US2706585A - Teaspoonful sugar dispenser - Google Patents

Description

April 19, 1955 H. J. BEAN TEAsPooNFUL SUGAR DISPENSER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 9, 1951 INVENTOR.

Har@ :Zean Y llllll April 19, 1955 H. J. BEAN l TEAsPooNFUL SUGAR DISPENSER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 9, 1.951

l n l INVEWTOR. Hag@ Jean/ lllllllllnlllllll United States Patent TEASPOONFUL SUGAR DISPENSER Harry J. Bean, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application October 9, 1951, Serial No. 250,470 2 claims. (ci. 222-336) My invention relates to devices for dispensing relatively small quantities, by hand manipulation, of granular materials and more particularly sugar.

It is a purpose of my invention to provide a dispenser particularly designed for dispensing granulated sugar in teaspoonful quantities so as to render it especially useful in restaurants not only to economize on the use of sugar by customers, but to eliminate the unsanitary practice occasioned by use of the conventional sugar bowl which necessitates the use of ones own spoon and the consequent contamination of the sugar in the bowl.

It is also a purpose of my invention to provide a sugar dispenser which is particularly designed for use in the kitchen of the home since it provides hand-manipulated means for dispensing sugar in teaspoonful quantities directly into a cup/or other receptacle without the necessity of lifting the dispenser or cup from a table.

A further purpose of my invention is the provision of a dispenser embodying a container having a storage chamber for sugar in which the sugar is normally protected against contamination, a dispensing chamber in the form of a spout, and hand-operated means controlling the passage of sugar from the storage chamber to the dispensing chamber so that as required sugar can be dispensed from the container in a quantity equal to a teaspoonful with actuation of the hand-operated means.

I will describe only two forms of dispensers, each embodying my invention, and will then point out the novel features thereof in claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. l is a view showing in perspective one form of dispenser embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the dispenser shown in Fig. l. Y

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the dispenser shown in Fig. 1 but inverted in relation to the showing of Fig. 2, and with the plunger thereof in sugar charging position as distinguished from the discharging position shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional View taken on the line 4--4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fi 2.

lig. 6 is a view showing in perspective another form of dispenser embodying my invention.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the dispenser shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 8 8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the line 9 9 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a detail perspective view of the plunger shown in Fi 8.

Referring to the drawings in detail, in Figs. l to 5, I have shown one form of dispenser which is more particularly designed for use in restaurants for dispensing sugar, and which comprises a casing constructed of glass or plastic material and made up of a lower section S and an upper section S1, these sections being connected to each other to permit separation for cleaning when required. The lower section S is of cup form and provides a sugar storage chamber 17 which, when the two sections are assembled, permits filling of the chamber through the bottom wall 18 thereof by the provision of a filling opening 19 normally closed by a screw plug 20. The open upper end of the lower section S is formed with an inset collar 21 providing an annular shoulder 22, the

2,706,585 Patented Apr. 19, 1955 rice collar serving to connect the lower section to the upper section S1.

The upper section S1 comprises an annular portion 23 and a conical portion 24, the latter providing a sugar dispensing spout or chamber and formed at its apex with a discharge opening 26. The lower end of the portion 23 is reduced in thickness Vto provide a collar 27 and an annular shoulder 28 at the upper end of the collar. The internal diameter of the collar 27 is such as to receive the collar 21 of the lower section S and to frictionally retain the collar 21 therein with the collar 27 abutting the shoulder 22 and the collar 21 abutting a shoulder 29 in the upper end of the collar 27. Thus the two sections S and 1 are connected one to the other to form the container, and yet they may be detached to gain access to the interior thereof for cleaning.

The dispenser of Fig. 2 embodies means controlling the passage of sugar from the storage chamber 17 to the dispensing chamber 25, and this means includes a guiding support generally indicated at G, and a manually operated plunger generally designated at P. The support G comprises a lower plate 30 preferably formed of metal and of disk shape so as to llt within the annular portion 23 and to be supported on the collar 21. The upper side of the plate 30 is formed with a pair of side flanges 31 connected at their ends by arcuate end flanges 32 and forming a rectangular frame. Between the flanges 31 at one side of the center of the annular portion 23 the plate 30 is formed with an inlet opening 33.

The support G also includes an upper metal plate 34 likewise of disk form to lit within the annular portion 23 vand to abut an annular shoulder 29a, and to` thus be confined between such shoulder and the flanges 31 and 32. The plate 34 is provided with an outlet opening 35 located at the opposite side of the center of the upper section S1 from that of the inlet opening 33. Likewise the outlet opening 35 is disposed between the side flanges 31.

The plunger P, which is likewise formed of metal, comprises a cylinder 36 interiorly providing a measuring chamber 37 of a size to accommodate, when filled, a teaspoonful of sugar. This cylinder is of an outside diameter to be slidably received between the flanges 31, and to be confined therebetween by the plates 30 and 34. One side of the cylinder is provided with an extension 38 in which one end of an operating rod 39 is screw-threaded and secured therein by a nut 40. This rod extends through the adjacent end flange 32 as well as through a suitable opening 41 in the annular portion 23, and its outer end provided with a knob 42.

For urging the cylinder 36 to the position shown in Fig. 2 wherein the upper end of the chamber 37 registers with the outlet opening 35, a coiled expansible spring 43 is interposed between the cylinder and the other end flange 32. This spring is maintained centered by bosses 44 and 45 secured to the cylinder 36 and one of the end flanges 32, as clearly shown in Fig. 2. The cylinder 36 has on the side corresponding to the boss 44 a cut-off member 46 which in the position of the cylinder illustrated in Fig. 2 closes the inlet opening 33 to prevent sugar in the chamber 17 from entering between the flanges 31 and thus interfering with operation of the plunger.

In the use of the dispenser, assuming that the chamber 17 has been filled with sugar, in order to dispense sugar from the container in teaspoonful quantities, the container is first turned upside down from the position shown in Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 3. Following such inversion the user presses inwardly on the knob 42 to move the cylinder 36 from the position shown in Fig. 2 to that shown in Fig. 3 wherein the chamber 37 now registers with the opening 33 so that sugar from the chamber 17 can ilow into and lill the chamber 37. i

Upon releasing the knob 42, the spring which has been compressed by moving the cylinder to the aforesaid position, now expands to return the cylinder into registry with the outlet opening 35 so that the sugar therein can llow into the conical portion 24 and outwardly of the same through the opening 26. Since the chamber 37 contains only a teaspoonful of sugar, the corresponding amount only is discharged from the dispenser for use by the consumer.

With return of the cylinder 36 to the position shown n Fig. 2, the member 46 closes the opening 33 so that `ugar cannot flow into the guiding support and thus inter- 'ere with proper operation of the plunger. Also, should he dispenser be accidentally tilted or knocked over, the )pening 33 being closed by the member 46 prevents accilental discharge of sugar from the dispenser.

lt will, of course, be understood should more than one :easpoonful of sugar be required the opeartion of plunger P may be repeated until the desired number of teaspoonsul has been discharged. Manifestly, the construction and mode of operation of the dispenser is such that it can be operated entirely with one hand, the lingers of the hand embracing the container and inverting it, while the thumb operates the plunger.

An important feature of my invention is the ready manner in which the parts of the dispenser can be disassembled to permit washing and cleaning thereof, which, in all dispensers, must be done frequently since the sugar accumulates moisture making it lumpy and sticky and impairing operation of the plunger to effect dispensing of sugar from the container. By virtue of the detachability of the sections S and S1 from each other, and the construction of the guiding support G, it will be clear that when the sections are detached the plates 30 and 34, together with the frame comprising the flanges 31 and 32, as well as the plunger P, can all be removed from the upper section S1 so that they are made readily accessible for washing to remove sugar adhering to such parts, so that when dried and replaced the plunger will operate effectively to dispense sugar from the container as intended.

Referring now to the form of dispenser illustrated in Figs. 6 to l0, this dispenser is particularly designed for home use on the kitchen table, and as distinguished from the other dispenser is not adapted to be inverted to discharge sugar therefrom but to be supported in elevated position on a table so that a cup or other receptacle may be extended therebeneath to receive sugar as emitted from the device. This form of dispenser comprises a container including a lower section S which is of cylindrical form and carries three legs 51 separated equidistantly about the circumference of the section and curved outwardly therefrom so that a cup or dish may be extended between any two of the legs to a point beneath the center of the section. The upper end of the section S0 is formed with an annulus 52 spanned at its bottom by a wall 53 with which is integrally formed a spout 53 inclined downwardly therefrom so that its lowered end is substantially at the center of the section 50. The wall 53 is formed with an outlet opening 54 which communicates with the upper end of the spout.

The container also includes an upper section 55 which is of cylindrical form with its lower open end supported on the annulus 52 and having a frictional fit therewith, or it may be permanently secured thereto as desired. This section 55 is interiorly provided with a funnel 56 having its lowered end located centrally of the section, and its upper end closed by a wall 57 provided with an opening 58 through which the funnel can be filled with sugar. This opening is normally closed by a screw plug 59.

The annulus 52 and the wall 53 constitute part of a guiding support G1 for a plunger P1. The rest of the support comprises a top plate 60 supported on the annulus and fixed thereto in any suitable manner, and provided with an opening 61 directly below the lower end of the funnel. The upper side of the wall 53 is formed with a groove 62, and secured to the wall are a pair of plates 63 which at their straight edges overhang the edges of the groove, as clearly shown in Fig. 9.

As shown in Fig. l0, the plunger P1 comprises a boxlike body 64 in which is fixed a cylinder 65 the ends of which are in registration with openings 66 in the top and bottom walls of the body. This body is slidably mounted in the groove 62 and is fixedly guided in its movements by the provision of anges 67 on opposite sides of the bottom wall thereof which are received within the groove and retained therein by the overhanging edges of the plates 63` As shown in Fig. l0 one end of the body 64 is open, but the opposite end is closed and provided with an extension 68 in which one end of an operating rod 69 is screwthrcadedly secured. This rod is slidable in a suitable opening in the annulus 52 and its outer end is provided with a knob 70.

The body 64 is normally urged to the position shown 85 one extreme position;

in Fig. 7 by means of a contractile spring 71 one end of which is connected to an ear 72 fixed to the cylinder, and the other end connected to an ear 73 fixedto the annulus 52.

In the operation of the dispenser, assuming that the funnel 56 is filled with sugar, in the normal position of the cylinder 65 sugar will flow thereinto to fill the same. This cylinder is designed to provide a chamber which will hold a teaspoonful of sugar only. To discharge the sugar from the cylinder all that is necessary is to exert an outward pull on the rod 69 to shift the cylinder to a position in which its lower end registers with the opening 54. Once this is done the sugar will ow from the cylinder into the spout 53 and from the latter into any receptacle placed beneath the spout such as the cup illustrated in phantom in Fig. 6. Once this dispensing operation is accomplished the user releases the rod to allow the spring 71 to snap the plunger back to the normal position shown in Fig. 7.

Manifestly, the construction of the container is such that the sections 50 and 55 can be disconnected one from the other to allow removal of the plate 60 and thus gain access to the plunger and the parts of the guiding support for cleaning them when required, as well as to replace them should they become worn or broken.

From the preceding description of the two forms of sugar dispensers, it will be clear that they are both manually actuated to dispense only a teaspoonful of sugar at a time, and that the principle of operation of one plunger is the reverse of that of the other because of the different springs employed and the difference in location of the inlet and the outlet openings in relation to the plungers.

Although I have herein shown and described only two forms of sugar dispensers each embodying my invention, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the spirit of my invention and the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a dispenser for granular materials, a container having a lower section of cup from provided at its upper end with a collar, and an upper section having an annular portion and a conical portion provided at its apex with a discharge opening, a collar on the lower end of the annular portion and engaging the collar of the lower section to detachably secure the two sections together, an annular shoulder on the inner side of the annular portion, a lower plate supported on the collar of the lower section, a rectangular frame fixed on the upper side of said plate, an upper plate supported on said frame, engaging said shoulder and spanning the upper side of said frame, the lower plate having an inlet opening therein and the upper plate having an outlet opening therein oset with relation to the inlet opening, a hollow element slidable lengthwise in said frame to occupy one position in which it registers with the inlet opening and another position in which it registers with the outlet opening, a spring in said frame for urging said element to the second mentioned position, and a rod detachably connected to said element for moving it to the first mentioned position and movable through said annular portion.

2. In a dispenser for sugar and the like', a container having a first section providing a storage chamber, and a second section providing a dispensing chamber and detachably connected to the first section; a pair of plates within and transversely of the sections between said chambers; guide means fixed to one of the plates and disposed between the plates; means within said sections engaging said plates to secure the same in fixed position therein when said sections are assembled and to allow removal thereof` when said sections are detached one from the other; one of said plates provided with an inlet opening communicating with the storage chamber, and the other of said plates provided with an outlet opening communieating with the dispensing chamber and offset with relation to the inlet opening; a plunger movable in the guide means to actuate either of two extreme positions and removable from the guide means when said sections are detached from each other, the plunger having a tubular element which in one extreme position of the plunger registers with the inlet opening and in the other extreme position of the plunger registers with the outlet opening; a spring within said guide means for urging the plunger to and a rod detachably connected to References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS McLellan May 18, 1909 6 Penck et al. July 18, 1911 Thomas Mar. 17, 1914 Cooper Oct. 4, 1932 Wooster Apr. 18, 1933 Biazzi et al. Apr. 30, 1935 Rothstein Feb. 28, 1939

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