US2941701A - Measuring dispenser - Google Patents

Description

u 21, 1960 R. B. STIEWING EI'AL A 2,941,701

MEASURING DISPENSER Filed April 28. 1958 FIG. 7

Anni-ml A E INVENTOR RICHARD B. STIEWING CHARLES H. HURLIMAN, JR. FIG. 5 BY 6 ATTORNEY FIG. 4

UIliwd statg P WASURJNG DISPENSER Richard B. Stiewing, 122 Wheeler Ave., Bridgeport,

Conn., and Charles H. Hurliman, in, Stoekbridge.

Road, Great Barrington, Mass. Filed Apr. 28,1958, Ser. No. 731,248

3 Claims. or. 222-409) This invention relates to dispensing means, and more particularly to novel measuring dispensing attachments for containers of powdered materials, .while concurrently providing a novel moisture seal cap for said containers.

The art of packaging has become a particularly important one especially in this era wherein most commodities are packaged for sale. The prime objective of any form of packaging is the protection and/or preservation of the material so packaged. When the material packaged is of a powdered or granular nature the packaging problems are multiple, since good and etiicient packaging must provide means to prevent loss of flavor, prevent the admission of moisture and concurrently provide for ease of access to the powdered or granular con tents.

The various forms of vacuum packed containers, or,

sealed screw-top containers are perfect for preventing loss of flavor or admission of moisture, but once such containers are opened, all protection of such packaging is lost. Further, material is usually dispensed from such containers by ladling out the contents with a spoon, which results in a great deal of waste due to spillage and inaccurate measures.

Considerable advance in the art of cap-like measuringdispensers has been made as evidenced by United States Letters Patents #1,-345,865, issued to R. H. Little, #1,584,336, issued to C. L. Walker, and #2,805,799, issued to J. K. Hileman.

The present novel invention is directed to a combination moisture seal measuring-dispensing cap for containers, particularly powdered or granular containers used I for packaging such articles as instant coffee, soap, seasoniugs, or medicines. The novel cap measuring-dispenser of the present invention represents considerable advance in the art of such devices since it simply and inexpensively provides for a positive moisture seal .cap concurrently with an eflicient and easily operated measuringdispenser, which adds no material increase to the exter- Itis therefore a primary object of the present inven}.

tion to provide novel cap means for containers.

Another object of this invent-ion is to provide novel measuring-dispensing means 'for containers.

A further object of the present invention is to provide containers of powdered or granular materials with a novel combined moisture-protecting cap and measuringdispensing device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide containers of powdered or granular materials with a novel combined moisture protectingcap and measuringdispensing device which does not materially increase the external dimensions of the containers.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide-containers of powdered or granular materials with 2,941,701 Patented June 21, 1960 ice which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and eas-' ily and positively operated.

These and other objects of the present novel invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims when read in conjunction with the attached drawing wherein:

a Figure l is a top plan view of the novel dispensing assembly of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary elevational view of the novel dispensing cap of the present invention shown mounted upon the top of a container;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of the novel dispensing cap and container shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the slide mechanism of the novel dispensing assembly; 7

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 I of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the outer or cap member of the present novel dispensing cap assembly;

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along the line of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the novel internal barrier member of the present novel dispensing cap assembly;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the novel internally mounted measuring member of the novel dispensing cap assembly;

Figure 10 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line 10-10 of Figure 2.

As heretofore briefly described the present novel invention is directed to a structure for providing containers of powdered or granular material with a combined moisture seal cap and measuring-dispensing device. Basically, the structure comprises a measuring member mounted within the mouth of the container which coacts with an internally mounted transfer member for measuring and effecting transfer of a material to be dispensed. An outer member serves as the primary cap member and also as an actuator for the transfer member, which effects transfer of the material from measuring position to dispensing position. A novel gate or slide intermediate the outer member and transfer member serves to connect openings in these respective parts when in their dispensing position to permit easy dispensing of the material.

Turning now to the drawing and particularly to Figures 1, 2, and 3, a detailed description of the novel'dispensing and measuring cap assembly of the present invention will now be particularly described. The novel dispensing-measuring device of the present invention, generally designated by the numeral 2i}, is designed to pre cisely measure and positively dispense powdered articles fromaa container 22. The novel dispensing cap 20 of the present invention is adapted to be easily mounted on any type of container; namely, aglass, plastic, or metallic container; and in addition, the present novel dispensing-measuring device is so designed as to add no greater dimensions to the present containers on the market.- That is, the entire measuring and dispensing mechanism of the present invention is substantially mounted within the neck of the container 22, as clearly 3 seen in the sectional drawing of Figure 3', and as generally indicated by the numeral 24.

The novel measuring and dispensing device of the present invention comprises -four basic elements; namely, outer cap member generally designated A, inner measuring member, generally designated B, barrier member C, and slide member, generally designated D. All of these members can be suitably and easily formed out of readily available sheet metal, waxed cardboard, or out of readily available plastics.

Turning now to Figure 6, details of construction of novel outer cap member will now be particularly described. As clearly seen in Figure 6 and Figure 7 cap member A is of generally cylindrical construction hav ing a substantially closed end 26 and a substantially open end 28. The cylindrical surface of cap member A adjacent to open end 28 is provided with a series of convolutions or threads 30, as clearly seen in Figure 7, for purposes of attaching cap member A to a container, such as container 22. Substantially closed end 26 of cap memher A is provided with a formed protuberance or boss 32, the inner surface 34 of which forms a bearing surface for a purpose which will hereinafter be more particularly described. Also formed in substantially closed end 26 of cap member A is anarcuate or segmental opening 36 located on one side of formed boss or protuberance 32, for purposes of dispensing the media contained within container 22 as will hereinafter be more particularly described. Cap A is preferably formed from a. good quality sheet metal.

Turning now to Figures 4 and 5, novel slide member D' will now be particularly described in connection with the disclosures of Figures 6 and 7 of outer cap member A. Slide member D is formed of a suitable thin sheet metal, waxed cardboard, or plastic and generally comprises a substantially semi-circular body portion 38, having an oppositely disposed semi-circular portion 40 at its center, as clearly seen in Figure 4. A raised or formed boss 42 is formed on the center of semi-circular portion 40 to serve as a bearing surface to engage surface 34 of cap A as will hereinafter be more particularly described. Substantially adjacent one. intersection or corner of curved edge 48 and straight edge 44 there is mounted an upstanding slide pin 46 for actuation of slide member D.

Turning now to Figures 8 and 3, the novel details of barrier member C and internal measuring member Dwill be consecutively described. As clearly seen in Figures 8 and 3 barrier member C comprises a circular planar body portion 54) having an upstanding peripheral flange 52. On one side of a diameter of body portion 50 there is formed in barrier member C an opening 54 of the exact dimensrons and configuration of opening36 in cap member A. integral with and mounted on a diameter of body portion 50 and extending vertically downward, therefrom, is a straight barrier member 56 whose extent is exactly equivalent to the inner diameter of measuring member D so that there is close sliding fit between barrier member 56 and the inner Walls of measuring member B, as will hereinafter appear. Measuring member B, clearly illustrated in Figures 3 and 9, comprises a cylindrically downwardly extending body portion 58 provided at its upper end with an outwardly extending peripheral flange portion (it) which overlies the lip 62 of container 22 as clearly seen in Figure 3. The outer diameter of cylindrical body portion 58 is a pressed 'or snug fit Within the internal,

diameter 6% of the mouth of container 22. The interior wall of body portion 58 is also cylindrical as indicated by the numeral 66, and wall 66 has a close sliding fit with diametrically extending transverse barrier member 56.

The lower end of body portion 58of internal measuring member B is substantially closed by end 68, and to one side of adiameter of end member '68 there is formed an aperturefo'r opening 78- exactly conforming in size and shape toopenings 36 of cap member A and opening 54 4?, of barrier member C. Both members B and C may be formed from suitable sheet metal, waxed cardboard, or plastic, and peripheral flange 60 is preferably glued or otherwise suitably secured to lip 62 of container 22.

Returning once again to Figure 7, in conjunction wlth Figure 10, a novel stop mechanism will now be particularly described, which serves the purpose of locating the barrier member C in its desired position for measuring, and finally for dispensing. As clearly seen in Fig ure 7, a tab 72 is formed in a side wall or in one of the convolutions 3a of cap member A adjacent open end 28. This tab is formed by cutting along the lines 74 thereby leaving the tab attached to the convolution 30 only at point 76. Cap A is fully threadedly mounted on container 22 and then backed off 180 to align tab 72 with slot 78 cut in the lowermost thread of container 22. Tab 72 is then inwardly bent to cooperate with a slot or groove 78 in one of the threads 80 of container 22. The operation of tab 72 and slot 78 will be more particularly described hereinafter.

Turning now to Figure 3 a detailed description of the novel assembly of the present invention will now be particularly described. As clearly seen in Figure 3 internal measuring member B is mounted within the mouth of container 22 so that outer diameter 58 of internal member B snugly fits within internal diameter 64 of bottle or container 22, with the peripheral lip of flange 60 overlying lip 62 of container 22. For perfect sealing flange 60 can be glued or otherwise secured to lip 62. R0- tatable barrier member C is then mounted on top of peripheral flange or lip 60 with the integral barrier member 56 extending downwardly into internal diameter 66 of measuring member B and contacting the inner surface of end portion 68 of measuring member B. As heretofore noted transverse barrier member 56 is a line on line sliding fit with internal diameter 66 of measuring member B, so that none of the material contained within the container can pass between the diameter 66 and transverse barrier member 56, as will hereinafter appear. Flange 52 of barrier C bearingly and rotatably engages the upper surface of flange 60 of measuring member B. The upstanding flange portions 52 of rotatable barrier member C serve to space external cap member A away from the upper surface of barrier member C to define a space 82, as clearly seen in Figure 3; the purpose of space 82 being to permit the mounting of rotatable slide member D therein. Rotatable slide member D is mounted on surface 50 of rotatable barrier member C with the raised portion 42 in bearing engagement with bearing surface 34 of raised portion 32 of external cap member A. It will be noted that openings 36 and 54 of cap member A and rotatable barrier C, respectively, are located diametrically opposite to opening 70 of internal measuring member B, the purpose of which will be described more in detail in conjunction with the operation of this novel measuring and dispensing cap'. After slide D is mounted cap A is then mounted on container 22 and the upper surface of flange 52 can be glued or otherwise suitably fitted or fixed to cap A' to rotate therewith, for a purpose which shall appear.

As clearly seen in Figure 3, with the assembly as therein shown barrier 56 defines essentially two diametrically opposed compartments 84 and 86, which are completely separated from each other by means of transverse or diametrically extending barrier 56, which we 7 shall call for purposes of description the first position.

When it is desired to measure and dispense some of the contents 88 Within container 22, cap member A and consequently barrier member C are reversely or counterclockwise rotated degrees until tab 72 engages slot 78, then the container 22 is tipped upside down so that the material 88 passes through opening 70 in internal passes into and fills chamber 84.. It should be noted here that a unique function per;

mittedby the novel structural features of thisdispensing cap permits free pouring of the material in container 22 rather than measured dispensing, if so desired. This function is accomplished by merely rotating slide member to the open position when openings 36, 54, and 70 are in an aligned position. It will readily be appreciated when these openings are so aligned and slide member D is moved to an open position the granular material in container 22 can be permitted to readily fiow, therefrom, thus this novel measuring and dispensing cap not only provides a measuring device but further permits free flow non-measuring dispensing if so desired. To continue, for measured dispensing, once chamber 84 is completely filled, cap member A and consequently rotatable barrier C are rotated clockwise 180 degrees until cap A is fully threaded once again which limits further rotation. This clockwise rotation of cap member A and rotatable barrier C serves to rotate transverse barrier member 56 which in a sense sweeps the contents in chamber 84 in a 180 degree path to transfer the contents of chamber 84 to the position of chamber 86, as shown in Figure 3. Once this transfer of the material 88 from chamber 84 to chamber 86 is effected, the material 88 in chamber 86 is essentially isolated from the interior of the container 22, and then chamber 86 is opened for dispensing by rotating slide member 38 about pivot portion 42 by means of upstanding pin-46. The connecting of openings 36 and 54 permit material 88 in chamber 86 to pass from the dispensing cap for purposes of use. Once the material 88 has been so dispensed slide 38 can be moved to close openings 36 and 54 and the cap can then be rotated backwards or counter-clockwise 180 degrees to then permit admission of another measured amount of material 88 to chamber 84 for subsequent dispensing.

It will be readily seen from the foregoing that this novel measuring and dispensing cap adds no appreciable dimensions to the container, since the major portion of the dispensing mechanism is located downwardly within the mouth of container 22 as clearly illustrated in Figure 3. The rest of the elements of this dispensing device are maintained as thin as possible commensurate with sufiicient strength foroperation, 'so that no great increase in the dimensions of container 22 are thereby effected, and which easily and efliciently serves to measure precise amounts and permit easy dispensing thereof, while concurrently providing a rigid vapor proof seal for the contents 88 remaining within the container 22. A well known paper tear sheet not shown can be either mounted on the upper surface of cap A covering opening 36 or on the upper surface of barrier C, beneath slide D, covering opening 54. This paper sheet provides further protection for contents 88, of container 22, from moisture.

It will be readily appreciated from the foregoing that there is herein disclosed and described a novel combined moisture seal cap and 'measuring dispensing device for containers of powdered or granular material which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and which is also positively effortlessly operated to permit free flow of material or to give accurate measured-dispensing.

This invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. In a measuring dispenser for powdered or granular materials mounted on an open end of a container, a thin walled cylindrical receiving member having 'an open upper end, mounted on and extending substantially wholly within the open end of said container; a thin disc transfer v 6 element overlying the container end and receiving member and having a rigid thin walled divider member extending into and dividing said receiving member into a pair of substantial separate chambers; access openings in said receiving member and transfer element disposed on opposite sides of said divider member when said transfer member is in a first position; a thin-walled cylindrical threaded cap member solely defining the maximum outer limits of said dispenser mounted on and completely enclosing the open end of said container, selectively rotatable between two positions, and having an access opening in register with said access opening in the transfer element; said cap and transfer element unitarily rotatable between two positions, whereby a granular material in one chamber is transferred to the other chamber; and a movable thin closure plate intermediate said cap and transfer element selectively movable between open and closed positions to register and separate the access openings in said cap member and transfer element, whereby when granular material is transferred to said other chamber and said closure plate is selectively moved to open position the granular material in said other chamber may be dispensed therefrom through the registered access openings of said cap member and transfer element.

2. In a measuring dispenser for powdered, or granular materials mounted on an open end of a container, a thinwalled cylindrical open end receiving member immovably mounted on and substantially wholly within the open end of said container; a thin transfer disc overlying said open container end and receiving member and having a rigid thin-walled divider member extending into and diametrically across said receiving member defining a pair of substantially separate chambers in said receiving member; access openings in said receiving member and transfer disc disposed on opposite sides of said divider member when said transfer disc is in a first position; a thin-walled cylindrical threaded cap member solely defining the maximum outer limits of said dispenser mounted on and completely enclosing the open end of said container; an access opening in said cap member in congruous overlying relation with said access opening in the transfer disc; said cap member and transfer disc unitarily selectively movable between two positions, whereby, granular material in one of said chambers is transferred to the other of said chambers; a thin closure plate disposed intermediate said cap member and transfer disc between the access openings therein, and selectively movable between two positions to connect and disconnect the access openings in said cap member and transfer disc, whereby when granular materials are in said other chamber said closure plate is selectively movable to open position to permit said granular material to be dispensed through said connected access openingspand cooperative stop means on said container and cap member at one of said positions to limit rotation of said cap member and transfer disc to said one position.

3. In a measuring dispenser for powdered or granular materials mounted on and substantially wholly within the open end of a container, a thin walled cylindrical receiving member having an open upper end mounted on and substantially wholly within the end of said container; a thin transfer disc overlying said open container end and receiving member and having an integral diametrically extending rigid thin-walled divider extending wholly into and dividing said receiving member into a pair of substantial semi-cylindrical separate chambers; access openings, in said receiving member and transfer disc disposed on opposite sides of said divider when said transfer disc is in a first position; a thin-walled cylindrical threaded cap member defining the sole and maximum outer limits of said dispenser mounted on and completely enclosing the open end of said container; said cap member and disc unitarily selectively rotatable between two positions; access openings in said cap member and transfer disc over- '3 lying congruous relation with each other; a thin selective cooperative stop means on said container and cap member ly movable closure plate selectively disposed intermediate at one of said positions to' limit rotation of said cap said cap member and transfer disc between said access member and transfer disc to said one position. i opening selectively movable between two positions to r V alternately selectively connect and disconnect said access 5 ReferencesCited in the fileof this patent opemngs 1n sald transfer disc and can member; sa1o (use UNITED STATESVPATENTS and cap member movable to one position and said closure 7 plate moved to open position to align all of said access 1,752,720 Bergelson Apr. 1, 1930. openings and unlimited immeasurable quantities of granu- 2,584,781 Beatty Feb. 5, 1952 lar material can be dispensed from said container; and 10 2,805,799 Hileman Sept. 10, 1957'

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