WO2006023794A2

WO2006023794A2 - Condiment shaker

Info

Publication number: WO2006023794A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/029662
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher John Schuster; Daniel J. Reed
Original assignee: Sure Shake, Llc
Priority date: 2004-08-19
Filing date: 2005-08-19
Publication date: 2006-03-02
Also published as: WO2006023794A3

Abstract

A condiment shaker (70) may include a flip top lid (118) having pins (122) configured to travel through dispensing openings (124) in the shaker top (120). The condiment shaker (70) may include an inner container (112) that may be inserted into an outer container (116). The inner container (112) contains the condiment and may be removed and replaced during refilling. The inner container (112) may include a base (114) to lend support to the containers (112, 116) when assembled.

Description

CONDIMENT SHAKER

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to containers for dispensing materials stored therewithin, and more particularly, to shakers for granular condiments.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Salt and other condiments shakers are commonly used to store and dispense salt, pepper or other spices. The shakers generally consist of a hollow container having a screw or push-on top. The top is removed while the shaker is filled with condiment. The top includes several openings through which the contained condiment can be shaken through once the top is secured.

[0003] Condiments, particularly salt, tends to absorb moisture from outside air that enters the shaker. Such moisture often imparts undesirable qualities to the stored condiment, and can among other problems, clog dispensing openings.

Protective covers used to minimize moisture can be difficult and inconvenient to manipulate. For instance, caps having pins to clean the dispensing holes must be screwed onto a shaker to remove debris. This requirement is inconvenient for the user and prone to spills.

[0004] There is therefore a need for an improved condiment shaker. SύMfflefrVWIiS lrtf feMiβn

[0005] The present invention provides an improved condiment shaker having a flip top lid that includes pins or other projections positionable into dispensing holes. More particularly, an embodiment of the condiment shaker includes a hollow container configured to hold a condiment or other material to be dispensed. The container includes an opening configured to allow the through flow of the material from within the container.

[0006] A container top integral with the container includes an opening configured to allow the through flow of the material. The container top may be attached and/or integrally configured with the container. A flip top lid is biased against the container top. The flip top lid includes a projection positioned on an underside lid surface that opposes the container top. The projection is configured to travel through the opening in the container top.

[0007] The flip top lid pivots on an axis, and a handle of the condiment shaker permits opening of the flip top lid with one hand. The shape of the projection may be configured to mate with the shape of the opening. This feature helps seal moisture out and condiment material in. The surface of the container top may be contoured, and an inner lid surface may include contours corresponding to those of the contoured surface. This feature may thus provide further sealing. A seal made of plastic, rubber or another suitable synthetic may be positioned within the flip top lid to provide additional sealing. Fasteners may be used to optionally hold the lid in a closed or open position. [0008] The anti-clogging feature of the projections enables smaller openings because there will be less incidences of clogging. This enables more control of the amount of material that is dispensed by the condiment shaker. This feature further enables finer granularity of the material, such as a finer salt. [ObWj ΑffiorøpΦffliodiment includes an apparatus comprising an outer container and an inner container configured for holding and dispensing condiment material. At least a portion of the inner container is configured to fit within the outer container, and the inner container includes an opening configured to allow the through-flow of the material while at least a portion of the inner container is within the outer container.

[0010] In one embodiment, the inner container includes a base configured to stabilize the outer container when the inner container is positioned within the outer container. In such a case, the outer container includes an aperture configured to allow the through-flow of the material from the opening of the inner container. As such, the inner container may be positioned inside the outer container through a second aperture in the outer container. Where desired, the inner container may screw into mating threads positioned along the inside surface of the outer container. The inner container may alternatively snap into the outer container, or may snugly fit or otherwise reside within the outer container. As such, the inner container and the base may cooperate to stabilize the outer container, e.g., hold the outer container upright.

[0011] Another feature of the invention allows the inner container to function as an insertable refill cartridge. For instance, the inner container may be positioned inside the outer container. When a seal (if present) of the inner container is broken, the condiment material may flow out of the resultant opening in the inner container. In one application, the hole in the seal may be made by a projection from a lid biased towards a top surface of the outer or inner containers. The projection may be positioned on an underside surface of a flip top lid. The inner container may further include an extension that extends out from a length of the inner container and rests on a mating surface of the outer container. Such an ^"extfeft&ϊdrilήi^'ay iiπffldieSJpthat rests on a top surface of the outer container when the inner container is inserted into the outer container.

[0012] The base and/or inner container features enable appealing outer containers that would otherwise be unstable or impractical to implement. For instance, an outer container may include a figurine that might otherwise be incapable of standing upright without the base. Such features of the present invention also allow materials to be used in constructing the outer container that are not conventionally used in salt shakers because the construction material is not sturdy enough or the salt could contaminate or otherwise require the construction material to be cleaned. For instance, the containment of the condiment provided by the inner container may allow for the incorporation of electronics in the outer container. Circuitry incorporated into the outer container may include lights and/or audio from a speaker for added affect. Another feature may include an automated moveable part, such as an arm of a figurine comprising the outer container. Another aspect of the invention may include a flip top lid biased towards a top surface of the container. The lid may include a projection positioned on an underside surface of the flip top lid that is configured to travel through the opening in the container top. A grip handle may be attached to the container so that a user may hold the grip handle and operate the flip top lid using the thumb of the same hand used to grip the handle. Where desired, the container top may be slid over the top portion of the container. The container top may alternatively be manufactured integrally with the container.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention includes a hollow container configured to hold and dispense a condiment, wherein the apparatus includes a prong configured to mechanically rotate about an axis within the hollow container. The rotation of the prong may agitate the material, for instance, to loosen material ihatllMisdimis, s^'tiacKMillSe ϊiside of the container or other material. To this end, the apparatus may include gears and other mechanical structures to accomplish rotation of the prong.

[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent during the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Fig. 1 shows a condiment shaker having a flip top lid with projections that travel through openings in the shaker top.

[0016] Fig.2 shows a cross-sectional view of the condiment shaker of Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2 with the flip top lid in the open position.

[0017] Fig.3 shows a cross-sectional view of the condiment shaker of Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2 with the flip top lid in the closed position.

[0018] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional perspective of a condiment shaker similar to that shown in Fig. 1, but without an inner lid or contoured dispensing surface.

[0019] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional perspective of a condiment shaker similar to that shown in Fig. 1 , but with a fastener configured to hold the lid in an open position.

[0020] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional perspective of a condiment shaker of

Fig. 5 in a closed position.

[0021] Fig. 7 shows an outer container having a flip top lid and an inner container positioned inside the outer container.

[0022] Fig. 8 shows disassembled inner and outer containers similar to those of Fig. 7. lϊOOESp OS Figϋ Qliδlπiwsϋthe flip top lid of Fig. 8 with projections that travel through openings in the top surfaces of the outer and inner containers.

[0024] Fig. 10 shows another embodiment having inner and outer containers.

[0025] Fig. 11 shows the flip top lid of the container combination of Fig. 10.

[0026] Fig. 12 shows a condiment container having a plurality of prongs configured to rotate within the container.

[0027] Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the container of Fig. 6 taken along line 7-7.

[0028] Fig. 14 shows a condiment shaker having a flip top lid configured to slide over and mate with a hollow container portion that is configured to hold condiment material.

[0029] Fig. 15 shows a condiment shaker having a flip top lid.

[0030] Fig. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the condiment shaker of Fig.

15.

[0031] Fig. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the condiment shaker of Fig.

15 with the flip top lid locked in the open position.

[0032] Fig. 18 shows another cross-sectional view of the condiment shaker of Fig. 15 with the flip top lid locked in the closed position.

[0033] Fig. 19 shows a disassembled condiment shaker comprising a flip top lid, an insertable inner cartridge container, and an outer container.

[0034] Fig. 20 shows the plurality of inner containers attached for storage and transport.

[0035] Fig. 21 shows a condiment shaker having a grip handle.

[0036] Fig. 22 shows a user holding the condiment shaker of Fig. 21. 1 DέffgliϋedlDlesenilDtrfoini^f, tWe Invention

[0037] Fig. 1 shows an improved condiment shaker 10 that includes a flip top lid 12. The flip top lid 12 includes projections 14 that are configured to travel through openings 16 in a container top 18. To this end, the lid 12 shown in Fig. 1 is biased towards the container top 18 such that the projections 14 reside in the openings 16 until the lid 12 is flipped opened by a user 21. That is, the flip top lid

12 is generally biased closed. While one skilled in the art will appreciate that other biasing mechanisms may be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention, a spring 19 is used in the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0038] When the flip top lid 12 is in a closed position as shown in Fig. 3, the projections 14 function, in part, to clear the openings 16 of any material 20 that might otherwise clog the openings 16. When in an open position, as shown in

Figs. 1 and 2, condiment or other material 20 contained within a hollow container

22 may be shaken out of the shaker 10 through the openings 16 in the container top 18.

[0039] The anti-clogging feature of the projections 14 enables smaller openings 16 because there will be less incidences of clogging. This enables more control of the amount of material 20 that is dispensed by the condiment shaker 10.

This feature further enables finer granularity of the material 20, such as a finer salt.

[0040] The container top 18 as shown attaches to the flip top lid 12 via an elongated pivoting fastener 24. The spring 19 wraps around the pivoting fastener

24 and communicates with spring stops 25a and 25b. The flip top lid 12 is thus configured to rotate relative to the container top 18 along an axis defined by the pivoting fastener 24.

[0041] As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the container top comprises part,,l)f:::a!^'Mp;,1-8iilrøiiicl;:;»l2i!that form a combination configured to attach to the container 22. The container top 18 attaches onto the container 22 in any manner known in the art, for instance, using mating threaded surfaces 26, 28 respectively, as best shown in Fig.2. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a container top of another embodiment may attach via a snapping action or other known fastening mechanism. Moreover, the container top may be manufactured integrally with the container. The container top 18 may further be unfastened from the container 22 to allow refilling of the material 20 inside the hollow container 22. One skilled in the art will recognize that the container of another embodiment may be alternatively filled via another opening.

[0042] A contoured surface 30 of the container top 18 is raised circumferentially around the openings 16. Corresponding recesses 32 inside an inner lid surface 34 of the flip top lid 12 are aligned and otherwise mate with the contoured surface 30 to form a seal. The inner lid surface 34 may be constructed from plastic, metal, rubber or any synthetic material, as may be the projections 14, lid 12 and container top 18. Inner lid surface may be attached to and/or may be manufactured integrally with the flip top lid.

[0043] The projections 14, themselves, may function to seal the openings 16 when the flip top lid is in a closed position, as shown in Fig.3. Moreover, a seal 36 included within the flip top lid 12 functions to keep air and moisture away from the material 20 within the container 22. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the seal 36 may comprise any material configured to prevent dispersion of moisture, but is typically made of rubber. A lid lip 38 disposed circumferentially around the flip top lid 12 extends over the container top 18 when closed. These features, alone and in combination, act to keep moisture and other contaminants from the material. In one embodiment, the condiment shaker 10 is water resistant and/or Ifødttdtøra E!i;$ua'l!fMMi| may have particular application in outdoor settings, e.g., backpacking, camping, military manoeuvres, etc.

[0044] In addition to keeping moisture out of the contents of the container

22, the projections 14, lid 12 and other physical features of the invention additional function to keep the material 20 inside the shaker 10. That is, an embodiment of the present invention is also spill proof.

[0045] The shaker 50 shown in Fig. 4 is similar to that shown in Figs. 1-3, but features a smooth top surface 52. Likewise, the underside surface 54 of the flip top lid 56 is un-contoured. No structure comparable to the rubber seal 36 of Fig. 1 is included in the embodiment of Fig. 4.

[0046] The shaker 50 shown in Fig. 5 is similar to that shown in Figs. 1-3, but features a fastener configured to hold the lid 12 in an opened position. As such, the fastener comprises an extension 58 and a recess 60 configured to temporarily receive and secure the extension 58, as shown best in Fig. 6. While the snap action of the ball-catch fastener shown in Figs. 5 and 6 may have particular application in certain embodiments that are consistent with the principles of the invention, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other fasteners useful in holding the lid of another embodiment may alternatively be employed, such as those fasteners including latches or magnets, as are known in the art. [0047] Fig.7 shows an improved condiment shaker 70 that includes an inner container 112 comprising a base 114. The inner container 112 is configured to slide or otherwise fit within an outer container 116, as shown in Fig. 7. The inner container 112 may be full of condiment material, e.g., salt. The inner container 111 may be removed, e.g., by snapping into or by screwing into the outer container 116, as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 8. The base 114 functions in part to stabilize the containers 112, 116. That is, the outside container 116 may rest on or Bø^' ftftH» iO p^'ϊac^'€irøβMise and/or inner container 112. While a base 114 is shown in Fig. 7, one skilled in the art will appreciate that an inner container need not have a base.

[0048] The condiment shaker 70 shown in Fig. 7 includes a flip top lid 118 that is biased towards a top surface 120 of the outer container. That is, the flip top lid 118 is generally biased closed. While one skilled in the art will appreciate that other biasing mechanisms may be used in accordance with the principals of the present invention, a spring 119 is used in the embodiment of Fig. 8. [0049] As shown in the embodiment of Fig.9, the flip top lid 118 may include projections 122 that function, in part, to clear apertures 124 and openings 126, respectively, in either or both containers 116, 112.

[0050] The condiment material inside inner container 112 may be covered with a container cover 128 having openings 130 to allow the condiment material to be dispensed from the inner container 112. During refilling, the cover 128 may be taken off to allow the user to refill the inner container 112. During such a refill operation, the inner container 112 is removed from the outer container 116 for ease of access. The cover 128 shown in Fig. 7 includes openings 130 that comprise raised or contoured surfaces. Where desired, the inner container 112 may include no cover, or alternatively, a break or tear-away cover. In one embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the projections 122 of the lid 118 may be used to puncture a disposable seal 132 to create openings 126. [0051] Fig. 10 shows another embodiment of a condiment shaker 140 that includes an insertable inner container 142 having a base 144. The inner container 142 rests inside an outer container 146 having a flip top lid 148. The base 144 and other physical features of the inner container 142 thus cooperate to stabilize, e.g., to hold upright, the outer container 146. Among other benefits, the inner container

.tttIi!!dit§kiiciitainer 146 from corrosion, soiling and other adverse effects that could otherwise result from exposure to the material contained in the inner container 142.

[0052] Fig. 11 shows in greater detail the flip top lid of the condiment shaker

140 of Fig. 10. The cover 147 of the lid includes raised apertures149 to facilitate the flow of material from the inner container 142 and the outer container 146. When the flip top lid 148 is in a closed position as shown in Fig. 9, the projections 147 function, in part, to clear the apertures 149 of any material that might otherwise clog the apertures 149. When in an open position, as shown in Fig. 11 , condiment or other material may be shaken out of the shaker 140 through the openings 143 in the inner container 142 and the apertures 149 in the container top 145.

[0053] The anti-clogging feature of the projections 147 enables smaller apertures 49 because there will be less incidences of clogging. This enables more control of the amount of material that is dispensed by the condiment shaker 140. This feature further enables finer granularity of the material, such as a finer salt. [0054] These features, alone and in combination, act to keep moisture and other contaminants from the material. In one embodiment, the condiment shaker 40 is water resistant and/or waterproof. Such a feature may have particular application in outdoor settings, e.g., backpacking, camping, military manoeuvres, etc.

[0055] In addition to keeping moisture out of the contents of the container

142, the projections 147, lid 148 and other physical features of the invention additional function to keep the material inside the shaker 140. That is, an embodiment of the present invention is also spill proof. [005iϊ^':::!_' !iI!! !»,Thi: ^ll:MiiiliQUJ:ifecl surface of the container top 145 is raised sircumferentially around the apertures 149. Though not shown in Fig. 11 , corresponding recesses inside an inner lid surface of the flip top lid 148 may be aligned and otherwise mate with the contoured surface of the top 145 to form a seal. The lid may be constructed from plastic, metal, rubber or any synthetic material, as may be the projections 147 and rest of the container 140. [0057] The projections 147, themselves, may function to seal the apertures

149 and openings 143 of the inner container 142 when the flip top lid is in a closed position, as shown in Fig. 10. Moreover, a seal may be included within the flip top lid 148 functions to keep air and moisture away from the material within the shaker 140. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the seal may comprise any material configured to prevent dispersion of moisture, but is typically made of rubber. [0058] Fig. 12 shows a condiment shaker 160 having a plurality of prongs

162 configured to rotate about an axis 164. The prongs 162 are shown attached to a structure 166 that may comprise or may otherwise communicate with a gear. The gear structure 166 is configured to rotate the prongs 162 in response to movement of the attached structure 166. In one embodiment, the structure 166 may be moved when a user grips the shaker 160 along a ridged bottom surface 168 to cause the structure 166 and associated prongs 162 to move. Movement of the prongs 162 may help break up, grind, and/or mix material within the condiment shaker 160, such as cheese or sugar, for instance.

[0059] Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the condiment shaker 160 shown in Fig. 12 taken along line 7-7. A rivet 169 may be used to attach the structure 166, which is used to communicate rotational forces to the prongs 166, to the shaker container 167.

[0060] yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy [006,1]S 0¹S Figiitg BiSMsIt a condiment shaker 180 having a flip top lid 182 that includes a cover portion 184. The cover portion 184 is configured to slide over and attach to a base portion 186 of the condiment shaker. To this end, contoured or angled threads 188 inside the cover 184 cooperate with mating threads 190 on the outside surface of the base portion 186 to secure the cover 184. In one embodiment, the threads comprise rubber, plastic or another flexible material that allows the threads to slide over one another. This feature facilitates ease of lid 182 removal and replacement, while providing a secure lid fastener. [0062] Fig. 15 shows a condiment shaker 200 having a flip top lid 202 and a hollow container 204. As shown in Figs. 16-18, the lid 202 includes a spring 206, and is configured to be locked into place by corresponding catches 203 and 205. The catches 203 and 205 cooperate when the lid 202 is flipped open such that the lid 202 remains in a locked and open position. While the locking mechanism Figs. 16-18 may have particular application in certain embodiments that are consistent with the principles of the invention, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other fasteners useful in holding the lid of another embodiment may alternatively be employed, such as those fasteners including latches or magnets, as are known in the art.

[0063] Fig. 19 shows a condiment shaker 220 having a flip top lid 222 and an inner container 224 configured to fit inside an outer container 226. The inner container 224 contains condiment material 228 and may be sealed with a removable seal 230. Inner container 224 includes extensions 232, or lips, that extend away from the length of the inner container 224 and rest on a concentric, upper surface 234 of the outer container 226. One skilled in the art will appreciate that another suitable extension may be located along an intermediate surface along the length of the inner container 224. As shown in Fig. 19, the seal 230 may iβ^'" piϊyϋ¹ Sf/(iiif5 liiirfόtBfer embodiment, the seal 230 may be punctured or otherwise broken away to allow access to the condiment material 228. [0064] When replacing the inner container 224, a user may unscrew or otherwise remove the flip top lid 222 that had secured the inner container 224 in place. The user may then remove the inner container 224 and replace it with a new inner container once the material 228 in the first container has been used. A user consequently does not have to pour salt or other material 228 when refilling the condiment shaker 220. This feature further helps prevent stagnant salt that can result at the bottom of a shaker using conventional refilling techniques. [0065] Fig.20 shows a plurality of inner containers 240 attached along their sides as a unit 242. A user may thus store, transport or break away sections of the unit 242 as needed.

[0066] Figs. 21 and 22 show a condiment shaker 250 that includes a grip handle 252 in addition to a flip top lid 254. A lever portion 256 of the lid 254 may be manipulated by a user's thumb as that user pulls the shaker using the grip handle 252 with the same hand of that thumb. Such a feature may provide further convenience for dispensing condiments.

[0067] It should be understood that features of the inner container provide a sort of universal insert that may be packaged, used and/or sold with universal sleeves configured to accept the inner container. Users may thus use the same inner container with different outer containers of different designs and colors, e.g., outer containers associated with different seasons, sports teams or caricatures. [0068] While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail in order to describe a mode of practicing the invention, it is not the intention of Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended IaI W^:Mliέb '"clitiJϊlER.αnrthstance, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any ariations of a handle may be accomplished in accordance with the principles of the present invention, including a handle that extends down towards the base of the container. The lid of another or the same embodiment may incorporate a strap, button snap, spring and hook mechanism or other fastener to further secure the lid in a closed position when not in use.

[0069] While the embodiments are described above in the context of condiment dispensing, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present invention may apply to other materials. For instance, the features of the present invention may apply equally to dispensing material that includes liquids and powders, e.g., pancake syrup and baby powder. It should be further understood that the projections are configured to allow customizable flow of the material through the openings according to how far the user allows the projections to be inserted into the openings. This feature allows for more precise material dispensing by a user. Additional advantages and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will readily appear to those skilled in the art. [0070] What is claimed is:

Claims

dispensing a material comprising: a hollow container configured to hold material; a container top attached to the container and including a top surface having an opening configured to allow the through-flow of the material; and a flip top lid biased towards the top surface of the container, the lid including a projection positioned on an underside surface of the flip top lid and configured to travel through the opening in the container top.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a handle attached to the flip top lid.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the handle permits opening of the flip top lid with one hand of a user.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flip top lid pivots on an axis.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container top is integral with the container.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container top is removable from the container.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the projection is configured to mate with the corresponding shape of the opening.

ThI IpφNiafjils of claim 1 wherein the flip top lid is biased using a spring.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flip top lid includes a seal.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container top includes a contoured surface.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the underside surface of the flip top lid is contoured to mate with the contoured surface of the container top.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the flip top lid includes a lip configured to extend over the container top.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a fastener configured to secure the flip top lid in a closed position.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the fastener includes a snap mechanism.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second fastener configured to secure the flip top lid in an opened position.

16. An apparatus for dispensing a material, comprising: an outer container; and an inner container configured to hold the material, wherein at least a )0^'rtιώ^ή"dfttlϊie^,Hitnigf βaj5itiaιiϋi6r is configured to fit within the outer container and the nner container includes an opening configured to allow the through-flow of the material while at least the portion of the inner container is within the outer container.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the inner container further includes a base configured to stabilize the outer container when the inner container is positioned within the outer container.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the outer container further includes an aperture configured to allow the through-flow of the material from the opening of the inner container, and wherein the inner container is positioned inside the outer container through a second aperture in the outer container.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the inner container is configured to screw into mating threads positioned along an inside surface of the outer container.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the inner container is configured to snap into the outer container.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the inner container and the base cooperate to stabilize the outer container.

22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the outer container further includes an aperture configured to allow the through-flow of the material from the >pdhlrtg Wttoe imftφft φiM∑Sfier.

23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the inner container is manufactured in connective relationship to a second inner container prior to use.

24. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a flip top lid biased towards a top surface of the outer container, the lid including a projection positioned on an underside surface of the flip top lid and configured to travel through an aperture in the outer container top.

25. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the inner container further comprises an extension that extends out from a length of the inner container and rests on a mating surface of the outer container.

26. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the inner container further includes a breakable seal that is broken to form the opening in the inner container.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein a lid attached to at least one of the inner and outer container is configured to break the seal to form the opening.

28. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the inner container is configured to be replaced and the outer container is configured to be reused.

29. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the outer container includes circuitry configured to operate at least one of a light, a speaker and an automated moveable part.

50. An apparatus for dispensing a material comprising: a hollow container configured to hold material; a container top located proximate a top portion of the container and including a top surface having an opening configured to allow the through-flow of the material; and a flip top lid biased towards the top surface of the container, the lid including a projection positioned on an underside surface of the flip top lid and configured to travel through the opening in the container top.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising a grip handle attached to the container and configured to allow a user to hold the grip handle with a hand and to operate the flip top lid using a thumb the hand.

32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the container top is configured to slide over the top portion of the container.

33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the container to is manufactured integrally with the container.

34. An apparatus for dispensing condiment material comprising: a hollow container configured to hold and dispense condiment material; and a prong configured to mechanically rotate about an axis within the hollow container to agitate the material. 35 The£ϊφ|38liratEfe of claim 34, further comprising a gear in communication with the prong and configured to cause the prong to rotate in response to at least one of manual or automatic manipulation of the gear.