DE29812337U1 - Receiving container - Google Patents

Description

GRÜNECKER, KINKELDEY, STOGKlVCAlR & S"CHWANMÄUSSER

LAW FIRM

LAW FIRM MAXIMILIANSTRASSE 58 D-80538 MUNICH GERMANY

German Patent Office

Zweibrückenstr. 12
80297 Munich

Lawyers

Munich

DR. HERMANN SCHWANHÄUSSER

DR. HELMUT EICHMANN

GERHARD BARTH

DR. ULRICH BLUMENROEER, LLM.

CHRISTA NIKLAS-FALTER

DR. MICHAEL SCHRAMM, DIPL-PHYS.

DR. MAXIMILIAN KINKELDEY, LLM.

Of Counsel

AUGUST GRÜNEECKER
DR. GUNTER BEZOLD
DR. WALTER LANGHOFF

DR. WILFRIED STOCKMAIR (-1996)

Patent attorneys

European Patent Attorneys

Munich

dr. hermann kinkeldey

dr. klaus schumann

peter h. jakob

wolfhard meister

hans hilgers

Dr. Henning Meyer-Plath

annelie ehnold

thomas schuster

dr. klara goldbach

martin aufenanger

gottfried kutzsch

Dr. Heike Vogelsang-Wenke

reinhard knauer

dietmar kuhl

dr. franz josef zimmer

bettina k. reichelt

dr. anton k. pfau

dr. udo weigelt
bertram

JENS KOCH, M.S. (UofPA) M.S. (ENSPM]

Cologne

dr. martin dropman

YOUR REF.

OUR REF.

G 3954-851/bi DATE

10.07.98

Applicant: EMSA-WERKE

Wulf GmbH & Co. Grevener Damm 215-225

48282 Emsdetten

Goods receiving container

MAXIMILIANSTRASSE 58

D-80538 MUNICH

TEL 089 / 21 23 50

FAX (GR 4) 089 / 21 86 92 93

FAX (GR 3) 089 / 22 02 87

http://www.grunecker.de

e-mail: postmaster@grunecker.de

GERMAN 8ANK MUNICH

NO.17 51734

Bank code 700 700 10

SWIFT: DEUT DE MM KAISER-WILHELM-RING 13

D-50072 COLOGNE

TEL 0221 / 94 97 22 0

Fax 0221 / 94 97 22 2

Goods receiving container

The invention relates to a container for holding goods, in particular a spice shaker for holding and dispensing spices in measured quantities. Containers for holding goods or spice shakers are used in the kitchen, for example. They are used to store spices or other ingredients that can be added to a dish in measured quantities when required.

G 296 07 073.4 discloses spice shakers which have a holding head which can be attached to a storage container and which can be suspended from a holder via a holding member. A removal opening of the goods receiving container can be closed with a pivoting lid. In one embodiment, an insert with a through-channel is provided in the hollow holding head. By screwing on the holding head, the insert is clamped between the holding head and the storage container after the insert has been inserted into the holding head from below in the direction of the screw axis. This embodiment, intended for liquids such as vinegar and oil, can be combined with corresponding lid mechanisms and the holding member. In terms of construction, the holding head in particular should be as simple as possible to design and operate.

The invention is based on the object of creating a material receiving container which is as simple as possible in terms of manufacturing technology and assembly and which functions reliably despite being easy to operate.

This object is achieved according to the invention with a material receiving container, in particular a spice shaker, with a storage container, at the head end of which a pouring device is provided which can be attached, which has a pouring support and a separate pouring device which is mounted on the pouring support and has at least one pouring opening, wherein the pouring device is designed as an insert and can be inserted into the pouring support in a direction transverse to the attachment direction of the pouring device.

This means that the pouring device and the pouring support can be manufactured largely separately from one another. The pouring support can be optimized for good attachment to the storage container and the pouring device is designed for good rubble and scattering behavior. Different materials and/or surface qualities can be selected depending on the function of the pouring support and pouring device. The pouring support can, for example, serve as a type of coupling link via which the pouring device is attached to the storage container.

The pouring device can be inserted into the pouring support transversely to the direction in which the pouring device is attached in a particularly easy-to-use manner. The insertion mechanism of the pouring device in the transverse direction supports the separate functional design of the pouring device and the pouring support.

In particular, when the pouring device is optionally combined with a holding member or a lid, the invention opens up a multitude of very simple possibilities in terms of construction for combining the desired functions of the lid or holding member with the pouring device or pouring support.

Inserting the pouring device in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pouring device is attached makes the pouring device very easy to operate. The pouring device can therefore be easily installed and replaced.

Preferably, the pouring device can be mounted detachably on the pouring support. This means that the pouring device can be removed from the pouring support after initial assembly. This is particularly beneficial for cleaning the pouring insert or pouring support and for easily replacing the respective part. If only one of the two parts is damaged, only the damaged part needs to be replaced.

It is particularly advantageous if the pouring device is attached to the pouring support in a translational manner. Inserting it in a transverse, translational direction is very easy to accomplish. Often, a single push of the thumb is sufficient. In designs where the pouring support is screwed onto the storage container, this displacement in the transverse direction to the screw axis is easy to carry out.

If the arrangement is transverse to one another, e.g. at an angle to one another, the pouring support must be attached to the storage container and the pouring device to the pouring support separately. Optionally, the translational movement can be purely translational, without any swiveling components.

It is proposed that the pouring device has at least one guide rail extending along the insertion direction, which rests against at least one guide shoulder of the pouring support. The guide rail ensures that the pouring device is easily inserted and is guided stably on the pouring support during insertion. The pouring device is thereby moved into a precise position relative to the pouring support or the storage container, so that the connections to the pouring opening are in the correct arrangement and the goods or spices can be poured out without interference.

Advantageously, the pouring support can be detachably attached to the storage container and the pouring device can be inserted into the pouring support in a direction transverse to the direction in which the pouring support is attached to the storage container. This ensures that when the pouring support or the pouring device is detached, only the respective part is detached, with the remaining part not or only barely affected by the movement. This largely prevents one part from becoming unintentionally detached when the other part is moved.

As a variant of the invention, the pouring device can be held clamped between the storage container and the pouring support approximately in the direction in which the pouring device is attached. The pouring support thus forms a type of closure or safety device for the pouring device. The pouring device is attached to the pouring support. This assembly is then attached to the storage container via the pouring support, preferably screwed on. When attached, the pouring device is clamped between the storage container and the pouring support so that it cannot be detached from the pouring support or can only be detached with difficulty. The clamping prevents the pouring device from being accidentally detached. Since the attachment direction of the pouring device and the insertion direction of the pouring device run transversely to each other, the clamping in the attachment direction can effectively block the insertion direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, a sealing surface of the pouring device, which has a passage opening, can rest tightly against an end edge of the storage container that forms a flow opening. The pouring device and the storage container are thus effectively connected to one another via the passage opening and the flow opening. The seal between the two parts ensures a channeled, leak-free transfer of the goods or spices from the storage container into the pouring device.

The pouring device can preferably have a pouring channel connecting the inner volume of the storage container with the spreading opening. The material passes from the storage container to the spreading opening via the pouring channel. It is channeled in the pouring device and passed on to the spreading opening for metered dispensing.

It is particularly advantageous if a lid that can be moved between an open position and a closed position that closes the spreading opening is mounted on the pouring device. This means that the lid is positioned precisely in relation to the pouring device. Even when the pouring device is replaced, it is guaranteed that both parts are correctly positioned in relation to each other for precise lid kinematics and effective closing of the spreading opening. The design can optionally be selected so that the lid is inserted transversely together with the pouring device and can be exchanged with the pouring device.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the lid can be formed in one piece with the pouring device. This facilitates production and ensures precise storage and arrangement of the lid with respect to the pouring device.

It is proposed that the lid should at least partially overlap the pouring spout support in the closed position. The overlap enables the lid to be adapted to the shape of the pouring spout support. The overlap allows the lid to be easily grasped and often moved from the closed position to the open position with just the pressure of a thumb. The overlap can be arranged in such a way that the pouring device cannot be detached from the pouring spout support when the lid is closed.

The lid may be releasably locked to the spout support in the closed position. This locking mechanism prevents the lid from being opened accidentally in the closed position.

The catch can be easily overcome to open it, preferably by pressing with a finger. This design is particularly suitable for one-handed operation of the material receiving container, with the lid being held and opened with just one hand.

As a particularly advantageous variant, the lid can have a guide cheek which guides the lid when pivoting between the open and closed positions in a guiding system with a guide element of a fixed section of the pouring device. The guide cheek guides the lid when opening so that it is stabilized during the opening movement. The lid is thus guided particularly precisely into the closed position when closing so that the pouring opening is reliably closed.

The guide cheek may possibly be in frictional contact with a friction guide on the pouring device, whereby the frictional contact counteracts the automatic movement of the lid and locks the lid in place. The friction guide inhibits the movement of the lid against its own weight. This prevents the lid from accidentally swinging around. The lid remains in the position that the user leaves after operating the lid. This is particularly practical when the spice shaker is used several times, whereby the lid only needs to be opened the first time and then locks itself in place.

In a special way, the pouring device can be provided with a holding element, by means of which the goods receiving container can be suspended from a holder. The entire goods receiving container can be detachably attached to a holder, for example a kitchen rail or rod, by means of the holding element.

As a variant of the invention, the holding member can be formed on the pouring device. The holding member can thus be attached to the pouring support together with the pouring device. By inserting the pouring device transversely to the attachment direction of the pouring device, it is ensured that when the goods receiving container is hung up, the pouring device or the holding member does not inadvertently detach from the storage container if the holding member bears the weight of the goods receiving container in the suspended state.

The holding member may possibly be formed on a lid that is movably mounted on the pouring device. The holding member is thus arranged so that it can be combined with the opening and closing movement of the lid. For example, the holding member can be pivoted together with the lid so that it is moved away from the pouring area of the sprinkling opening when the lid is opened.

Particularly advantageously, the holding member can be formed in one piece with the lid. This facilitates production and is also advantageous for operation if the holding member is automatically moved with the lid.

As a variant of the invention, the pouring device can engage behind a section of the storage container with a nose extending approximately in the direction of attachment, transversely to the direction of insertion when the pouring device, pouring support and storage container are assembled. The rear grip of the nose prevents the pouring device from being accidentally released from the pouring support against the direction of insertion. Because the direction of extension of the nose is approximately in the direction of attachment, the pouring support with the pouring device inserted can be attached to the storage container, e.g. screwed on, with the nose being inserted into the rear grip.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained below.

Fig. 1 is a partial vertical section through a

Material receiving container with closed lid,

Fig. 2 a partial vertical section through the material receiving container of

Figure 1 with the lid open,

Fig. 3 is a side view of a pouring device of a device according to the invention

material receiving container,

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the top of the pouring device of Figure 3,

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the underside of the pouring device of Figure 3,

Fig. 6 is a rear view of the pouring device of Figure 3,

Fig. 7 a front view of the pouring device of Figure 3,

Fig. 8 is a vertical section through a pouring spout of a device according to the invention.

material receiving container,

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the underside of the pouring support of Figure 8,

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the top of the pouring support of Figure 8,

Fig. 11 is a rear view of the spout support of Figure 8 and

Fig. 12 is a front view of the pouring spout support of Figure 8.

Figures 1 and 2 show a material receiving container 1 designed as a spice shaker, which has a storage container 2 and a pouring device 3. The pouring device is attached to the head end of the storage container and has a pouring support 4 and a pouring device 5. The pouring support can be designed as a galvanized part. The pouring device 5 consists of polypropylene or other suitable materials.

The storage container 2 made of glass has a flow opening 6 in the area of its head end, which is formed by a front edge 7. On the outside of the front edge, a thread 8 is formed on the storage container 2, which can be screwed into a corresponding threaded section 9 of the pouring support 4. When screwed in, a base shoulder 10 of the pouring support 4 is slightly spaced from a peripheral shoulder 11 of the storage container 2. The center axis 13 of the approximately cylindrical storage container 2 indicates the screw axis. The arrow 12 drawn parallel to this shows the direction in which the pouring support 4 is attached to the storage container 2.

The pouring spout support 4 has a circular-cylindrical outer shape which is delimited by an inclined plane 14 running at an angle to the central axis 13.

The exact design of the pouring support 4 can be seen in Figures 8 to 12, whereby the views of the individual figures correspond to the folding directions of a technical drawing.

The threaded section 9 is designed as an internal thread. A receiving space 15 for the pouring device 5 adjoins the core hole of the threaded section 9. In the area of the receiving space 15, approximately rail-like guide steps are formed on the pouring support 4, running approximately parallel to one another. The guide steps 16 extend parallel to an insertion direction 17 for the pouring device 5. The insertion direction 17 runs transversely and at an angle to the attachment direction 12. In the embodiment shown, this angle is approximately 90°. A groove 18 is formed between the guide step 16 and the thread 8.

At the end directed upwards, away from the storage container 2, the pouring support 4 is slightly bevelled on the outside. A locking cam 19 is provided in the bevelled area.

The pouring device 5 is shown in Figures 3 to 7 and is explained in more detail below in connection with Figures 1 and 2.

The pouring device 5 is designed as an insert that can be inserted into the pouring support at least in part. The insertion direction 17 runs transversely, at an angle of approximately 90° to the attachment direction 12 of the pouring device 3. Figures 1 and 2 show the state in which the pouring device 5 is inserted into the pouring support 4. Figures 3 to 7 show the pouring device alone, before insertion into the pouring support.

The pouring device has an approximately centrally arranged pouring channel 20 which connects scattering openings 21 on the top of the pouring device 5 with a passage opening 22 on the underside of the pouring device. The passage opening 22 is located in a sealing surface 23 which, when inserted, runs approximately perpendicular to the attachment direction 12 and, when inserted, is in tight contact with the front edge 7.

In the upper area, the pouring device 5 has an inclined cover plane 24 which is inclined at the same angle to the central axis 13 as the inclined plane 14. Approximately half the surface of the cover plane 24 is designed as a lid 25 which branches off from the cover plane 24 via a film hinge which intersects the central axis 13 at a right angle. In the closed position shown in Figure 1, the lid 25 is in the area of the cover plane 24. In the open position shown in Figure 2, the lid 25 is pivoted about the film hinge 26 and exposes the spreading openings 21. The lid 25 is formed in one piece with the pouring device 5.

The film hinge 26 serving as a joint can preferably be provided at a distance from the central axis 13. In this case, the film hinge 26 is arranged on the left side in the cross section shown in Figure 3, where the lid is in the closed position. The pivoting lid is then smaller than half of the cover plane 24. If the goods receiving container 1 is suspended in this arrangement above the pivot axis approximately in the area of the central axis 13, the weight of the goods receiving container 1 forms a restoring force in the direction of the closed position of the lid. This results in an automatic closing force when the goods receiving container is suspended.

In Figures 3 and 4, the lid is shown in two parts to better understand its mobility, with one half shown in the open position and the other half in the closed position closing the scattering openings 21. In Figures 5 to 7, the lid is shown in one part and in the closed position.

An overhang 27 is formed on the lid, which in the closed position overhangs the locking cam 19 and with a recess 29 engages behind the locking cam. The overhang 28 continues the approximately cylindrical outer shape of the pouring support 4 in the closed position. In the closed position of the lid, the overhang is provided approximately opposite the insertion side of the pouring device in the pouring support 4. Thus, when the lid is closed, the overhang serves as a safeguard against the pouring device 5 being accidentally pushed out of the pouring support 4 and, with the lid, as an aroma seal.

The lid has a guide cheek 33 branching off from its closing surface 30. It extends approximately in an arc shape concentrically around the axis of the film hinge 26. Accordingly, in the scattering plane 31 containing the scattering openings 21, a

Countersunk opening 32 is formed. The guide cheek 33 engages in the countersunk opening 32 during movement in the closing direction and thereby rests in frictional contact against the edges of the countersunk opening 32. The friction guide thus achieved is designed in such a way that the friction counteracts the automatic movement of the lid, so that the lid is locked in the partially open position.

A holding member 34 is formed integrally with the lid 25. It has a hook 35. The hook 35 forms a recess 36. When the lid is closed, a holding rod 37 can be inserted into the recess 36 so that the goods receiving container 1 can be suspended therefrom.

For the sake of clarity, it should be added that the holding member 34 with hook 35 and recess 36 have been omitted in Figures 3 to 7. It is understood that these elements can also be attached to the pouring device 5 in Figures 3 to 7 in a similar way to Figures 1 and 2.

In the area of the sealing surface 23, the pouring device 5 has two guide rails 38 on the outside that protrude laterally and run parallel to one another. The guide rails 38 are designed to be approximately complementary to the grooves 18 and can be inserted into them. The guide rails 38 run parallel to the insertion direction 17, in a region approximately 90° to the attachment direction 12. In the state shown in Figure 1, the guide rails 38 are clamped in the attachment direction 12 between the guide shoulders 16 and the front edge 7.

A nose 28 protrudes from the sealing surface 23, directed axially towards the bottom of the storage container. It is provided on the side of the pouring device 5 opposite the insertion direction 17. The nose 28 is slightly curved on the inside, approximately adapted to the cross-section of the pouring channel 20 and is located approximately adjacent to the area of the passage opening 22. The nose 28 extends approximately parallel to the central axis 13.

In the position in which it is inserted into the pouring support 4 in Figures 1 and 2, the locking lug 28 engages behind the front edge 7 of the storage container 2 on the inside. This ensures that the pouring device 5 is inserted into the correct position in the pouring support 4. Furthermore, the lug 28 forms a resistance that prevents the

• 9 M At · · · * · &agr; ·

Pouring device 5 accidentally detaches from the pouring support 4. The nose 28 thus serves as a position indicator and position lock.

The nose 28 extends in a slightly curved shape on the circumference, adapted to the circular shape of the passage opening 22. The outer circumference of the locking nose 28 is approximately adapted to the concentric screw movement around the central axis 13. This allows the pouring support 4 with the pouring device 5 completely pushed in to be screwed onto the storage container 2, with the nose 28 engaging behind the front edge 7 of the storage container 2.

In the following, the effect and functioning of the embodiment of a material receiving container according to the invention shown in the drawing is explained in more detail.

To assemble the material receiving container 1, the pouring device 5 is inserted into the pouring support 4 in the insertion direction 17. The guide rails 38 are introduced into the groove 18 so that the guide shoulders 16 are engaged behind. When the pouring device 5 is completely inserted, the pouring support 4 is screwed onto the thread 8 of the storage container 2 in the attachment direction 12. When screwing it tight, the sealing surface 23 is pressed against the front edge 7 of the storage container 2 and clamped between this and the guide shoulders 16, with the locking lug 28 protruding into the storage container and resting on the inside against the edge of the flow opening.

The clamping creates a frictional connection that makes it difficult or even impossible to pull out the pouring device 5 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction 17. To remove the assembly, the above-mentioned work is carried out in reverse order.

The arrangement of the insertion direction transverse to the mounting direction results in a new choice of design for the pouring device and pouring support.

According to the function to be achieved, the design of the pouring device 5 as an insert does not only mean the insertion of the pouring device 5 into the interior of the pouring support 4. In an analogous manner, the pouring device 5 can of course also be designed in such a way that

be designed in such a way that it overlaps the spout support laterally and is thus attached to it as an insert.

The insertion of the pouring device 5 can be carried out purely translationally with a small amount of rotation, e.g. in the case of curved guide rails.

Claims (19)

1. Material receiving container ( 1 ), in particular a spice shaker, with a storage container ( 2 ), at the head end of which a pouring device ( 3 ) is provided which can be attached, which has a pouring support ( 4 ) and a separate pouring device ( 5 ) which is mounted on the pouring support ( 4 ) and has at least one pouring opening ( 21 ), wherein the pouring device ( 5 ) is designed as an insert and can be inserted into the pouring support ( 4 ) in a direction ( 17 ) transverse to the attachment direction ( 12 ) of the pouring device ( 3 ). 2. Material receiving container according to claim 1, characterized in that the pouring device ( 5 ) is detachably mounted on the pouring support ( 4 ). 3. Material receiving container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pouring device ( 5 ) is attached to the pouring support ( 4 ) in a translationally displaceable manner. 4. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring device ( 5 ) has at least one guide rail ( 38 ) extending along the insertion device ( 17 ) which rests in a guided manner on at least one guide shoulder ( 16 ) of the pouring support ( 4 ). 5. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring support ( 4 ) is detachably attached to the storage container ( 2 ) and the pouring device ( 5 ) is inserted into the pouring support ( 4 ) in a direction transverse to the attachment direction ( 12 ) of the pouring support ( 4 ) in the storage container ( 2 ). 6. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring device ( 5 ) is held clamped between the storage container ( 2 ) and the pouring support ( 4 ) in the attachment direction ( 12 ) of the pouring device ( 3 ). 7. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sealing surface ( 23 ) of the pouring device ( 5 ) having a passage opening ( 22 ) lies in tight contact with an end edge ( 7 ) of the storage container ( 2 ) forming a flow opening ( 6 ). 8. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring device ( 5 ) has a pouring channel ( 20 ) connecting the inner volume of the storage container ( 2 ) with the spreading opening ( 21 ). 9. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lid ( 25 ) which is movable between an opening position and a closing position closing the spreading opening ( 21 ) is movably mounted on the pouring device ( 5 ). 10. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lid ( 25 ) is formed integrally with the pouring device ( 5 ). 11. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lid ( 25 ) overlaps the pouring support ( 4 ) at least in regions in the closed position. 12. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lid ( 25 ) is detachably locked to the pouring support ( 4 ) in the closed position. 13. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lid ( 25 ) has a guide cheek ( 33 ) which, when pivoting between the open and closed positions, guides the lid ( 25 ) in guiding contact with a guide element ( 32 ) of a fixed section of the pouring device ( 5 ). 14. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a guide cheek ( 33 ) of a lid ( 25 ) rests in frictional contact against a friction guide ( 32 ) of the pouring device ( 5 ), wherein the frictional contact locks the lid ( 25 ) in a manner counteracting the automatic movement of the lid ( 25 ). 15. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring device ( 3 ) is provided with a holding member ( 34 ) by means of which the material receiving container ( 1 ) can be suspended from a holder ( 37 ). 16. Material receiving container according to claim 15, characterized in that the holding member ( 34 ) is formed on the pouring device ( 5 ). 17. Material receiving container according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the holding member ( 34 ) is formed on a lid ( 25 ) which is movably mounted on the pouring device ( 3 ). 18. Material receiving container according to claim 17, characterized in that the holding member ( 34 ) is formed integrally with the lid ( 25 ). 19. Material receiving container according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring device ( 5 ) engages behind a section of the storage container ( 2 ) with a nose ( 28 ) extending approximately in the attachment direction ( 12 ), transversely to the insertion direction ( 17 ) when the pouring device ( 5 ), pouring support ( 4 ) and storage container ( 2 ) are assembled.