle 18 and operate the lever 36 .
- the triggering element 20 may be rotatably or pivotally attached to the body 12 and/or handle 18 and may include a retaining structure 50 for operably attaching the trigger 20 to the slider 22 .
- the trigger 20 may be made of a made of a resiliently deformable material so that, in its undeformed state, the dispenser 10 is in the closed position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , and in its deformed state (as when a user squeezes the trigger 20 against the handle 18 ) the dispenser 10 is in the open position shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 .
- the trigger 20 may be made of a rigid material and may be moveable between a first (closed) position in which the dispenser 10 is closed and a second (open) position (as when a user squeezes the trigger 20 against the handle 18 ) in which the dispenser 10 is open and product can be dispensed.
- a biasing means such as a spring (not shown) may be used to bias the trigger 20 in the closed position.
- the slider 22 may comprise an elongated slider body 54 , a metering chamber 56 extending downwardly from the slider body 54 , and attachment means 57 attached to the slider body 54 and that cooperate with the retaining structure 50 to operably connect the slider 22 to the trigger 20 .
- the attachment means 57 may be any suitable structure, including bosses or detents that extend through slots or openings in the retaining structure 50 .
- the slider body 54 extends from the trigger 20 through an opening in the base to a position underneath the body bottom wall 26 and above the platform 38 .
- the slider body 54 may be positioned so that its topmost surface is in sliding abutment with the bottom wall 26 and so that the bottom end 64 of the metering chamber 56 is in sliding abutment with the bottom wall 26 .
- the metering chamber 56 extends downwardly from the slider body 54 and may be cylindrical or any suitable shape.
- the metering chamber 56 defines an intake opening 60 at its top end 62 that communicates with the product compartment 32 when the dispenser 10 is in the closed position and an outflow opening at its bottom end 64 through which product may flow into the chute 46 when the dispenser 10 is in the open position.
- the bottom end 64 may be positioned so that it is in sliding abutment with the platform 38 .
- the slider 22 moves reciprocally with respect to the bottom wall 26 and the platform 38 between a closed position (in which the bottom end 64 of the metering chamber 56 abuts the platform 38 ) and an open position (in which the bottom end 64 of the metering chamber 56 is oriented above the chute 46 as described further below).
- the metering chamber 56 may be sized and calibrated so that the dispenser 10 dispenses a predetermined amount of product with each use.
- the dispenser 10 may be provided with multiple interchangeable metering chambers 56 of different volumes for dispensing different amounts of product.
- the slider 22 may be configured to receive multiple interchangeable metering chambers 56 of different volumes.
- the dispenser 10 may be provided with multiple interchangeable sliders 22 , each having a metering chamber 56 of a different volume.
- the slider 22 may further comprise ribs 58 that extend upwardly from the slider body 54 near the top end 62 of the metering chamber 56 and into the product compartment 32 to help break up any clumps of product that may exist before they enter the metering chamber 56 .
- the ribs 58 may be shaped like fins or have any suitable shape. Where ribs 58 are present, the bottom opening 27 in the bottom wall 26 should be large (wide) enough to accommodate the reciprocal travel of the ribs 58 within the product compartment 32 .
- the ribs 58 are positioned on the slider 22 so that each time the dispenser 10 is opened the ribs 58 travel over an area just above where the metering chamber 56 is located when the dispenser 10 is in the closed position, thereby minimizing any clumps that may enter the metering chamber 56 .
- the dispersion cone 24 is positioned underneath the chute 46 so that it is in fluid communication with the chute 46 .
- the dispersion cone 24 may be removably attached to the chute 46 and/or the base 14 .
- the dispersion cone 24 may have an inverted cone the shape with an apex located under the bottom of the chute 46 so that product falling from the chute 46 is dispersed outwardly in a predetermined pattern.
- the dispenser 10 may allow for multiple dispersion cones 24 to be attached to the chute 46 and/or base 14 to allow for customized dispersion patterns.
- the bottom of the dispersion cone may be square, rectangular, circular or any other suitable shape.
- the dispenser 10 is moveable (reconfigurable) between the closed position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 and the open position shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 .
- the bottom opening 27 in the bottom wall 26 is aligned with the intake opening 60 in the slider 22 , allowing product to flow through the bottom opening 27 and the intake opening 60 and into the metering chamber 56 but no further.
- the flowable product cannot exit the metering chamber 56 because the bottom end 64 of the metering chamber 56 abuts (is closed off by) the platform 38 , as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 .
- the slider 22 In the open position, the slider 22 is positioned (slid) rearward of its closed position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 .
- This rearward movement of the slider 22 may be caused by squeezing the handle 18 and the trigger 20 together to either compress the triggering element 20 or to rotate it so that the retaining structure 50 (and thus the slider 22 ) moves rearward.
- the bottom opening 27 in the bottom wall 26 is no longer aligned with the intake opening 60 in the slider 22 , but rather is closed off by the topmost surface of the slider body 54 . Consequently, the product compartment 32 is closed off from the metering chamber 56 .
- the metering chamber 56 While in the open position, the metering chamber 56 is aligned with the chute 46 , and a discrete amount of flowable product located in the metering chamber 56 can be dispensed (dropped through) through the chute 46 and onto the dispersion cone 24 .
- the dispenser 10 is “handle activated”. As the operator squeezes the handle 18 and trigger 20 together, the trigger 20 moves rearward in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 . The rearward movement of the trigger 20 and, in particular, the retaining structure 50 , causes the slider 22 to move rearward in the direction of arrow A and toward the back of the dispenser 10 (shown on the left in the figures). During this travel, the slider 22 and more specifically, the slider body 54 closes off the bottom opening 27 in the bottom wall 26 , preventing any product from exiting the compartment 32 . Also, during this movement of the slider 22 , the crushing ribs 58 can break apart any clumps of product located in the lower part of the compartment 32 .
- the intake opening 60 in the slider 22 is aligned with the chute 46 and the dispersion cone 24 (if present).
- the flowable product exits the metering chamber 56 of the slider 22 and pours over the dispersion cone 24 .
- the dispersion cone 24 spreads the seasoning out over a predefined area.
- the operator releases the trigger 20 or otherwise allows it to resume its closed (biased) position, and the slider 22 moves back to its closed or resting (refilling) position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 .
- seasoning is allowed to flow into the metering chamber 56 and fill a predefined volume in the metering chamber 56 , ready for future dispensing. This dispense-and-refill process can be repeated until the compartment 32 is empty of seasoning.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/686,371, filed Nov. 18, 2019. U.S. application Ser. No. 16/686,371 is incorporated here by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
- This patent relates to a dispenser for flowable products. More particularly, this patent relates to a dispenser that can dispense various metered amounts of granular product over varying dispersion areas.
- Many quick serve restaurants seek to standardize the flavor of their products throughout all of their stores. This standardization requires a dispensing and dispersion device that can dispense a predefined amount of granular seasoning over a predetermined area. However, these amounts and areas can change from one quick serve company to the next.
- In addition to standardization of seasoning, another challenge in the quick serve restaurant industry is the clumping of the seasoning. This clumping can cause jamming of current dispensers or can result in the uneven dispensing of product, including having a too-large amount of seasoning in one area.
- The present disclosure addresses these challenges.
- The present invention is a dispenser for dispensing a flowable product.
- In one aspect a dispenser for dispensing a flowable product is provided. The dispenser comprises a body, a base, a handle, a trigger and slider.
- The body has a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upward from a periphery of the bottom wall and terminating at a top rim. The bottom wall and the sidewall define a compartment for holding the flowable product. The top rim defines an opening through which the flowable product may be introduced into the compartment. The bottom wall defines a bottom opening.
- The base is attached to the body and comprises a planar platform, an upper portion and a chute. The upper portion extends upward from the platform and is secured to the body. The upper portion separates (spaces) the body bottom wall and the platform. The chute extends downwardly from the platform. The platform defines a dispensing opening directly above and in fluid communication with the chute. The handle extends from and is stationary with respect to the body. The trigger is moveably attached to the body or the handle. The trigger includes a retaining structure for operably connecting the trigger to the slider.
- The slider comprises an elongated slider body, a metering chamber extending downwardly from the slider body and attachment means attached to the slider body that cooperate with the retaining structure to operably connect the slider to the trigger. The metering chamber defines an intake opening at its top end. The metering chamber extends downward from its top end to a bottom end.
- The slider is slidably and reciprocally moveable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the bottom opening in the bottom wall is aligned with the intake opening in the slider and the bottom end of the metering chamber is sealed off by the platform. In the open position, the bottom opening in the bottom wall is sealed off by the slider and the bottom end of metering chamber is aligned with the chute so that a discrete amount of flowable product located in the metering chamber can be dispensed through the chute.
- The slider may be biased in the closed position. Squeezing the handle and the trigger together causes the slider to move into the open position. The slider may further comprise ribs that extend upwardly from the slider body into the product compartment.
- The dispenser may include one or more interchangeable dispersion cones removably attachable to the base. The dispersion cone may be positioned underneath the chute so that the cone is in fluid communication with the chute. The dispersion cone may have an inverted cone shape with an apex located under the chute so that product falling from the
chute 46 is dispersed outwardly in a predetermined pattern. - In another aspect, another dispenser for dispensing a flowable product is provided, the dispenser having a closed position and an open position. The dispenser comprises a body, a base, a slider and a trigger.
- The body has a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upward from a periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the sidewall define a compartment for holding the flowable product. The bottom wall defines a bottom opening.
- The base is attached to the body in stationary relationship therewith, and comprises a platform, an upper portion and a chute. The platform is spaced vertically from the bottom wall by the upper portion. The chute extends downwardly from the platform. The platform defines a dispensing opening located directly above and in fluid communication with the chute. A dispersion cone may be removably attached to the base.
- The slider comprises an elongated slider body and a metering chamber extending downwardly from the slider body. The metering chamber defines an intake opening at its top end and an outflow opening at its bottom end. The slider is reciprocally moveable with respect to the body.
- The trigger is moveably attached to the body and is operably connected to the slider. The dispenser normally is in the closed position. When the dispenser is in the closed position, product may flow from the product compartment into the metering chamber but no further. Activating the trigger, such as by squeezing the handle and trigger together, causes the dispenser to open. When the dispenser is in the open position, product located in the metering chamber may flow through the chute.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to the disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the dispenser ofFIG. 1 shown in the open (dispensing) position. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the dispenser ofFIG. 1 shown in the closed (refilling) position. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the dispenser ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the dispenser ofFIG. 3 . - While this invention may be embodied in many forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail one or more embodiments with the understanding that this disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.
- Turning to the drawings, there is shown in
FIGS. 1 to 5 one embodiment of the present invention, adispenser 10 having the ability to dispense various predetermined volumes of a flowable product over varying areas by moving a handle activated slider. The flowable product may be a granular or powdered product such as seasoning. - The
dispenser 10 comprises abody 12 for holding the granular or powdered product, a base 14 removably attached to or integral with thebody 12, alid 16 for covering a top opening of thebody 12, astationary handle 18 extending from thebody 12, a movable and/or deformable triggering element (a.k.a. trigger) 20 moveably attached to thebody 12, aslider 22 operably attached to thetrigger 20, and one or moreinterchangeable dispersion cones 24 removably attachable to thebase 14. - The
body 12 may be constructed of rigid plastic or other suitable material, and has abottom wall 26 and asidewall 28 extending upward from a periphery of thebottom wall 26 and terminating at atop rim 30. Thebottom wall 26 may be substantially flat or slightly concave so that the flowable product (not shown in the figures) easily moves toward abottom opening 27 located in thebottom wall 26. Thebottom wall 26, thesidewall 28 and thelid 16 define acompartment 32 for holding the flowable product. Thetop rim 30 defines anopening 34 through which the product may be introduced into thecompartment 32 when thelid 16 is raised or otherwise removed from thebody 12. As noted above, thebottom wall 26 defines abottom opening 27, the purpose of which is described below. - As perhaps best shown in
FIG. 2 , thebase 14 is stationary (with respect to the body 12) and comprises a substantiallyplanar platform 38, anupper portion 40, alower portion 41, andlegs 44. Theupper portion 40 of the base 14 may be substantially cylindrical, shaped like a truncated cone or any other suitable shape. The upper portion may be removably attached to thebody 12 at its upper end and extends downward from thebody 12. Thelower portion 41 of the base 14 also may be substantially cylindrical, shaped like a truncated cone or any other suitable shape. Thelower portion 41 extends downward from theupper portion 40 to thelegs 44. Thelegs 44 support thedispenser 10, and may be of a sufficient length so that thedispersion cone 24 does not contact the surface upon which thedispenser 10 rests. Alternatively or in addition to thelegs 44, thedispenser 10 may be supported by thedispersion cone 24. - The
platform 38 is substantially flat and extends substantially horizontally between theupper portion 40 andlower portion 41 of thebase 14. Theplatform 38 is spaced vertically from thebottom wall 26. Achute 46 extends downwardly from theplatform 38. Theplatform 38 defines a dispensingopening 48 directly above and in fluid communication with thechute 46. Thechute 46 may be cylindrical or other suitable shape and is configured to guide product onto thedispersion cone 24. - The
lid 16 may be any suitable configuration that covers thetop opening 34 of thebody 12. Thelid 16 preferably comprises a coveringportion 35 that is hingedly attached to thebody 12 and a thumb or finger activated lever 36 that, when depressed, raises the coveringportion 35 from thetop rim 30. The lid may further comprise a downwardly extendingskirt 37 that forms a seal with thetop rim 30. - The
handle 18 may be an elongated structure designed to comfortably fit within a user's palm, and may extend rearward from thebody 12. Thehandle 18 may be stationary with respect to thebody 12 and may be an integral part of thebody 12. Thehandle 18 and the lever 36 may be positioned relative to each other so that the same hand can both hold thehandle 18 and operate the lever 36. - The triggering
element 20 may be rotatably or pivotally attached to thebody 12 and/or handle 18 and may include a retainingstructure 50 for operably attaching thetrigger 20 to theslider 22. - The
trigger 20 may be made of a made of a resiliently deformable material so that, in its undeformed state, thedispenser 10 is in the closed position shown inFIGS. 3 and 5 , and in its deformed state (as when a user squeezes thetrigger 20 against the handle 18) thedispenser 10 is in the open position shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 . - Alternatively, the
trigger 20 may be made of a rigid material and may be moveable between a first (closed) position in which thedispenser 10 is closed and a second (open) position (as when a user squeezes thetrigger 20 against the handle 18) in which thedispenser 10 is open and product can be dispensed. A biasing means such as a spring (not shown) may be used to bias thetrigger 20 in the closed position. - The
slider 22 may comprise anelongated slider body 54, ametering chamber 56 extending downwardly from theslider body 54, and attachment means 57 attached to theslider body 54 and that cooperate with the retainingstructure 50 to operably connect theslider 22 to thetrigger 20. The attachment means 57 may be any suitable structure, including bosses or detents that extend through slots or openings in the retainingstructure 50. - The
slider body 54 extends from thetrigger 20 through an opening in the base to a position underneath thebody bottom wall 26 and above theplatform 38. Theslider body 54 may be positioned so that its topmost surface is in sliding abutment with thebottom wall 26 and so that thebottom end 64 of themetering chamber 56 is in sliding abutment with thebottom wall 26. - The
metering chamber 56 extends downwardly from theslider body 54 and may be cylindrical or any suitable shape. Themetering chamber 56 defines anintake opening 60 at itstop end 62 that communicates with theproduct compartment 32 when thedispenser 10 is in the closed position and an outflow opening at itsbottom end 64 through which product may flow into thechute 46 when thedispenser 10 is in the open position. As noted above, thebottom end 64 may be positioned so that it is in sliding abutment with theplatform 38. Thus, theslider 22 moves reciprocally with respect to thebottom wall 26 and theplatform 38 between a closed position (in which thebottom end 64 of themetering chamber 56 abuts the platform 38) and an open position (in which thebottom end 64 of themetering chamber 56 is oriented above thechute 46 as described further below). - The
metering chamber 56 may be sized and calibrated so that thedispenser 10 dispenses a predetermined amount of product with each use. Thedispenser 10 may be provided with multipleinterchangeable metering chambers 56 of different volumes for dispensing different amounts of product. For example, in one aspect theslider 22 may be configured to receive multipleinterchangeable metering chambers 56 of different volumes. In another aspect, thedispenser 10 may be provided with multipleinterchangeable sliders 22, each having ametering chamber 56 of a different volume. - The
slider 22 may further compriseribs 58 that extend upwardly from theslider body 54 near thetop end 62 of themetering chamber 56 and into theproduct compartment 32 to help break up any clumps of product that may exist before they enter themetering chamber 56. Theribs 58 may be shaped like fins or have any suitable shape. Whereribs 58 are present, thebottom opening 27 in thebottom wall 26 should be large (wide) enough to accommodate the reciprocal travel of theribs 58 within theproduct compartment 32. Preferably, and to best effect, theribs 58 are positioned on theslider 22 so that each time thedispenser 10 is opened theribs 58 travel over an area just above where themetering chamber 56 is located when thedispenser 10 is in the closed position, thereby minimizing any clumps that may enter themetering chamber 56. - The
dispersion cone 24 is positioned underneath thechute 46 so that it is in fluid communication with thechute 46. Thedispersion cone 24 may be removably attached to thechute 46 and/or thebase 14. Thedispersion cone 24 may have an inverted cone the shape with an apex located under the bottom of thechute 46 so that product falling from thechute 46 is dispersed outwardly in a predetermined pattern. Thedispenser 10 may allow formultiple dispersion cones 24 to be attached to thechute 46 and/orbase 14 to allow for customized dispersion patterns. For example, the bottom of the dispersion cone may be square, rectangular, circular or any other suitable shape. - The
dispenser 10 is moveable (reconfigurable) between the closed position shown inFIGS. 3 and 5 and the open position shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 . - In the closed position, the
bottom opening 27 in thebottom wall 26 is aligned with theintake opening 60 in theslider 22, allowing product to flow through thebottom opening 27 and theintake opening 60 and into themetering chamber 56 but no further. The flowable product cannot exit themetering chamber 56 because thebottom end 64 of themetering chamber 56 abuts (is closed off by) theplatform 38, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5 . - In the open position, the
slider 22 is positioned (slid) rearward of its closed position as shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 . This rearward movement of theslider 22 may be caused by squeezing thehandle 18 and thetrigger 20 together to either compress the triggeringelement 20 or to rotate it so that the retaining structure 50 (and thus the slider 22) moves rearward. When this rearward movement of theslider 22 occurs, thebottom opening 27 in thebottom wall 26 is no longer aligned with theintake opening 60 in theslider 22, but rather is closed off by the topmost surface of theslider body 54. Consequently, theproduct compartment 32 is closed off from themetering chamber 56. - While in the open position, the
metering chamber 56 is aligned with thechute 46, and a discrete amount of flowable product located in themetering chamber 56 can be dispensed (dropped through) through thechute 46 and onto thedispersion cone 24. - The
dispenser 10 is “handle activated”. As the operator squeezes thehandle 18 and trigger 20 together, thetrigger 20 moves rearward in the direction of arrow A inFIG. 1 . The rearward movement of thetrigger 20 and, in particular, the retainingstructure 50, causes theslider 22 to move rearward in the direction of arrow A and toward the back of the dispenser 10 (shown on the left in the figures). During this travel, theslider 22 and more specifically, theslider body 54 closes off thebottom opening 27 in thebottom wall 26, preventing any product from exiting thecompartment 32. Also, during this movement of theslider 22, the crushingribs 58 can break apart any clumps of product located in the lower part of thecompartment 32. - In the final (fully opened) position shown in
FIGS. 2 and 4 , theintake opening 60 in theslider 22 is aligned with thechute 46 and the dispersion cone 24 (if present). The flowable product exits themetering chamber 56 of theslider 22 and pours over thedispersion cone 24. Thedispersion cone 24 spreads the seasoning out over a predefined area. Once the seasoning is dispersed, the operator releases thetrigger 20 or otherwise allows it to resume its closed (biased) position, and theslider 22 moves back to its closed or resting (refilling) position as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5 . In the resting position, seasoning is allowed to flow into themetering chamber 56 and fill a predefined volume in themetering chamber 56, ready for future dispensing. This dispense-and-refill process can be repeated until thecompartment 32 is empty of seasoning. - It is understood that the embodiments described above are only particular examples which serve to illustrate the principles of the disclosed apparatus. Modifications and alternative embodiments of the apparatus are contemplated which do not depart from the scope of the invention as defined by the foregoing teachings and appended claims. It is intended that the claims cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments that fall within their scope.
Claims (6)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/999,410 US20200377287A1 (en) | 2018-11-26 | 2020-08-21 | Granular dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201862771402P | 2018-11-26 | 2018-11-26 | |
US16/686,371 US10793341B2 (en) | 2018-11-26 | 2019-11-18 | Granular dispenser |
US16/999,410 US20200377287A1 (en) | 2018-11-26 | 2020-08-21 | Granular dispenser |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/686,371 Continuation US10793341B2 (en) | 2018-11-26 | 2019-11-18 | Granular dispenser |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200377287A1 true US20200377287A1 (en) | 2020-12-03 |
Family
ID=70771325
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/686,371 Active US10793341B2 (en) | 2018-11-26 | 2019-11-18 | Granular dispenser |
US16/999,410 Abandoned US20200377287A1 (en) | 2018-11-26 | 2020-08-21 | Granular dispenser |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/686,371 Active US10793341B2 (en) | 2018-11-26 | 2019-11-18 | Granular dispenser |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US10793341B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3840615A4 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3116619C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020112399A1 (en) |
Citations (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US922315A (en) * | 1908-07-22 | 1909-05-18 | John T Mclellan | Sugar-bowl. |
US1002150A (en) * | 1910-06-01 | 1911-08-29 | George A Henriquez | Sugar-bowl. |
US1090764A (en) * | 1913-01-09 | 1914-03-17 | J m robinson | Combined measuring and dispensing bin. |
US1361146A (en) * | 1919-05-21 | 1920-12-07 | Egnatoff Paul | Sugar-dispenser |
US1607530A (en) * | 1924-07-22 | 1926-11-16 | Benjamin T Guest | Sugar-dispensing device |
US2005919A (en) * | 1934-09-22 | 1935-06-25 | Louis J Militello | Sugar bowl |
US2207120A (en) * | 1938-06-13 | 1940-07-09 | Greig Paul | Canister |
US2603386A (en) * | 1952-07-15 | rmeasuring and dispensing device | ||
US2857083A (en) * | 1955-12-12 | 1958-10-21 | Robert N Masterson | Combination jar lid and measuring cup |
US4708265A (en) * | 1986-07-23 | 1987-11-24 | Bopst Iii John H | System for automatic measuring and dispensing of grain and powder food products |
US4867350A (en) * | 1988-03-28 | 1989-09-19 | Zelickson Barry M | Measuring and dispensing apparatus |
US4892233A (en) * | 1988-06-21 | 1990-01-09 | Zelickson Barry M | Dispensing apparatus |
US5421491A (en) * | 1994-03-07 | 1995-06-06 | Tuvim; Yuri | Measuring and dispensing device |
US5746355A (en) * | 1996-03-15 | 1998-05-05 | Cargill, Incorporated | Dispenser for pulverulent material |
US5855300A (en) * | 1995-08-24 | 1999-01-05 | Malki; Avraham | Device for dispensing a predetermined amount of solids |
US5934573A (en) * | 1997-03-07 | 1999-08-10 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Measuring dispenser-spreader and method |
US20030164386A1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2003-09-04 | Connelly Rowan T. | Universal reagent dispenser |
US20040031819A1 (en) * | 2002-08-14 | 2004-02-19 | Smiley Charles F. | Dispenser for delivering an adjustable volume of flowable dry material |
US20060255074A1 (en) * | 2005-05-10 | 2006-11-16 | Tal Amir | Dosing dispenser particularly useful for dispensing baby formula |
US8827185B2 (en) * | 2011-10-14 | 2014-09-09 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Measuring dispenser for granular seasoning material and method of seasoning |
US9585504B2 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2017-03-07 | Prince Castle LLC | Granular dispenser |
US20190352060A1 (en) * | 2018-05-18 | 2019-11-21 | Johannes Petrus Van der Westhuizen | Container lid with integrated dispenser drawer |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5012957A (en) | 1989-01-27 | 1991-05-07 | Promation Incorporated | Dispenser apparatus |
US5529221A (en) * | 1994-05-16 | 1996-06-25 | Roy; Harold Van | Metered serving dispenser of granular materials |
US6145705A (en) | 1998-07-09 | 2000-11-14 | Mary M. Wallace | Dry condiment dispensing system |
WO2002064006A1 (en) * | 2001-02-13 | 2002-08-22 | Nielsen Textil A/S | Dispensing device for batch dispensing granular product |
US6450371B1 (en) | 2002-01-24 | 2002-09-17 | Yury Sherman | Device for measuring, dispensing and storing of granular and powder materials |
DE20213722U1 (en) * | 2002-08-30 | 2003-01-02 | Kern Ingo | Container for dosed dispensing of especially coffee has feed slide with dosing compartment movable from position open to filling shaft and closed to base to position closed to filling shaft and open to outlet, and vice versa |
US6962274B1 (en) | 2003-09-16 | 2005-11-08 | Yury Sherman | Device for measuring, dispensing and storing of granular, powder and grain materials |
KR101067072B1 (en) * | 2011-06-28 | 2011-09-22 | 정성하 | Fortified milk powder dispenser |
US8910586B2 (en) * | 2012-04-10 | 2014-12-16 | Precision Seasoning Llc | Precision seasoner |
CN105873480B (en) * | 2013-10-11 | 2020-04-21 | 格尔食品有限公司 | Food product dispenser and valve |
-
2019
- 2019-11-18 WO PCT/US2019/061933 patent/WO2020112399A1/en unknown
- 2019-11-18 EP EP19891058.0A patent/EP3840615A4/en active Pending
- 2019-11-18 CA CA3116619A patent/CA3116619C/en active Active
- 2019-11-18 US US16/686,371 patent/US10793341B2/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-08-21 US US16/999,410 patent/US20200377287A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2603386A (en) * | 1952-07-15 | rmeasuring and dispensing device | ||
US922315A (en) * | 1908-07-22 | 1909-05-18 | John T Mclellan | Sugar-bowl. |
US1002150A (en) * | 1910-06-01 | 1911-08-29 | George A Henriquez | Sugar-bowl. |
US1090764A (en) * | 1913-01-09 | 1914-03-17 | J m robinson | Combined measuring and dispensing bin. |
US1361146A (en) * | 1919-05-21 | 1920-12-07 | Egnatoff Paul | Sugar-dispenser |
US1607530A (en) * | 1924-07-22 | 1926-11-16 | Benjamin T Guest | Sugar-dispensing device |
US2005919A (en) * | 1934-09-22 | 1935-06-25 | Louis J Militello | Sugar bowl |
US2207120A (en) * | 1938-06-13 | 1940-07-09 | Greig Paul | Canister |
US2857083A (en) * | 1955-12-12 | 1958-10-21 | Robert N Masterson | Combination jar lid and measuring cup |
US4708265A (en) * | 1986-07-23 | 1987-11-24 | Bopst Iii John H | System for automatic measuring and dispensing of grain and powder food products |
US4867350A (en) * | 1988-03-28 | 1989-09-19 | Zelickson Barry M | Measuring and dispensing apparatus |
US4892233A (en) * | 1988-06-21 | 1990-01-09 | Zelickson Barry M | Dispensing apparatus |
US5421491A (en) * | 1994-03-07 | 1995-06-06 | Tuvim; Yuri | Measuring and dispensing device |
US5855300A (en) * | 1995-08-24 | 1999-01-05 | Malki; Avraham | Device for dispensing a predetermined amount of solids |
US5746355A (en) * | 1996-03-15 | 1998-05-05 | Cargill, Incorporated | Dispenser for pulverulent material |
US5934573A (en) * | 1997-03-07 | 1999-08-10 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Measuring dispenser-spreader and method |
US20030164386A1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2003-09-04 | Connelly Rowan T. | Universal reagent dispenser |
US20040031819A1 (en) * | 2002-08-14 | 2004-02-19 | Smiley Charles F. | Dispenser for delivering an adjustable volume of flowable dry material |
US20060255074A1 (en) * | 2005-05-10 | 2006-11-16 | Tal Amir | Dosing dispenser particularly useful for dispensing baby formula |
US8827185B2 (en) * | 2011-10-14 | 2014-09-09 | Restaurant Technology, Inc. | Measuring dispenser for granular seasoning material and method of seasoning |
US9585504B2 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2017-03-07 | Prince Castle LLC | Granular dispenser |
US20190352060A1 (en) * | 2018-05-18 | 2019-11-21 | Johannes Petrus Van der Westhuizen | Container lid with integrated dispenser drawer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2020112399A1 (en) | 2020-06-04 |
CA3116619A1 (en) | 2020-06-04 |
CA3116619C (en) | 2023-10-03 |
EP3840615A1 (en) | 2021-06-30 |
US20200165059A1 (en) | 2020-05-28 |
US10793341B2 (en) | 2020-10-06 |
EP3840615A4 (en) | 2022-06-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US3231149A (en) | Dispenser for viscous fluids | |
US4856681A (en) | Dispenser for granular and powdered dry materials | |
US5435463A (en) | Condiment dispenser | |
US6962274B1 (en) | Device for measuring, dispensing and storing of granular, powder and grain materials | |
US5105981A (en) | Selectively shakeable freestanding particulate matter reservoir | |
US7731063B2 (en) | Dry product dispenser with portion control | |
US7178697B2 (en) | Agitator assisted bulk product dispenser | |
US5855300A (en) | Device for dispensing a predetermined amount of solids | |
CN107920697B (en) | Dispensing closure for dispensing flowable product from squeeze-type product container | |
US6929158B2 (en) | Dispenser for delivering an adjustable volume of flowable dry material | |
CA2115591C (en) | Modular dispenser | |
US4271011A (en) | Flour sifter | |
GB2150117A (en) | Dose-distributor for delivering granular or powdered products | |
AU2004200251A1 (en) | Soap dispensing device | |
US5232127A (en) | Actuator and hood for dispensing device | |
US1931908A (en) | Cracker bowl | |
US3260419A (en) | Dispenser with plunger and diffusor outlet | |
US20200377287A1 (en) | Granular dispenser | |
US2603386A (en) | rmeasuring and dispensing device | |
US6488184B2 (en) | Dry particulate dispenser | |
US2272252A (en) | Bait spreader | |
EP0722269B1 (en) | Dispensing device | |
US4273258A (en) | Tooth paste dispenser | |
US3037673A (en) | Dispenser for granular products | |
US1139831A (en) | Measuring device. |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC., SOUTH CAROLINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LAGACE, CHAD;REEL/FRAME:053561/0744 Effective date: 20191114 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC., SOUTH CAROLINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JOHANSON, JAMES E.;REEL/FRAME:054179/0191 Effective date: 20201022 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |