WO2022255856A1

WO2022255856A1 - A powder dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2022255856A1
Application number: PCT/MY2021/050042
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kui Vun WONG
Original assignee: Wong Kui Vun
Priority date: 2021-06-03
Filing date: 2021-06-03
Publication date: 2022-12-08
Also published as: CN116896997A

Abstract

This invention relates to a powder dispenser (200) comprising a housing (40), a revolving receptacle (30) having a plurality of circumferentially positioned compartments (33) for containing powder, a cover (20) and a rotating means (10) operatively connected to the revolving receptacle. The powder dispenser (200) is further provided with a ratchet for generating an audible "click" noise that indicate a predetermined degree of rotation has been achieved while also impeding inverse rotational movement of the rotating means (10), when the dispenser is in use.

Description

A POWDER DISPENSER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a dispenser for dispensing a specific amount of powder contained therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART A conventional powder dispenser is a container having 3 to 5 stackable compartments. Normally, these compartments are stacked by way of screwing a compartment on top of another. The top compartment is provided with a detachable dispensing cap. To fill this prior dispenser with powder, a user must unscrew and detach all the compartments, then fill each compartment with pre-measured portions of powder (e.g. with a measuring spoon), and finally screw the compartments back one on top of another. In use, the powder contained in the top-most compartment will be dispensed first. Then, the empty top compartment will be unscrewed and reattached to the bottom compartment. The dispensing cap is detached from the empty top compartment and reattached to the second compartment. Now, the dispenser is ready for its next use. The same procedure is applied to the subsequent compartments. When the powder in all compartments have been dispensed, the powder refilling steps are repeated. Use of such a dispenser is troublesome and inconvenient. The amount of powder to be dispensed is limited because it is dependent on the number of compartments provided with the dispenser.

Another conventional powder dispenser is a cylindrical container having multiple sectorshaped compartments and a rotatable dispensing cap having a spout. Normally, the dispensing cap is attached to the container by way of friction-fitting. In use, premeasured portions of powder are filled into each compartment. To dispense, a user rotates the dispensing cap until the spout is aligned with the compartment filled with the powder. To rotate the dispensing cap, a slight force is required to overcome the friction between the dispensing cap and the container. An accurate rotation is difficult to achieve most of the time, either resulting in over- or under-rotation, where the spout does not align with the intended compartment correctly. As with the previous conventional dispenser mentioned above, the amount of powder to be dispensed with this prior dispenser is also limited because it is dependent on the number of compartments provided with the dispenser.

To overcome the shortcomings of these conventional powder dispensers, there are various types of improved dispensers in the market.

US 2,877,937 relates to a measuring dispenser comprising essentially of an outlet cap having a discharge passage, a metering member having a plurality of compartments which are spaced apart circumferentially about a central axial bearing passage, and an inlet cap having an inlet passage. The outlet cap, the metering member and the inlet cap are stacked and mounted together through a coaxial shaft such that the outlet cap, the inlet cap and the shaft can be rotated relative to each other when the dispenser is in use. The discharge passage is positioned diametrically opposite the inlet passage. During a dispensing operation, the compartment diametrically opposite from the one that is discharged is being filled while the compartment between the one being discharged and the one being filled remains filled with the material and closed at both ends.

The outlet cap is provided with a detent to engage the indentations provided on the periphery wall of the metering member. The engagement of the detent and indentations indicates that the discharge passage and the inlet passage are in proper alignment with their respective compartments.

US 3,308,995 relates to a dispensing device that essentially comprises of a cylindrical outer shell having a lower wall with a dispensing port and a shaft provided thereon, a cylindrical inner tubular member having a plurality of compartments, and a sector shaped cover plate.

The inner tubular member is rotatably fitted within the outer shell with the dispensing port in register with one of the compartments. The cover plate is positioned above the tubular member to cover the registered compartment and several adjacent compartments. The cover plate and the outer shell are operatively interconnected via the shaft so that they will rotate together. In use, the assembly is secured to a container, where the container is operatively interconnected with the inner tubular member so that they will rotate together.

By inverting the container, the compartments which are not covered by the cover plate will be filled with material. Then, by holding the outer shell and rotating the container, one of the filled compartments will be aligned with the dispensing port thereby allowing the material to be discharged. Thus, by unidirectional rotation, the material will be sequentially discharged from the compartments and simultaneously, the emptied compartments will be sequentially filled.

US 7,086,564 B1 relates to a dispenser with an audible dose signal. The dispenser comprises essentially a barrel for holding the material to be dispensed, a drive mechanism for pushing the material out from the barrel and an audible signal mechanism which is built into the drive mechanism.

The drive mechanism includes a feed screw which is operatively connected to an elevated cup and a plurality of bumps. The audible mechanism includes a plurality of splines coupled to the bumps. In use, the feed screw is rotated to cause the upward movement of the elevated cup, which in turn pushes the material out from the barrel. Movement of the feed screw radially moves the bumps. As the bumps contact and move over the splines, an audible "click" noise is produced denoting a predetermined dosage. US 2,877,937 and US 3,308,995 provide dispensers that enable continuous and simultaneous refilling and dispensing of powder material. Due to their structural configuration, the continuous and simultaneous refilling and dispensing mechanism can only be achieved if the dispenser is rotated unidirectionally. However, there are no features in these dispensers to maintain unidirectional rotation and prevent inverse rotational movement. A user that simply rotates the dispenser in any direction will spoil the refilling and dispensing mechanism. Consequently, the user will most likely encounter an empty compartment or would need to rotate the dispenser several times to encounter a properly filled compartment. Moreover, the dispensers in the prior art do not have any features to prevent over rotation. In use, powder dispensers are usually in an inverted position. During the course of rotation, if a user has over-rotated the dispenser, the discharge opening would have traveled pass a compartment. This results in the material of the earlier compartment being not fully dispensed. Hence, the volume of material dispensed into a cup or a bottle is no longer accurate.

This invention thus aims to alleviate some or all of the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a powder dispenser that comprises a housing having a curved wall and a base with a discharge opening, a revolving receptacle having a plurality of circumferentially positioned compartments, a cover having a charge opening, and a rotating means operatively connected to the revolving receptable.

The revolving receptacle is rotatably disposed within the housing and the cover encloses the revolving receptable within the housing.

The powder dispenser further comprises corresponding interlocking members. The corresponding interlocking members are disposed on the rotating means and the revolving receptacle, enabling unified rotational movement of the rotating means and the revolving receptacle.

The powder dispenser further comprises a rachet disposed on the rotating means and the housing, enabling generation of an audible noise while impeding reverse rotational movement of the rotating means, when the powder dispenser is in use.

The ratchet may comprise a click and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart ledges. The click may be provided on the rotating means while the ledges may be provided on the curved wall of the housing, where the ledges are engageable by the click as the rotating means is rotated, thereby generating an audible sound while also impeding rotational movement of the rotating means inversely.

In an embodiment, the rotating means may be an open-ended cylinder having a first annulus, a second annulus, and a third annulus. Each of the annulus may have identical diameter but be of different thickness. The annuluses may be integrally coupled in sequence. The rotating means may comprise a partially covered groove for attachment of the click. The partially covered groove may be provided on the second annulus of the rotating means.

According to an embodiment, the click may be a substantially U-shaped structure having a minor arm and a major arm. The length of the minor arm may be substantially longer than the portion of the partially covered groove.

The major arm may have a forearm segment being structured to be projecting outwards, enabling the tip of the forearm segment to be in contact with the ledges and the curved wall of the housing.

The number of the circumferentially spaced apart ledges corresponds to the number of the compartments provided in the dispenser.

In an embodiment, the corresponding interlocking members may comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart first protruding ridges and second protruding ridges disposed on the rim of the rotating means and the rim of the housing, respectively.

The rotating means may further comprise a stopper for impeding inverse rotation of the rotating means. The stopper may be disposed on the second annulus of the rotating means and may be spaced apart from the click by the arc length of a compartment.

In an embodiment, the rotating means and the housing may further comprise a plurality of pairs of corresponding indicators. The number of the indicators corresponds to the number of the compartments in the dispenser.

In another embodiment, the rotating means may be separately provided on the dispenser.

The powder dispenser may further comprise a container and an end cap having a spout for easy dispensing of the powder contained in the compartments. In yet another embodiment, the rotating means may be integrally provided on the container.

The present invention seeks to overcome the problems of the prior art by providing a dispenser which is easy to use and operate when refilling and dispensing powder from the dispenser.

To refill and to dispense powder from a container, of which the dispenser of the present invention is attached to, a user simply rotates the rotating means of the dispenser. No additional steps or tools are required.

When one compartment is dispensing the powder, another compartment is being simultaneously refilled with powder. This ensures the continuous supply of powder from the compartment that corresponds with the discharge opening.

Further, when in use, the structural configuration of a dispenser of the present invention advantageously provides a mechanism for avoiding over-rotation of the dispenser. At the same time, it also prevents inverse rotation of the dispenser. An audible "click" noise generated provides an indication to a user that rotation is complete.

All the above features assist a user to reach the intended compartment of the dispenser precisely.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated, although not limited, by the following description of embodiments made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a powder dispenser of the present invention attached between a container and an end cap.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the powder dispenser of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rotating means of the powder dispenser of the present invention.

Figure 4 is another perspective view illustrating the rear of the rotating means of Figure 3, where the attachment of the click within the partially covered groove according to the present invention is visible.

Figure 5 is a side view of the rotating means of Figure 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional top view of the rotating means of Figure 3.

Figure 7 shows a click according to the present invention.

Figure 8 shows the sequential steps of how the click is attached to the partially covered groove according to the present invention.

Figure 9 is a top perspective view of the cover of the powder dispenser of the present invention. Figure 10 is a top view of the cover of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of the cover of Figure 9. Figure 12 is a bottom view of the cover of Figure 9.

Figure 13 is a side view of the cover of Figure 9.

Figure 14 is a top perspective view of the revolving receptacle of the powder dispenser of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a top view of the revolving receptacle of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a bottom perspective view of the revolving receptacle of Figure 14.

Figure 17 is a top perspective view of the housing of the powder dispenser of the present invention.

Figure 18 is a top view of the housing of Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a bottom perspective view of the housing of Figure 17.

Figure 20 is a bottom view of the housing of Figure 17.

Figure 21 is a side view of the housing of Figure 17.

Figure 22 is an exploded view showing the alignment assembly of the rotating means, the cover and the revolving receptacle according to the present invention.

Figure 23 shows the assembled rotating means, cover and revolving receptacle of Figure 22.

Figure 24 is a bottom perspective view of the assembled rotating means, cover and revolving receptacle of Figure 23. Figure 25 shows the alignment of the assembled rotating means, cover and revolving receptacle of Figure 22 slidably inserts into the housing according to the present invention. Figure 26 is a side view of the powder dispenser of the present invention.

Figures 27A to 27C illustrates a sequence demonstrating the engagement of the click with the ledges of the housing according to the present invention. Figure 28 is a top view of the powder dispenser illustrating the tip of the click is abutting a ledge while the stopper is abutting another ledge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a dispenser suitable for dispensing various types of powder, in particular milk powder, in a predetermined amount. However, the dispenser can also be used for dispensing other flowable solid materials such as dry condiments, cereal, etc. Due to its structural configuration, the dispenser is operable in a single rotational direction and is capable of generating an audible noise that indicates achievement of a predetermined degree of rotation.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the powder dispenser 200 according to the present invention where it mainly comprises a housing 40, a revolving receptacle 30, a cover 20 and a rotating means 10.

> Rotating means

A rotating means 10 connects a container 100 to the revolving receptable 30. The rotating means 10 is adapted to connect with the revolving receptacle 30 and at the same time is structured to be engageable by the ledges 43 of the housing such that rotating the rotating means 10 will result in matching rotational movement of the revolving receptacle 30 within the housing 40.

Figures 3 to 5 show a rotating means 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rotating means 10 is substantially cylindrical in shape, where the cylindrical shape is formed using three annuluses 11a, lib, 11c. Each annulus 11a, lib, 11c is arranged in sequence, each of which having an identical diameter but being of different thickness.

The first annulus 11a is a cylinder having a curved surface with the largest thickness compared to the other two annuluses lib, 11c. On the internal curved surface of this first annulus 11a, an attachment means is provided for attaching the rotating means 10 to the container 100. The attachment means in the present invention are threads provided on the internal curved surface of the first annulus 11a. Any other suitable attachment means may be employed, for example, a snap-fitting, friction-fitting, clip locking configuration, etc.

On the external curved surface of the first annulus 11a, there is provided a plurality of indicators 19 marking the location of each compartment 33 in the revolving receptacle 30. Preferably, the indicators 19 are embossed or engraved indicators, which are durable. However, any other form or shape of indicators may be used.

The second annulus lib is a cylinder having a curved surface. This second annulus lib has the smallest thickness of all the annulus and is positioned between the first annulus 11a and the third annulus 11c.

With reference to Figure 4, a section of the external curved surface of this second annulus lib is provided with a partially covered groove 14 for receiving a click 13. The click functions as a pawl of the ratchet mechanism. As the term implies, a part of the groove 14 is covered while the other part of the groove 14 is uncovered.

Further, a stopper 18 is also provided on the external curved surface of the second annulus lib. The stopper 19 is disposed at an adequate distance (arc length) from the click 13 such that it provides sufficient resistance to impede further rotation of the revolving receptacle 10. The distance between the stopper 19 and the click 13 is dependent on the size of a compartment 33. For example, for a revolving receptacle 30 having a four-quadrant compartment configuration, the distance between the stopper 19 and the attachment point of the click 13 will be spaced part by approximately 90°. The stopper 19 is an elongated hump positioned on the external curved surface of the second annulus lib according to an embodiment of this invention.

The third annulus 11c is a cylinder having a curved surface. The rim of the curved surface of this third annulus 11c is integrally provided with a plurality of first protruding ridges 15. The first protruding ridges are positioned on the rim of the curved surface of this third annulus 11c to correspond to the position of the second protruding ridges 35 of the revolving receptacle 30 so that the first protruding ridges 15 interlock with the second protruding ridges 35, thereby connecting the rotating means 10 to the revolving receptable 30. In an embodiment as shown in Figure 3, a pair of diametrically spaced apart first protruding ridges 15 are disposed at the rim of the curved surface of this third annulus 11c. Nevertheless, more ridges may be provided, for example, three protruding ridges (spaced apart by 120°) or four ridges (perpendicularly spaced apart from each other).

Due to the different thickness of the curved surfaces of the annuluses 11a, lib, 11c, a circumferential trench 17 is formed between the first annulus 11a and the third annulus 11c. The ledges 43 of the housing are engageable within the circumferential trench 17 thereby rotatably securing the rotating means 10 to the housing 40.

Optionally, the configuration of the rotating means 10 described above may be integrated into a container 100 thus forming part of the container. In such an embodiment, a separately provided rotating means is no longer necessary.

Any suitable rigid and light weight material may be used in the manufacture of the rotating means 10. Preferably, food grade plastic material which is bisphenol A (BPA) free is used such as high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like.

> Click

As mentioned in the earlier paragraph, the click 13 of the present invention functions as a pawl of the ratchet mechanism that engages corresponding teeth (i.e. the ledges 43 of the housing 40 in this instance). Together with the ledges 43, the click 13 works to prevent inverse rotational movement of the revolving receptacle 30, and at the same time generating an audible "click" noise to indicate that the revolving receptacle 30 has completed a predetermined degree of rotation.

With reference to Figure 7, the click 13 of the present invention comprises a U-shaped structure, similar to a bobby pin, having a minor arm 13a and a major arm 13b. The length of the minor arm 13a is substantially longer than the length of the section of the groove 14 which is covered, while the length of the major arm 13b is about twice the length of the minor arm 13a. Any other suitable lengths of the arms may be used.

The major arm 13b of the click is like a human arm structure, having an arm segment 13c and a forearm segment 13d. The forearm segment 13d is structured to protrude outwards from the arm segment 13c as can be seen in Figure 6, thereby enabling the tip of the forearm segment 13c to be in contact with the ledges 43 and the curved wall 45 of the housing 40.

Figure 8 shows the sequential steps of how the click 13 is attached to the partially covered groove 14 according to the present invention. First, the click 13 is placed into the uncovered portion of the groove 14. Then, the click 13 is slid along the groove 14 until the minor arm 13a is fully inserted into the covered portion of the groove, leaving only the forearm segment 13d exposed at the uncovered portion of the groove 14.

Although the click 13 of the present invention is not spring loaded to be resilient, it however can flex due to the structure of the forearm segment 13d.

In an embodiment, a grip portion 13e may be integrally provided at the edge of the minor arm 13a. The grip portion 13e enables the click 13 to be secured firmly by a user when sliding the click 13 into the groove 14. The grip portion 13e may be of any suitable shape or configuration. For example, the grip portion 13e may be a broaden tip or a projecting tip, for easy gripping by a user.

The click 13 of the present invention is made of metal. However, any suitable material may be used in the manufacture of the click 13.

The structure of the click 13 and the method of attaching the click 13 to the rotating means are not limited to the configuration described above. Any other suitable structure of the click 13 and method of attachment may be employed. For example, the click 13 may be an outwardly projecting resilient metal or plastic piece that is rivetted to the external curved surface of the rotating means 10. > Cover

The cover 20 of the present invention is circular in shape. As can be seen in Figures 9, 11 and 13, a central anchoring member 21 is integrally provided on the cover 20.

The central anchoring member 21 is a projection extending perpendicularly from the center of the cover 20. It is cylindrical in shape so that it can be slidably received within the central slot 31 of the revolving receptacle 30. The central anchoring member 21 has a hollow core 21a. The cross-sectional shape of the hollow core 21a according to an embodiment of the present invention is a substantially rounded rectangle (Figure 10). This shape is selected because it prevents rotational movement of the cover 20 when the cover is mounted to the revolving receptacle 30. In this regard, any other suitable shape that can prevent rotational movement of the cover 20 after mounting to the revolving receptacle 30 may be employed, for example, a hexagon or a square etc.

The diameter of the cover 20 is substantially less than the diameter of the revolving receptacle 30. However, the size (diameter) of the cover 20 should be sufficient to completely seal the compartments 33 to avoid leakage or spillage of the powder inside the compartments 33.

A charge opening 22 for receiving a powder from the container 100 is further provided on the cover 20. It is disposed adjacent to the central anchoring member 21. In general, the shape of the charge opening 22 corresponds to the shape of the compartments 33 of the revolving receptacle 30 which will be elaborated in subsequent paragraphs. With reference to Figure 10, the shape of the charge opening 22 is a doughnut sector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Nevertheless, it is not necessary that the shape must be correspond to that of the compartments 33. Any other suitable shape may be employed, for example, a circle or an oval. > Revolving receptacle

Figures 14 to 16 show a revolving receptacle 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The revolving receptacle 30 is essentially a cylinder having open ends and a curved surface 34. It comprises a central slot 31, and a plurality of vertical panes 32 radiating from the central slot 31 to the curved surface 34 thereby defining a plurality of compartments 33 for storing powder.

The height of the central slot 31 and the vertical panes 32 correspond to the height of the curved surface 34 of the revolving receptacle 30.

The number of vertical panes 32 determines the number of compartments 33 defined. As shown in an embodiment of Figure 15, four vertical panes 32 are employed to define a four-quadrant compartment configuration. Optionally, any other suitable number of vertical panes 32 may be employed to define the desired number of doughnut sector shaped compartments 33. The number of compartments can range from two to eight, or even more.

The shape of the compartments 33 is not limited to a quadrant or a doughnut sector. It may be any other suitable shape such as a circle, oval etc.

The size (volume) of the compartments 33 determines the amount of the powder to be dispensed from each compartment, which in turn is dependent on (a) the diameter and the height of the revolving receptacle 30, (b) the number of the compartments defined and (3) the shape of the compartments.

In any one of the above embodiments, all the compartments 33 may be of equal size or may be of varying sizes.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, one of the rims of the revolving receptacle 30 is integrally provided with a plurality of second protruding ridges 35, the position of the second protruding ridges 35 correspond to the position of the first protruding ridges 15 located on the rotating means 10. Both the first protruding ridges 15 and second protruding ridges 35 are disposed to interlock with each other. In an embodiment as shown in Figure 15, a pair of diametrically spaced apart second protruding ridges 35 are disposed at the rim on one end of the revolving receptacle 30. The end of the revolving receptable 30 where the second protruding ridges are located corresponds to the end of the rotating means 10 where the first protruding ridges 15 are provided. However, additional second protruding ridges 35 may be integrally provided in the same manner as the first protruding ridges 15. The number of the first and second protruding ridges should be the same.

A removable padding may be inserted into the compartments 33 to reduce the volume of the compartments 33. Consequently, reducing the amount of the powder that can be filled into and dispensed from the compartments 33. This feature is advantageous as it can accommodate a progressively varying amount of powder, such as progressively less or progressively more milk powder as the needs of the infant varies with age and circumstance.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the removable padding matches the shape of the compartments 33. The padding has a hollow core for receiving powder. For example, if the shape of the compartments 33 are of a four- quadrant configuration, the removable padding may be a quarter-cylinder with a hollow core. In another embodiment, if the revolving receptable 30 has cylindrical compartments that are disposed upright circumferentially, the removable padding can be a hollow cylinder disposed within the compartment.

Alternatively, the removable padding may be a solid cushion that partially occupies the compartment 33. The shape of the solid cushion corresponds to the shape of the compartment 33, but the size (thickness or height) of the solid cushion is smaller than that of the compartment, such that it can be fitted snugly at the bottom of the compartment to reduce the volume of the compartment. The size (thickness or height) of the removable padding can be varied to adjust the volume of the compartment.

Any suitable rigid and light weight material may be used in the manufacture of the inner receptacle 30 and the removable padding. Preferably, a food grade plastic material which is bisphenol A (BPA) free is used. For example, high density polyethylene, low- density polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like. > Housing

Figures 17 to 21 illustrate a housing 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The housing 40 is a cylinder that comprises an open end, a base 44, and a curved wall 45.

The diameter of the housing 40 is marginally larger than the diameter of the revolving receptacle 30, such that the revolving receptacle 30 can be removably and rotatably fitted therein.

Further, as shown in Figure 17, there is provided a central upright shaft 41 projecting from the center of the base 44 of the housing. The central upright shaft 41 consists of two parts, namely, a first part 41a and second part 41b, where the first part is attached to the base 44.

The first part 41a of the central shaft is cylindrical. The diameter of the first part 41a is marginally smaller than the diameter of the central slot 31 of the revolving receptacle, which would allow the central slot 31 to be slidably mounted and fitted thereon, while simultaneously permitting free rotational movement of the revolving receptacle 30 within the housing 40.

The second part 41b of the central upright shaft is for securing the cover 20. As explained in the earlier paragraph, the central anchoring member 21 is slidably mounted on the central upright shaft 41, where the second part 41b is fitted into the hollow core 21a. In this context, the shape of the second part 41b corresponds to the shape of the hollow core 21a of the central anchoring member, while the height of the second part 41b corresponds to or may be marginally shorter than the height of the central anchoring member 21. The width of the second part 41b is marginally shorter than the diameter of the first part 41a as can be seen in Figures 18 and 21. In such a configuration, an annular edge 41c is formed (Figure 18). When attaching the cover 20 to the revolving receptacle 30, the second part 41b of the central upright shaft 41 is slidably fitted into the hollow core 21a of the central anchoring member 21, leaving the rim of the central anchoring member 21 abutting the annular edge 41c, like a tenon and mortise joint. In this way, the annular edge 41c provides support to stabilize the cover 20.

The height of the central upright shaft 41 corresponds to the height of the central slot 30 or may be comparatively shorter than the height of the central slot 30.

The height of the first part 41a and the second part 41b of the central shaft is in the ratio of 1 : 1, or may be in any other suitable ratio, provided that the configuration enables the central upright shaft 41 to support the revolving receptacle 30 as well as the cover 20 securely.

A discharge opening 42 for dispensing a powder from the compartment 33 of the revolving receptacle is further provided at the base 44 of the housing. The discharge opening 42 is disposed adjacent to the central upright shaft 41. In general, the shape of the discharge opening 42 corresponds to the shape of the compartments 33. With reference to Figure 18, the shape of the discharge opening 42 is a doughnut sector. Nevertheless, it is not necessary that the shape must correspond to that of the compartments 33. Any other suitable shapes may be employed, for example, a circle or an oval etc.

Further, the housing 40 of the present invention is integrally provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart ledges 43, which are engageable within the circumferential trench 17 for securing the rotating means 10 to the housing 40 while simultaneously functioning as corresponding teeth for the ratchet mechanism to prevent inverse rotation of therotating means 10.

The ledges 43 are disposed circumferentially on the internal face of the curved wall 45 of the housing, preferably, at the edge 46 of the open end of the curved wall 45 (Figure 17).

The ledges 43 are uniform in size but asymmetrical in shape. The shape of the ledge according to the present invention is substantially an obtuse trapezoid, namely, each ledge has a first slope 43a which inclines moderately outwardly on one end to allow for easy movement of the click 13 along the first slope and a second slope 43b which inclines steeply inwardly on the other end for preventing inverse rotation of the revolving receptacle 30.

The number of the ledges 43 is dependent on the number of the compartments 33 of the revolving receptacle 30. For example, four ledges 43 will be provided for a revolving receptacle 30 having four compartments. In this embodiment, the four ledges 43 will be positioned circumferentially spaced apart from each other by 90°. In another example, if the revolving receptacle 30 has five equal compartments, five ledges 43 will be provided. The five ledges 43 will be positioned circumferentially spaced apart from each other by 72°.

On the external face of the curved wall 45, there is provided a plurality of indicators 49 marking the location of the ledges 43. Preferably, the indicators 49 are embossed or engraved indicators which will be highly durable. However, any other form of indicators may be used such as markings, stickers etc.

An end cap 50 having a spout and a pivotable spout lid is provided at the end of the housing 40 for easy dispensing of the powder contained in the compartments 33. The end cap 50 may be a flip-top cap or a funnel-shaped cap. The end cap 50 may be integrally or separately provided.

For a separately provided end cap50, it may be mounted to the housing 40 by way of screwing according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this context, the closed end of the housing 40 has threads for attaching the end cap. However, any other mounting means may be adopted such as snap-fitting, friction fitting, clip locking etc.

> Container

The container 100 of the present invention is essentially cylindrical in shape. However, the container 100 may be of any other suitable three-dimensional shapes such as a frusto-conical container or an hourglass shaped container. Additionally, the container 100 may be configured to comprise an attached hand grip for easy grasping of the container.

Any suitable material may be used in the manufacture of the container 100, preferably, it may be made of a food grade plastic material that is bisphenol A (BPA) free. The container 100 may be transparent, semi-opaque, opaque or coloured.

> Assembling the powder dispenser

The powder dispenser 200 of the present invention having a revolving receptacle 30 rotatable by a rotating means 10, a housing 40, and a cover 20 as described above is assembled in the manner outlined below.

With reference to Figure 22, the cover 20 is mounted on the open end of the revolving receptacle 30 where the second protruding ridges 35 are located, by slidably inserting the central anchoring member 21 into the central slot 31 of the revolving receptacle 30.

Thereafter, the rotating means 10 is positioned for mounting on the covered revolving receptacle 10 such that the first protruding ridges 15 and the second protruding ridges 35 are interlocked as illustrated in Figures 23 and 24. In this way, the rotating means 10 is operatively connected with the revolving receptacle 30. Thus, enabling matching rotational movement of the revolving receptacle 30 and rotating means 10.

Then, the assembled rotating means 10, cover 20 and the revolving receptacle 30 is slidably fitted into the housing 40 as shown in Figure 25. When fitting the central anchoring member 21, the central slot 31, and the central upright shaft 41 must be aligned in the manner where (a) the second part 41b of the central upright shaft can be inserted into the hollow core 21a of the central anchoring member, (b) the rim of the central anchoring member 21 is abutting the annular edges 46 of the first part 41a of the central upright shaft, and (c) the charge opening 22 is disposed diametrically opposite to the discharge opening 42. Once the assembled rotating means 10, cover 20 and the revolving receptacle 30 are completely fitted within the housing 40, the ledges 43 in this instance are engaged within the circumferential trench 17 of the rotating means 10 thereby securing the rotating means 10 within the housing 40 and enabling contact of the click 13 with the ledges 43, when the rotating means 10 is rotated.

The assembled powder dispenser 200 is shown in Figure 26.

> Operating mechanism of the ratchet

A ratchet is a mechanical device that generally consists of a series of teeth and a spring- loaded pivoting pawl that engages the teeth, thereby allowing rotary motion in only one direction while preventing rotation in the opposite direction.

In the present invention, the click 13 functions as a pawl and the ledges 43 function as the corresponding teeth. When the powder dispenser 200 is assembled, the ledges 43 are positioned within the circumferential trench 17 where the groove 14 for receiving the click 13 is disposed. In this way, it allows the click 13 to engage with the ledges 43 when the rotating means 10 is rotated. The ratchet operating mechanism of the powder dispenser 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated in Figures 27A to 27C.

Figure 27A shows a powder dispenser 200 with four ledges 43 positioned at the cardinal points (hereinafter denoted as north ledge, east ledge, south ledge and west ledge). At a starting position, the click 13 is circumferentially positioned in a first quadrant (quadrant I), where the first quadrant is located between the north and the east ledges. The tip of the forearm segment 13d is abutting against the second slope 43b of the north ledge.

When the rotating means 10 is rotated in a clockwise direction by 90°, the click 13 moves along the same path travelled by the tip of the forearm segment 13d along the curved wall 45 of the housing. Further rotation will cause the tip of the forearm segment 13d to slide up the first slope 43a of the east ledge and subsequently be compressed (due to space constraint) when travelling pass the east ledge (Figure 27B). Upon completion of traveling along the east ledge, the tip of the forearm segment 13d is no longer compressed and is subsequently released. When the tip hits the curved wall 45 of the housing upon being decompressed, an audible "click" noise is generated. After the noise is generated, the tip of the forearm segment 13d is abutting against the second slope 43b of the east ledge (Figure 27C).

The above operating mechanism explains how the generation of an audible "click" noise indicates that the revolving receptacle 30 has been rotated a particular degree of rotation. In this embodiment of the present invention, the degree of rotation is 90°. The same operating mechanism is equally applicable to a dispenser having a different number of compartments 33.

When a user tries to rotate the rotating means 10 in an anti-clockwise direction, the tip of the forearm segment 13d abuts against the second slope 43b of the east ledge 43, thereby wedging it against the ledge 43 and preventing any further rotation movement in that direction.

> Dispensing operation

In a clockwise manner, the powder dispenser 200 with four compartments 33 according to an embodiment of the present invention are labelled as quadrants I, II, III and IV, respectively. To operate the powder dispenser 200, it must be inverted as shown in Figure 1. The dispensing operation is described below together with the description of the operating mechanism of the ratchet in the earlier paragraphs.

Clockwise rotation starting at position 0°

Quadrant I is aligned with the discharge opening 42 of the housing while quadrant III is aligned with the charge opening 22 of the cover where the powder is filled into quadrant III through the charge opening 22. At this position, quadrants I, II and IV are empty. The click 13 is positioned within quadrant I, namely, between the north and the east ledges. Starting at position 0°, the tip of the forearm segment 13d of the click abuts against the second slope 43b of the north ledge, preventing inverse rotation of the revolving receptacle 30 while the stopper 18 is wedged against the south ledge to impede forward rotation of the revolving receptacle 30.

Clockwise rotation starting at position 90°

When the rotating means 10 is rotated clockwise by 90°, a slight force is required to be exerted so that the stopper 18 ascends the first slope 43a of the south ledge, thereby, enabling the forward rotational movement of the revolving receptacle 30. Simultaneously, the click 13 moves along the same path travelled by the tip of the forearm segment 13d along the curved wall 45 of the housing. The click 13 then slides up the first slope 43a of the east ledge and subsequently be compressed (due to space constraint) when travelling pass the east ledge. Upon completion of the travel along the east ledge, the tip of the forearm segment 13d is no longer compressed and is released. When the tip strikes the curved wall 45 of the housing, an audible "click" noise is generated, indicating that a 90° rotation has been achieved. At this point, the tip of the forearm segment 13d abuts against the second slope 43b of the east ledge, preventing inverse rotation of the revolving receptacle 30 while the stopper 18 abuts against the west ledge, to impede forward rotation of the revolving receptacle 30.

During a rotating operation, the revolving receptacle 30 is rotated so that quadrant IV will realign with the discharge opening 42 while quadrant II will realign with the charge opening 22 where the powder is filled into quadrant II. At this point, only quadrants II and III are filled with material while quadrants I and IV are empty.

Clockwise rotation starting at position 180°

The rotating means 10 is further rotated 90° clockwise in the same manner described above, where the stopper 18 overcomes the west ledge and the click 13 travels past the south ledge.

At this point, the tip of the forearm segment 13d abuts against the second slope 43b of the south ledge while the stopper 18 abuts the north ledge. Upon completion of rotation, the revolving receptacle 30 is further rotated so that quadrant III will now realign with the discharge opening 42 while quadrant I will realign with the charge opening 22 where the powder is filled into quadrant I. At this point, quadrants I, II and III are filled with the powder while quadrant IV is empty.

If the powder in quadrant III is to be dispensed, the user simply opens the spout to pour out the powder.

Clockwise rotation starting at position 270° The rotating means 10 is again rotated 90° clockwise in the same manner described above, where the stopper 18 overcomes the north ledge and the click 13 travels past the west ledge.

At this point, the tip of the forearm segment 13d abuts the second slope 43b of the west ledge while the stopper 18 abuts the east ledge.

Upon completion of rotation, the revolving receptacle 30 is further rotated so that quadrant II will now realign with the discharge opening 42 while quadrant IV will realign with the charge opening 22 where the powder is filled into quadrant IV.

If the powder in quadrant III has been dispensed, at this juncture, only quadrants I, II and IV are filled with the powder.

If the powder in quadrant II is also to be dispensed, a user simply opens the spout to pour out the powder, leaving only quadrants I and IV filled with the powder.

Clockwise rotation 360°

The rotating means 10 is again further rotated 90° clockwise at in the same manner described above, where the stopper 18 overcomes the east ledge and the click 13 travels past the north ledge.

Upon completion of rotation, the revolving receptacle 30 is further rotated so that quadrant I will now realign with the discharge opening 42 while quadrant III will realign with the charge opening 22 where the powder is filled into quadrant III. Now, the position of the powder dispenser 200 is returned to its original starting position (i.e. starting position 0°). At this point, only quadrants I, III and IV are filled with the powder.

The above rotations are repeated as desired.

All directional statements such asfront/forward, back/rear, top, bottom, lateral, inward, outward, made herein are relative to the orientation of the device, in use.

As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention may easily be produced in other specific forms without departing from its scope or essential characteristics. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A powder dispenser (200), said dispenser comprising: a housing (40) having a curved wall (45) and a base (44), said base having a discharge opening (42); a revolving receptacle (30) having a plurality of circumferentially positioned compartments (33), said receptable being rotatably disposed within said housing (40); a cover (20) having a charge opening (22), said cover enclosing said receptacle (30) within said housing (40); and a rotating means (10) operatively connected to said revolving receptable (30), characterized in that corresponding interlocking members (15, 35) are provided to said rotating means (10) and said revolving receptacle (30), enabling unified rotational movement of said rotating means and said revolving receptacle; and a rachet is provided on said rotating means (10) and said housing (40), enabling generation of an audible noise while impeding reverse rotational movement of said rotating means when said dispenser is in use.

2. The powder dispenser (200) according to claim 1, wherein said rachet comprises a click (13) and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart ledges (43).

3. The powder dispenser (200) according to claims 1 and 2, wherein said click (13) is provided on said rotating means (10) and said plurality of ledges (43) are provided on the curved wall of said housing (40), wherein said plurality of ledges (43) are engageable by said click (13) when said rotating means (10) is rotated, thereby generating an audible noise while impeding reverse rotational movement of said rotating means.

4. The powder dispenser (200) according to claim 1 wherein said rotating means (10) comprises an open-ended cylinder having a first annulus (11a), a second annulus

(lib) and a third annulus (11c), wherein each of said annulus are of identical diameter but different thickness and wherein each annulus is integrally coupled in sequence.

5. The powder dispenser (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotating means (10) comprises a partially covered groove (14) for attachment of said click (13).

6. The powder dispenser (200) according to claim 5, wherein said partially covered groove (14) is provided on said second annulus (lib) of said rotating means (10).

7. The powder dispenser (200) according to claims 2, 3 and 5, wherein said click (13) is substantially a U-shaped structure having a minor arm (13a) and a major arm (13b).

8. The powder dispenser (200) according to claim 7, wherein the length of said minor arm (13a) of said click is substantially longer than the portion of said partially covered groove (14).

9. The powder dispenser (200) according to claims 7 and 8, wherein said major arm (13b) has a forearm segment (13d) projecting outwards, enabling the tip of said forearm segment to be in contact with the ledges (43) and the curved wall (45) of said housing (40).

10. The powder dispenser (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of ledges (43) corresponds to the number of compartments (33) provided in said dispenser.

11. The powder dispenser (200) according to claim 1, wherein said corresponding interlocking members comprises a plurality of spaced apart circumferentially positioned first protruding ridges (15) and second protruding ridges (35) on the rim of said rotating means (10) and the rim of said housing 40, respectively.

12. The powder dispenser (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotating means (10) further comprises a stopper (18) for impeding inverse rotational movement of said rotating means (10).

13. The powder dispenser (200) according to claim 12, wherein said stopper (18) is disposed on the second annulus (lib) of said rotating means, and, is spaced apart from said click (13) by the arc length of each of said compartments (33).

14. The powder dispenser (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotating means (10) and said housing (40) further comprises a plurality of pairs of corresponding indicators (19), respectively.

15. The powder dispenser (200) according to claim 14, wherein the number of corresponding indicators (19) correspond to the number of compartments (33).

16. The powder dispenser (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotating means (10) is separately provided on said dispenser.

17. The powder dispenser (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said dispenser further comprises a container (100).

18. The powder dispenser (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said rotating means (10) is integrally provided on the container (100).

19. The powder dispenser (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said dispenser further comprises an end cap (50) having a spout for easy dispensing of the powder contained in said compartments (33).