WO2009012429A1

WO2009012429A1 - Portion dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2009012429A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/070422
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith E. Antal; Chad E. Lagace
Original assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-07-18
Filing date: 2008-07-18
Publication date: 2009-01-22

Abstract

A dispenser is provided for dispensing a controlled portion of a granular or similar product. The dispenser includes a reservoir chamber, a measurement chamber and a dispensing spout. The reservoir chamber stores product. The spout is aligned with the measurement chamber to allow product to pass from the measurement chamber to a dispensing opening in the dispenser. A ramp is provided for directing flow from the reservoir chamber into the measurement chamber through a fill opening. The ramp, fill opening and defined measurement chamber serve to control the flow of product directed into the measurement chamber and to dispense a consistent quantity through the spout.

Description

PORTION DISPENSER

Related Application

[0001] The present application claims priority from US provisional application No. 60/959,956, filed July 18, 2007; said application being herein incorporated by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to the controlled dispensing of granular material or the like.

Background of the Invention

[0003] The problem of consistently dispensing measured quantities or portions of product from a container or package has been the subject of numerous efforts. The products contained within such dispensers are typically powdered, granular or pellet material. Possible granular materials include food seasonings, such as salt, pepper, sugar, cinnamon, or other spices, household cleaners such as carpet cleaners, lawn care chemicals and fertilizers, ice melting substances, such as road salt, particulate materials used in the building industry, such as cement, stone dust or sand, particulate material used in the manufacturing industry, such as concentrates in plastic or colorants in wax, and other similar materials. Pellet items may also include food items, such as rice, nuts, oats, candy, etc. for purposes of the description herein, the material groups shall be generally referred to as granular.

[0004] It is often desirable to dispense granular materials or product in a measured quantity. However, many times the intended portion may not be repeatedly delivered. For example, if the dispenser is shaken or toppled, the portion may grow, thus dispensing a greater quantity than desired. Furthermore, when the dispenser is tilted to pour the measured portion, the unmeasured product in the bulk reservoir may flow into the measured portion, which again affects the dispensed portion size. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A dispenser is provided for delivering a controlled portion of a granular or similar material or product. The dispenser includes a reservoir chamber and a measurement chamber. The measurement chamber is in communication with the reservoir chamber through a fill opening. A spout is aligned with the measurement chamber for discharge of the measured product from the measurement chamber. A ramp is provided, which slopes from the reservoir chamber toward the fill opening and the measurement chamber. The ramp, fill opening and defined measurement chamber serve to fix the quantity of product directed into the measurement chamber and to dispense a consistent portion through the spout.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show forms of the invention that are presently preferred. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise argument and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. [0007] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention.

[0008] Fig. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the dispenser taken along line 2-2 in Fig. 1.

[0009] Fig. 3 is a further cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the dispenser of Figs. 1 and 2.

[00010] Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view of the further embodiment of the dispenser of the present invention.

[0010] Figs. 5A and 5B show cross sectional views of a further embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention.

[0011] Figs. 6A and 6B show cross sectional views of a still further embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention.

[0012] Figs. 7A and 7B show cross sectional views of another embodiment of the dispenser according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0013] Referring now to the drawings, where like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in Figs. 1-3 an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser in accordance with the present invention. The dispenser embodiment in these figures is identified by the numeral 10. The dispenser 10 can be used to dispense a measure quantity of product, such as a granular or similar material. Suitable materials for constructing the dispenser 10 include, but are not limited to, paper or plastic.

[0014] The dispenser 10 includes a container having a top wall 12, a bottom wall 14 and sidewalls 16 there between. The dispenser 10 defines a reservoir chamber 18 within the interior of the top wall 12, the bottom wall 14 and the sidewalls 16. As more particularly shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a measurement chamber 24 is included within the dispenser 10, adjacent the reservoir chamber 18. Positioned above the measurement chamber 24 is a spout 26. The spout 26 extends vertically from the top wall 12 to a position adjacent a feed ramp 20. As illustrated, the spout 26 is formed by a spout wall 27 and a portion of the sidewall 16. The spout wall 26 serves to guide product from the measurement chamber 24 to the dispensing opening 28 within the top wall 12. A hinged cap is provided adjacent the opening 28.

[0015] The measurement chamber 24 is defined by a measurement wall 32 extending vertically from the bottom wall 14. The measurement chamber 24 is also defined in part by the sidewall 16. The measurement wall 32 includes a top edge 34 that is spaced from a bottom edge 30 of the spout wall 27. A fill opening 36 is defined between the spout 26 and measurement chamber 24. The fill opening 36 allows product to move from the reservoir chamber 18 into the measurement chamber 24.

[0016] In Figs. 2 and 3, the spout wall 27 and the measurement wall 32 are shown to be aligned. However, the position of the measurement chamber and the spout can be altered as desired, both vertically and horizontally within the dispenser. Moreover, the opening may be moved vertically upward or downward as desired within the dispenser. The distance between the top edge of the measurement wall and the bottom edge of the spout wall can also be varied as desired, thereby varying the size of the fill opening and the flow of product into the measurement chamber.

[0017] The ramp 20 includes multiple surfaces to direct product from the reservoir 18 into the measurement chamber 24. Starting at the top edge 34 of the measurement wall 32, a first angled surface 38 is defined. The angle of surface 38 can be varied as desired to speed up or slow down the sliding action of product into the measurement chamber 24 at the tail end of the ramp 20. A step 42 is positioned between the angled surface 38 and an initial or inlet ramp surface 40. The step 42 is a vertical wall positioned substantially parallel to the spout wall 27 and is contemplated to form a restriction between the initial ramp surface 40 - A -

and the angled surface 38. The step 42 forms a chute to guide product onto the angled surface 38 and into the measurement chamber 24. The ramp 20 encircles the spout wall 27. The size of the chute formed between the spout wall 27 and the step 42 may be restricted by flares 46 (Fig. 2) which connect the ramp surface 40 and the sidewall 16, adjacent the spout 26. Thus, the chute formed around the spout wall 27 as shown does not extend from sidewall to sidewall on opposite sides of the spout wall 27. The flares 46 are used to direct product positioned adjacent the sidewall 16 of the reservoir chamber 18 into the chute. The flares 46 are preferably angled, with their dimensions dependent on the desired flow rate into the fill opening 36 during charging of the measurement chamber 24.

[0018] A baffle or lip 54 is positioned at the base of the spout 26, at the transition between the measurement chamber 24. In Figs. 2 and 3, the lip 54 is angled upwardly into the spout 26, with its bottom edge connected to the edge 30 of the spout wall 27. The lip 54 extends partially across the opening into the spout 26, permitting product to pass into the spout 26 from the measurement chamber 24, but performing a flow restriction. The contemplated baffle member may be angled upwardly (such as lip 54 in Figs. 2-3), downwardly or extend horizontally across the opening (such as lip 54' in Fig. 4). The lip 54 (and 54') serves to restrict the speed of flow from the measurement chamber 24 into the spout 26, and thus rate of discharge out of the dispensing opening 28.

[0019] The hinged cap 22 is positioned adjacent the dispensing opening 28 on the top wall 12 of the dispenser 10. The cap 22 is pivotally fixed to the top wall within a depression 44 formed in the top wall 12. One end of the cap 22 is pushed into the depression 44, causing the opposite end to pivot upwardly, away from the dispensing opening 28. In Fig. 1, the cap 22 is shown in the closed position. In Figs. 2 and 3, the cap 22 is shown in the open position. Means (not shown) may be provided to resist the opening of the cap 22, requiring the application of an opening force. Other means for closing the dispensing opening may also be provided.

[0020] Referring to Fig. 4, the structure of the dispenser 10' is generally the same as that shown in Figs. 2 and 3. A drop wall 48 is provided adjacent the ramp 20, restricting the size of the reservoir chamber 18. The drop wall 48 may be positioned at any height along the sidewall 16 to adjust the size of the reservoir chamber 18. The drop wall 48 extends from the sidewall 16 of the container to the ramp 20 and forms the bottom of the reservoir chamber 18. The drop wall 48 may be positioned at any height above the bottom of the dispenser. The drop wall 48 may be generally perpendicular to the sidewall 16 or may be sloped in the direction of or away from the ramp 20.

[0021] In operation, the dispenser 10' is normally positioned vertically as illustrated in Figs. 1-4. The product (generally shown in Fig. 3) is positioned within the reservoir chamber 18 Rotating the dispenser 10' to an inverted position moves the product within the reservoir chamber 18 from the bottom wall 14 to a position adjacent the top wall 12 and in contact with the spout wall 27. Returning the dispenser 10' to a normal vertical position, moves the product adjacent the spout wall 27 on to the ramp 20, through the chute adjacent step 42, over the angled surface 38 and into the measurement chamber 24. Based on the form of the ramp 20, including the initial ramp surface 40, the step 42 and the angled surface 38, plus the size of the fill opening 36, control of the amount of product that moves into the measurement chamber 24 is achieved. The interrelationship of these elements defines a substantially fixed amount of product that can move into the measurement chamber 24. At best, the measurement chamber 24 can fill up to the level of the bottom edge 30 of the spout wall 27. Another vertical rotation of the dispenser 10 will move the product in the measurement chamber 24, past the lip 54 and into the spout 26. Once past the lip 54, the product can move through the spout 26 and out of the dispensing opening 28, assuming that the cap 22 is in the open position.

[0022] One of the differences in operation between the embodiment of Figs. 1-3 and the variation shown in Fig. 4, is related to the positioning of the drop wall 48. Because the wall 48 is positioned adjacent the ramp 20, product will start to move from the reservoir chamber 48 into the fill opening 36 upon a slight tilt of the dispenser 10'. Moving the drop wall 48 vertically with respect to the upper end of the ramp 20 varies the angle that is necessary to move product onto the ramp 20. The amount of product within the reservoir 18 may also affect the amount of tilt that is required to move product to the measurement chamber 24. The restriction created by the flare 46 and the chute created by step 42 further affects the flow of product into the measurement chamber.

[0023] In the embodiment shown, the bottom edge 30 of the spout wall and the top edge 34 of the measurement wall form a restriction at the fill opening. In addition, the lip 54' serves to restrict the flow of material from the measurement chamber 24 into the spout 26. This control of the flow is intended to slow the dispensing speed, so that a large bulk of material does not move all at once through the dispensing opening 28. [0024] As shown in Figs. 1-4, the spout 26 is partially defined by the spout wall 27 and the measurement wall 32 and the spout wall 27 are positioned inwardly of the sidewall 16. It is contemplated that a separate spout and/or measurement chamber can be provided adjacent to the reservoir chamber. Thus, communication between the reservoir chamber and the measurement chamber may be created through a fill opening extending through the sidewall of the dispenser. Alternately, the measurement chamber may be fully defined within the interior volume of the dispenser, with the measurement wall completely surrounding the measurement chamber.

[0025] The ramp 20 and its associated flares 46 serve to direct the product from the reservoir chamber 18, into the chute (defined by step 42 and the spout wall 27), down the angled surface 38 and through the fill opening 36. Movement of product through the fill opening 36 is created by gravity once the dispenser 10, 10' is tilted to move the product in the reservoir chamber 18 to a position over the initial ramp surface 40. Once the dispenser 10, 10' is returned to its normal vertical position, additional product flows back into the reservoir chamber. The product remaining on the ramp 20 moves down the chute, through the fill opening 36 and into the measurement chamber 24. It is contemplated that the space between the ramp 20 and the spout wall 27 substantially corresponds to the desired quantity of product to be discharged. This quantity will normally fill the measurement chamber. [0026] A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 5A and 5B. The dispenser 110 includes a top wall 112, a bottom wall 114 and sidewalls 116, which combine to define a reservoir chamber 118 for product. A ramp 120 is positioned at one side of the reservoir chamber 118 and includes an initial ramp surface 140, a step 142 and an angled surface 138. The initial ramp surface 140 is positioned within the reservoir chamber 118 at the top of the ramp 120, with the ramp directing product toward a fill opening 136 (discussed in more detail below).

[0027] A measurement chamber 124 is defined by a measurement wall 132, which is spaced from the sidewall 116. Positioned within the measurement chamber 124 is a movable member or slider 150, capable of axial movement within the measurement chamber 124. In Fig. 5A, the slider 150 is shown in a first position that is relatively downward within the measurement chamber 124, such that slider openings 152 are aligned with the measurement wall 132 and a portion 156 of the slider wall blocks the fill opening 136. In Fig. 5B, the slider 150 is moved upwardly to a second position in the measurement chamber 124, such that the slider openings 152 are in communication with the fill opening 136. Thus, the product within the reservoir chamber 118 can move down the ramp 120 and into the measurement chamber 124. Communication between the measurement chamber 124 and the spout 126 permits product to move outwardly of the dispenser 110 through the dispensing opening 128. A baffle or lip 154 is provided at the bottom end of the spout 126 and extends inwardly from the spout wall 127.

[0028] Operation of the dispenser 110 is similar to that in the prior embodiments. Product positioned within the reservoir chamber 118 can be moved onto the ramp 120 by inversion of the dispenser 110 and then returning it to its normal upright position. Product moving down the ramp 120 moves towards the fill opening 136, upon return to the normal upright position. The slider 150 controls movement of the product into the measurement chamber 124. If the slider 150 is positioned in the up position, the slider openings 152 communicate with the fill opening 136 and product can move into the measurement chamber 124 (Fig. 5B). If the slider is moved downwardly, the fill opening 136 is blocked by the blocking wall portion 156 of the slider 150 and product on the ramp 120 remains within the reservoir chamber 118, positioned along the angled surface 138, chute wall 142 and ramp surface 140.

[0029] Once product is positioned within the measurement chamber 124, inversion of the dispenser 110 moves the product past the lip 154, into the spout 126 and through the dispensing opening 128. A hinged flap 122 is positioned on the top wall 112 of the dispenser 110 to further control discharge of the product from the dispenser 110. [0030] As in the prior embodiments, the hinged cap 122 may be normally closed and may require an opening force to be placed on one end to open the cap 122. One end of the cap is moved into the depression 144 in the top wall 112 to open the other end of the cap 122 upwardly. Alternatively, the pivoting cap 122 may react to gravity and thus open once the dispenser 110 is inverted. In addition, the slider 150 may be frictionally engaged within the space defined between the sidewall 116 and the measurement wall 132. Alternatively, a spring force may be utilized to position the slider 150 normally in the first or closed position (Fig. 5A), requiring a force to be applied upwardly on the slider to align the slider openings 152 with the fill opening 136 (Fig. 5B).

[0031] An access opening is provided in the bottom wall 114 of the dispenser 110. A cap 158 is provided in the access opening to seal the reservoir chamber 118. The cap 158 may be removable if desired to permit refilling of the dispenser 110. The cap 158 may also be sealed into place after filling product in the reservoir 118.

[0032] In Figs. 6A and 6B, a further embodiment of the dispenser is illustrated and is generally identified by the numeral 210. The dispenser 210 includes a top wall 212, a bottom wall 214 and a sidewall 216 that together define a reservoir chamber 218. A ramp 220 is provided within the reservoir chamber 218. The ramp 220 includes a ramp surface 240 at its top end, a connecting step 242, and an angled surface 238 that feeds a fill opening 236 (Fig. 6B). The measurement chamber 224 is positioned below the bottom end of a spout 226, formed by spout wall 227. The spout wall 227 is rotationally movable within the discharge opening 228 formed in the top wall 212.

[0033] In Fig. 6A, the spout wall 227 is shown in a first position wherein a blocking wall portion 256 at the lower end of the spout wall 227 covers the fill opening 236, blocking the flow of product from the reservoir 218 into the measurement chamber 224. In Fig. 6B, the spout wall 227 is rotated to a second position, such that a spout opening 252 is aligned with the fill opening 236. In this second position, there is communication between the reservoir 218 and the measurement chamber 224. The spout wall 227 is rotationally positioned within a depression 244 within the top wall 212 of the dispenser 210. Rotation of the spout wall 227 within the depression 244 positions the blocking wall 256 in alignment with the fill opening 236 or positioning the spout opening 252 adjacent the fill opening 236. [0034] In the present embodiment of the dispenser 210, the spout 226 is positioned within the interior of the reservoir 218 such that the sidewall 216 does not form a portion of the spout 226. This construction may be modified to more closely resemble the embodiments of Figs. 1-5B in this regard. Alternatively, the dispensers 10, 10' and 110 may be provided with a spout that is spaced from or inward of the sidewall 16, 116. Similarly, the measurement chamber 224 is aligned with the spout 226 and is spaced from the sidewall as in dispenser 210. A lip, such as lip 54, 54' and 154, may also be provided within the spout 226. Further, a rotating spout wall 227 may be incorporated into the embodiments of Figs. 1-5B to further control the flow of product into the measurement chamber.

[0035] In Figs. 7A and 7B, a further embodiment of a dispenser 310 as illustrated. The dispenser 310 includes a top wall 312, a bottom wall 314 and a sidewall 316, defining a reservoir chamber 318. A spout 326 is formed by a spout wall 327, which is secured within a depression 344 within the top wall 312. The spout wall 327 projects inwardly through the reservoir chamber 318 to communicate with a measurement wall 332, which forms a measurement chamber 324.

[0036] A ramp 320 is formed in the reservoir chamber 318 and feeds a fill opening 336 into the measurement chamber 324 (Fig. 7B). The ramp 320 includes a ramp surface 340 at the top, a step 342 and an angled surface 338, which communicates with the measurement wall 332.

[0037] In Fig. 7A, a leader 350 is provided within the spout 326. The leader 350 extends into the spout 326 and terminates in a movable blocking wall 356, which in a first position covers the fill opening 336 between the ramp 320 and the measurement chamber 324. As illustrated in Fig. 7B, the leader 350 can be pulled upwardly through the spout 326 to peel the blocking wall 356 away from the fill opening 326. It is contemplated that the leader 350 can be fully removed from the interior of the spout 326, once the dispenser is initially opened. Alternatively, the leader 350 may be connected to a hinged flap which forms the blocking wall 356 and selectively opens the fill opening 336 by placing the moveable wall 356 in its second position.

[0038] A lip 354 is positioned within the spout 326 at the bottom end of the spout wall 327, adjacent the fill opening 336. The spout wall 327 is fit internally within the measurement wall 332 to secure the structure. The spout 326 may be rotatable, such as that defined by the embodiment in Fig. 6A and 6B. Thus, the spout wall may selectively open communication between the ramp 320 and the measurement chamber 324. [0039] In the present embodiment, the dispenser 310 is actuated by inversion, forcing the product in the reservoir chamber 318 toward to top wall 312. Upon returning to the normal upright position, the product moves in the direction of the ramp 320 and a portion thereof is caught by the angled surface 340, directed toward the chute wall 342, on to the angled surface 338, and toward the fill opening 336. Initially, the blocking wall 356 is positioned over the fill opening 336, preventing product from moving into the measurement chamber 324. Once the leader 350 is pulled, the blocking wall 356 moves away from the fill opening 336, permitting product to move down the ramp 320 and into the measurement chamber 324. Upon reinversion of the dispenser 310, the product in the measurement chamber 324 can move past the lip 354, through the spout 326 and out of the dispensing opening 328. [0040] Again, the spout wall 327 and measurement wall 332 are positioned within the interior of the reservoir chamber 318, with the sidewall 316 not forming a portion of the discharge structure. This arrangement may be modified such that the sidewall forms a part of the spout and/or the measurement chamber, as in the embodiments of Figs. 1-5B. [0041] The operation of the dispenser embodiments 10, 10', 110, 210 and 310 are essentially the same. The product is retained in the reservoir chamber and moved to the area above the fill opening, along the ramp, upon inversion and repositioning of the dispenser. Product moves by means of gravity through the fill opening into the measurement chamber, once the fill opening is free of the restrictions of the blocking walls 156, 256 and 356. The ramp in each embodiment generally defines the quantity of product that will fill the measurement chamber. The measurement chamber also defines the maximum amount of product that will be discharged. The tilting of the dispenser will move product from the measurement chamber into the spout and out of the dispensing opening. The restriction formed by the ramp, chute and flares serves to control the flow of material in the measurement chamber. Restriction of the flow through the spout and back into the reservoir chamber serves to fix the quantity of product dispensed.

[0042] As illustrated, the dispenser may include a generally circular or oval configuration. However, any suitable shape and arrangement is possible. The sidewalls are not required to be curved and the relevant position of the measurement chamber and spout within the dispenser can be varied as desire. Different product material may require different geometries to control the flow of product into the measurement chamber and different dosages may be desired for any given product.

[0043] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A dispenser comprising: a container defining a reservoir chamber for retaining a quantity of product to be dispensed; a measurement chamber position adjacent to the reservoir chamber; a spout extending vertically from the measurement chamber to a dispensing opening in the container; a fill opening for directing product from the reservoir chamber into the measurement chamber; and a ramp sloping from the reservoir chamber and communicating with the fill opening, the ramp and fill opening forming a flow restriction between the reservoir and measurement chambers, the restriction permitting product flow from the ramp into the measurement chamber and restricting flow from the measurement chamber back into the reservoir chamber.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the spout is defined by a spout wall and the sidewall of the container.

3. The dispenser of claim 2 further comprising a chute wall forming a portion of the ramp and extending in a spaced relationship with the spout wall.

4. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the reservoir chamber is further defined by an interior drop wall positioned above the bottom of the container and forming the bottom of the reservoir chamber.

5. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein the drop wall extends horizontally across the reservoir chamber.

6. The dispenser of claim 5 wherein the end of the drop wall extends perpendicular to the sidewall and is attached to the ramp.

7. The dispenser of claim 5 wherein the drop wall is sloped.

8. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising one or more flares extending from the spout wall to the ramp for directing product on to the ramp.

9. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a dispensing chamber cap pivotally connected to the top wall of the container and selectively covering the dispensing opening.

10. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a flow restriction positioned between the measurement chamber and the spout to restrict the speed of discharge flow out of the measurement chamber.

11. The dispenser of claim 10 wherein the spout flow restriction comprises a baffle extending into the spout from a wall thereof.

12. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a moveable member positioned at least partially within the measurement chamber, the moveable member having a first position closing the fill opening and a second position permitting flow through the fill opening into the measurement chamber.

13. The dispenser of claim 12 wherein the moveable member is axially slidable within the measurement chamber to define the first and second positions.

14. The dispenser of claim 12 wherein the moveable member is rotatable to define the first and second positions.

15. The dispenser of claim 14 wherein the moveable member is rotatably supported within the spout.

16. The dispenser of claim 14 wherein the moveable member defines a spout tube and is rotatably positioned at one end within the discharge opening.

17. The dispenser of claim 12 wherein the moveable member comprises a gate positioned over the fill opening and a tether fixed to the gate, the tether acting to selectively displace the gate from the fill opening.

18. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the container is generally cylindrical.

19. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the spout and the measurement chamber are aligned vertically within the container.

20. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the spout is formed separately from the sidewall of the container.