MXPA97001124A

MXPA97001124A - Supplier for condition

Info

Publication number: MXPA97001124A
Application number: MXPA/A/1997/001124A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Lillelund Stig; Dalsgaard Jeppesen Hanne; Heiberg Jakob
Original assignee: Dart Industries Inc
Priority date: 1996-02-15
Filing date: 1997-02-13
Publication date: 1997-08-01

Abstract

The present invention relates to spout for condiments, characterized in that it comprises a base that defines a chamber with an open mouth upwards for the selective introduction of a bulk seasoning, a seal mounted removably in the base on the mouth, the seal has a lower wall, the lower wall has an outer peripheral portion releasably engageable with the base peripherally with respect to the mouth to mount the seal on the base, the lower wall has a lower periphery the seal further includes an upper wall superimposed on the lower wall, a active hinge integrally formed with the inner periphery of the inner wall, with the upper wall for pivotal movement of the upper wall with respect to the lower wall, the upper wall includes an exterior portion, outwardly of the active hinge superimposed on the bottom wall, the top wall includes an interior portion inward of the active hinge, at least one a Supply gap defines through the lower wall, the seal has a closed position wherein the outer portion of the upper pred closely superimposes the lower wall in contact and seals at least the supply opening, the seal has an open portion where the outer portion of the upper wall diverges upwards from the lower wall, outwardly from the active hinge to expose the supply opening at a minimum

Description

SüBTIPQR P? RA, CQMPIWfilfTQS U BCEQEJITEiS PE THE INVENTION Spice dispensers, most commonly employed to selectively store and serve salt and pepper, usually comprise a base defining a storage chamber, access means for introducing the bulk seasoning into the chamber and one or more supply openings, through which the seasoning can be unloaded in select portions. Spice dispensers, as found in the home, restaurants and the like, are usually a relatively inexpensive product with little attention devoted to the purpose of the dispenser apart from the basic utilitarian characteristics of storing and stocking a seasoning. For example, the dispenser can be problematic to hold and manipulate, particularly if a large storage chamber is provided. Also, the seasoning itself, particularly the salt, if not fully protected within the spout, tends to absorb moisture and clog the supply openings, even in those cases where some form of protective cover is provided for the openings, it is often difficult or at least problematic to manipulate the cover.

In this way, it will be recognized that while the conventional spout and pepper shaker are simple products in daily use, there is substantial room for improvement. COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention is intended to significantly improve the conventional dispenser and provide a unique top product that is practical, economical, easy to handle and attractive. The dispenser, made of a synthetic resinous material or materials compatible with appropriate foods, is formed only of two separately molded components. A base that defines an enlarged storage chamber and a seal. The seal notwithstanding its unitary molded construction, provides access to the chamber for mass production of the seasoning, and also provides both supply openings and mobile closure means for selectively sealing and cleaning the openings, for protection of the contents of the dispenser. The base of the spout is vertically elongated, with the main portion of its height being a truncated conical configuration that terminates in an upper portion flared outward, to define a wide circular mouth area. Thus configured, an enlarged storage area is provided at the lower end of the formed chamber while the upper portion of the base immediately below the flared upper portion is provided with a smaller circumference easily surrounded by the hand for facilitate holding and manipulating the spout during use. The unit seal includes a lower annular wall with an outer periphery that is quick-releasably engaged in the mouth area of the base for selective removal, to bulk load the seasoning. The seal also includes a top wall in the nature of a disk superimposed completely on the bottom wall with an outer periphery substantially coextensive with the outer periphery of the bottom wall. The upper wall, in a radially intermediate portion, is circumferentially joined to the inner periphery of the lower wall by a continuous active hinge. The upper disc-like wall, in the closed position of the seal, is convex upwards, with the annular portion of the upper wall facing away from the active hinge, superimposed intimately on the upper surface of the lower wall. The lower wall in turn has through-feed openings, which in the closed position are sealed by corresponding protuberances coupled within the holes and depending on the lower surface of the upper wall.

To move the seal to the supply position, the central portion of the upper wall is depressed, causing a movement of action by rapid coupling with respect to the circumferential hinge. This in turn bends up the upper annular portion of the upper wall upwards, away from the bottom wall, exposing the supply openings. Opening the seal for supply is easily accomplished by the pressure of a single finger, which can be provided in conjunction with the lift of the dispenser during normal use. A similar new seal requires only a similar downward pressure on the outer lip portion of the upper wall. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be noted in the more detailed description of the invention that follows.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the seasoning spout of the invention with the seal closed; Figure 2 is a similar perspective view with the seal open and indicating the finger pressure area required to open the seal; Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially in a plane passing over line 3-3 of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially in a plane passing over line 4-4 of Figure 4; Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail illustrating the outer portion of the seal in the closed position; and Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail similar to Figure 5 with the seal in the open supply position. DESCRIPTION OF MOpAT.TpADES P EF1 «¡RJp? ¡? Now more specifically with reference to the drawings, the condiment dispenser 10, consists of two separately molded components, the base 12, which defines an internal storage chamber 14 and the seal 16.

Both components are formed of a synthetic resinous material, compatible with food, appropriate. The base 12 is generally in the form of a truncated cone with the peripheral wall 18 tapering outward from an enlarged bottom area 20, to a restricted neck area 22 on which is a head or upper portion flared toward up and outward 24 defining a circular mouth 26. A vertical mounting strip 28 extends outwardly from the wall 18, circumferentially with respect to the edge defining the upper mouth. The above-described configuration of the base of the spout 12 is considered particularly convenient since the enlarged bottom portion of the chamber 14 allows storage of a relatively large supply of the seasoning. In combination, the relatively narrow neck area provides a reduced circumference that is easily held within the hand for use by the dispenser in the conventional manner. The head portion that flares outward, as well as the gradually enlarged base below the neck area also tends to prevent any slippage of the spout into the hand, even during rather vigorous handling. The seal 16 includes a lower wall 30 and an upper wall 32. The lower wall 30 includes a circumferential outer edge portion or lip 34, inversely bent, to define a radially inwardly directed annular groove 36, configured to receive the strip 28 tightly. of base 12, holding or interlocking by rapid actuation in a way to avoid leakage between them and require positive physical pressure for detachment.

The lower wall 30 is annular and convex upwardly from the outer periphery to an inner periphery 38. For purposes of relative size, the inner periphery 38 of the annular bottom wall 30 defines a diameter of approximately two thirds the outer diameter of the wall lower 30. Noting the details of Figures 5 and 6, a plurality of supply openings 40 are provided through the lower wall 30 over a smaller arc of the annular configuration. These openings are slightly conical, tapering from an enlarged open lower end on the inner surface or face 42, to a relatively smaller open end on the outer face or surface 44 of the lower wall 30. In order to stabilize the bottom wall 30 in the inter-locking of the strip 28 and the groove 36, and also to increase the rigidity of the annular wall 30 beyond that inherent in the material, an integral annular enlargement 46 is provided on the inner surface 42, radially outward from the supply openings 40. This enlargement 46 forms a planar annular surface 48 which extends from the slot receiving the strip 36 and engages level on the corresponding planar upper edge surface of the base edge.

The upper wall 32 is in the configuration of a disk with a circular dome, with an outer periphery substantially coextensive with the outer periphery of the lower annular wall 30. In the closed position of the seal 16, the upper wall 32 is convex upwards and together with its outer annular extension, in a closed superposed contact with the upper surface 44 of the lower wall 30. The lower and upper walls 30 and 32 are integrally joined by a continuous circumferentially active hinge 50, formed between the inner periphery 38 and the wall bottom and the inner surface 52 of the outer wall 32 on a circumferential line aligned with the inner periphery 38 of the lower wall 30. A stabilizing strip 54 is formed integrally, circumferentially with respect to the outer periphery of the upper wall 32 through a continuous circumferential intermediate active hinge 56, to allow relative flexing between the peripheral strip 54 and the upper wall 32 inward, during movement of the upper wall between closed and open positions, as will be described subsequently. In order to effectively close the supply openings 40 in the closed position of the seal, a series of protuberances 58 of a generally bulbous configuration are formed, to depend on the upper outer 54 of the upper wall 32 for sealing engagement in the openings 40 when closing the seal. seal. As will be appreciated, a separate protrusion is provided for coupling in each opening. Upon noting Figure 5, the shape of each protrusion 58 is such that it slightly enters the companion aperture 40, sealing completely with respect to its edge and downward, releasing any buildup within the aperture. This in turn is facilitated by the nature of flapping down the openings, thereby providing an effective cleaning action each time the seal is closed. A similar set of protuberances 60 or other signals is provided on the upper surface 62 of the upper wall 32, in alignment with the openings 40, to produce an easy indication of the location of the openings for convenience when emptying. This is particularly convenient, since the openings are partially hidden even when the seal is open. Incidentally, with reference to Figures 2 and 6, it will be appreciated that, in the open seal, the superimposed top wall 32 provides a guide and barrier to supply the seasoning, thus avoiding the tendency of the seasoning to vigorously agitate, to disperse beyond the borders or preferred limits as often happens with the conventional supplier.

Both the lower and upper walls 30 and 32 of the seal 16, are relatively rigid and self-supporting in construction, with an inherent resilient degree of resiliency employed in mounting the seal on the base 12, and selective opening and closing of the seal. In order to mount the seal 16 in the base 12, the seal and in particular the peripheral portion of the lower seal wall 30, is aligned on the flange strip portion with respect to the base mouth and forced down through the seal portion. of proper resilient flexing of the lower wall portion 30 and / or the mouth portion of the base, engaging the strip 28 within the annular groove 36 defined by the peripheral portion of the lower wall 30. In order to remove the seal, for a bulk replenishment of the base 12, it is simply required to fasten the flange portion 34 of the lower seal wall and through a combination of pulling up and flexing the coupled components together, releasing the seal from the base. As previously indicated in the closed position of the seal, the upper wall 32 is convex or domed upwards and with respect to the outward outer portion of the active hinge 50, rather intimately engages with the upper surface 44 of the wall lower 30, with the protuberances 58 supporting inside and sealing the openings 40. With reference to Figure 2, the seal is opened by the simple resort of exerting a downward pressure, usually by a user's finger, on the central dome portion. within the circular area defined by the active hinge 50. This downward pressure will cause a fast coupling action that reverses the upper wall 32, the wall moving over the center and acquiring a concave configuration directed upwards, where it is self-supporting until it is manually returned to the closed position. In the open position, better illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, the outer peripheral position of the upper wall 32, diverges outwards and upwards from the lower wall 30, radially outwardly of the active hinge 50, completely exposing the openings of supply 40 with the seal protuberances 58 removed therefrom. As the upper wall 32 pivots with respect to the active hinge 50 to the inverted position, there is movement on the center of the central dome portion to the outer rim 54, with which the upper wall 32 is inherently retained in the open position. In order to return the top wall to the closed position, it is simply required to exert downward pressure on the outer rim portion 54 of the top wall, until the central dome portion pivots with respect to the active hinge 50, engages by actuation fast upward with the annular portion beyond the active hinge 50, engaging against the upper surface of the lower wall 30. The above illustrative of the principles of the invention is considered, and notwithstanding the specific illustration of a preferred embodiment, there will be it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention will only be limited by the scope of the claims that follow.

Claims

RJBXVIH ICACIOjfSS 1.- Spice dispenser, characterized in that it comprises a base that defines a chamber with an open mouth upwards for the selective introduction of a bulk condiment, a seal mounted removably in the base on the mouth, the seal has a wall lower, the lower wall has an outer peripheral portion releasably engageable with the base peripherally with respect to the mouth to mount the seal on the base, the lower wall has a lower periphery the seal further includes a top wall superimposed on the bottom wall, a hinge active formed integrally with the inner periphery of the lower wall, with the upper wall for pivotal movement of the upper wall with respect to the lower wall, the upper wall includes an outer portion, outwardly of the active hinge superimposed on the bottom wall, the upper wall includes an inner portion inward of the active hinge, at least one opening of the Supply defines through the lower wall, the seal has a closed position wherein the outer portion of the upper wall closely superimposes the lower wall in contact and seals at least the supply opening, the seal has an open portion where the portion The exterior of the upper wall diverges upwards from the lower wall, outwardly from the active hinge to expose the supply opening at least.
2. Spice dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper wall is self-supporting in each of the closed and open positions, the upper wall moves on the center, with respect to the hinge, when moving from one of the positions to the other of the positions.
3. Spice dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that the upper wall of the seal, in the closed position of the seal, is convex upwards, the upper wall responds to downward pressure, inward of the active hinge to invert pivotally with respect to the active hinge and defines a concave configuration directed upwards, to expose the supply opening at least.
4. Seasoning spout according to claim 3, characterized in that the upper wall of the seal, in alignment with the supply opening, at least includes at least one protrusion directed downwards into the opening at least in the closed position.
5. Confectionery spout according to claim 4, characterized in that the upper wall has a circular outer periphery defined by a continuous strip, with a circumferentially continuous active hinge immediately inwards of the strip.
6. Seasoning spout according to claim 5, characterized in that the base includes a peripheral upper rim with respect to the mouth, the rim includes a strip directed outward continuously along, the outer peripheral portion of the outer wall of the seal defines a continuous inwardly directed groove that is received in the flange strip, the bottom wall, immediately inward of the groove, has an integral, inwardly directed enlargement, which extends continuously relative to the bottom wall for engagement seated in the flange base and stabilization of the lower wall with respect to the base.
7. Seasoning spout according to claim 6, characterized in that the base has a lower portion of a conical shape generally truncated, tapering upwards from an enlarged bottom portion to a narrower upper neck portion, the base on the neck portion, it flares outward and ends at the upper rim with respect to the mouth.
8. Spice dispenser according to claim 4, characterized in that the upper wall has an outer surface and signals on the outer surface aligned with and indicating the location of the opening for supply as a minimum.
9. Spice dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper wall in the closed position of the seal, is of a continuous upwardly convex dome configuration, the upper wall is flexible downward, inwardly of the circumferential active hinge for movement to the open position, the upper wall in the open position is concave upwards.
10. Confectionery spout according to claim 9, characterized in that the lower wall is annular, the active hinge is continuous with respect to the inner periphery of the lower wall.
11. Dispenser for condiments, characterized in that it comprises a base that defines a chamber, with an open mouth upwards for the selective introduction of a bulk seasoning, a seal removably mounted on the base above the mouth, the seal has a lower wall , the lower wall has an outer peripheral portion engageable releasably with the base, peripherally with respect to the mouth for mounting the seal on the base, the lower wall has a continuous inner periphery, the seal further includes an upper wall superimposed on the lower wall, an active hinge formed integrally with the inner periphery of the lower wall and with the upper wall above for pivotal movement of the upper wall with respect to the lower wall, the upper wall includes an exterior outward portion of the active hinge superimposed on the wall lower, the lower wall includes an inner portion inward of the active hinge, opening means for Since the outer wall of the upper wall closely superimposes the lower wall in contact and sealing the opening means, the upper wall in the closed position of the seal is provided by the lower wall, the seal having a closed position. of a continuous upward convex dome configuration, the seal has an open position wherein the outer portion of the upper wall diverges upwards from the lower wall outwardly, from the active hinge to expose the opening means, the upper wall is flexible downward, inwardly of the circumferential active hinge for movement to the open position, the upper wall in the open position is concave upwards.