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WO2019199297A1 - Appareil de distribution dosée de matières particulaires ayant une structure modulaire - Google Patents

Appareil de distribution dosée de matières particulaires ayant une structure modulaire Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019199297A1
WO2019199297A1 PCT/US2018/027037 US2018027037W WO2019199297A1 WO 2019199297 A1 WO2019199297 A1 WO 2019199297A1 US 2018027037 W US2018027037 W US 2018027037W WO 2019199297 A1 WO2019199297 A1 WO 2019199297A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
collar member
capsule
container
metering
base
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2018/027037
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jai SHIN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CN201880094586.9A priority Critical patent/CN112423628B/zh
Priority to PCT/US2018/027037 priority patent/WO2019199297A1/fr
Publication of WO2019199297A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019199297A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
    • A47J47/02—Closed containers for foodstuffs
    • A47J47/04—Closed containers for foodstuffs for granulated foodstuffs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00—Table service
    • A47G19/30—Other containers or devices used as table equipment
    • A47G19/32—Food containers with dispensing devices for bread, rolls, sugar, or the like; Food containers with movable covers
    • A47G19/34—Food containers with dispensing devices for bread, rolls, sugar, or the like; Food containers with movable covers dispensing a certain quantity of powdered or granulated foodstuffs, e.g. sugar
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F11/00—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it
    • G01F11/28—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement
    • G01F11/42—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement with supply or discharge valves of the rotary or oscillatory type
    • G01F11/46—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement with supply or discharge valves of the rotary or oscillatory type for fluent solid material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/26—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts
    • B65D47/261—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having a rotational or helicoidal movement
    • B65D47/265—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having a rotational or helicoidal movement between planar parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/06—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing powdered or granular material

Definitions

  • U.S. Patent No. 7,748,579 issued to Applicant is directed to a dispensing apparatus for conveniently dispensing a metered amount of a material stored therein.
  • the subject dispensing apparatus incorporates structural features that, among other things, enhance a user’s ability to quickly, conveniently, and simply assemble and disassemble the apparatus to and from its fully operational configuration.
  • the measuring unit may thus be securely coupled to the container unit, yet remain freely displaceable angularly relative thereto for unhindered metering and dispensing operation, as described in following paragraphs.
  • a metered dispensing apparatus formed in accordance with certain embodiments and applications generally includes a container unit and a measuring unit coupled to be angularly displaceable one relative to the other between open and closed positions.
  • the container unit is formed with a base and a first partition substantially enclosing a storage compartment defined thereby, the first partition being formed with an opening communicating with the storage compartment.
  • the measuring unit includes a capsule and a second partition connected thereto for substantially enclosing a metering compartment defined by such capsule and second partition. The second partition opposes the first partition and (in combination with the capsule) defines an opening which communicates with the metering compartment.
  • the capsule of the measuring unit and the container unit are configured to be coaxially disposed.
  • the capsule may be coaxially rotated relative to the container unit to displace the second partition with respect to the first partition between the open and closed positions.
  • a predetermined quantity of material stored in the storage compartment may be displaced through the aligned openings to substantially fill the metering compartment.
  • This quantity of material (defined by the volume/capacity of the metering compartment) in the closed position may then be isolated from the storage compartment for subsequent dispensing.
  • FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a collar shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 4B is a sectional view of the portion of the dispensing apparatus shown in Fig. 4A, illustrated in an assembled state;
  • Fig. 5 A is a sectional view of a portion of a dispensing apparatus formed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in a disassembled state;
  • the subject apparatus provides for quick and convenient, yet accurate, metered dispensing of various particulate materials.
  • the dispensed materials may for example be in the form of powder having various fineness or coarseness, in granular or crystalline form, or the like.
  • the apparatus is preferably of generally modular structure, with main units that are simply structured and simply coupled together for ease of assembly and disassembly, and ease of proper effective use.
  • the apparatus is formed with a container unit to which a measuring unit is displaceably coupled by a retention unit.
  • These units are releasably and detachably intercoupled, and may each unit be replaced as desired or needed so long as replacement unit preserves the intercoupling features to remain modularly compatible with the other units.
  • the container unit defines a storage compartment for the particulate material to be dispensed.
  • the measuring unit defines a metering compartment, and is displaceable relative to the container unit to selective open or close an access portal, or communication opening, in a partitioning structure disposed between its metering compartment and the container unit’s storage compartment.
  • the partitioning structure may be formed by a separate unit interposed between the measuring and container units, or otherwise formed by partitioning measures integrated into one or both of the measuring and container units at their interface.
  • the retention unit is coupled to both the measuring and container units to hold them together in releasable yet secure manner.
  • the retention unit holds the measuring and container units together such that they are mutually displaceable in angular position one relative to the other, such that one or both of the units may be easily and smoothly displaced to place the apparatus selectively in metering and dispensing configurations.
  • the communication portal is at least partially opened for transferring particulate material between the storage and metering compartments.
  • the communication is fully closed as to isolate the metering compartment from the storage compartment, whereby the metered material may be dispensed from the measuring unit without migration of additional particulate material into the metering compartment therefrom.
  • the modularity of the units permits, for instance, the measuring or container units to be replaced, respectively, with substitute units that define variously sized metering and storage compartments.
  • dispensing apparatus 10 generally comprises a container unit 100 and a measuring unit 200 that is preferably coaxially coupled in angularly displaceable manner thereto by a retention unit 250, preferably formed as a collar member.
  • Container unit 100 generally serves as portable storage for a bulk amount of a certain particulate material such as, for example, a condensed baby formula powder.
  • Measuring unit 200 is angularly displaceable along a range of angular positions relative to container unit 100.
  • Dispensing apparatus 10 is adjustably configured for operation thereby.
  • Measuring unit 200 serves a metering function, where a batch amount of the material stored in container 100 is urged into the measuring unit 200, then physically isolated from the remainder of the material in storage container 100 for neat and accurate dispensing of just that measured batch of material from dispensing apparatus 10.
  • the various operational configurations of dispensing apparatus 10 preferably include at least one configuration wherein measuring unit 200 assumes an open position relative to container unit 100, and at least one other configuration wherein measuring unit 200 assumes a closed position relative to container unit 100.
  • the measuring and container units 200, 100 are mutually arranged such that the given material may pass freely between compartments they respectively define.
  • In the closed position access for such passage of material between the two units 200, 100 is substantially blocked.
  • Other operational configurations preferably include released and locked positions. In the released position, the measuring unit 200 is freed for separation/disassembly from container unit 100. In the locked position, the measuring and container units 200, 100, are connected such that the measuring unit 200 captured in engagement with the container unit 100, preferably while remaining angularly displaceable with respect to that container unit 100.
  • Dispensing apparatus 10 enables a user to carry in bulk an ample quantity of the given material to source numerous batches for later consumption.
  • a batch of the material may be quickly yet neatly and accurately measured out by appropriately adjusting measuring unit 200 relative to container unit 100, manipulating apparatus 10 to cause enough of the stored material to migrate into and fill the measuring unit 200 to capacity, from the container unit 100.
  • the measuring unit 200 may then be reset in position relative to the container unit 100, then the resulting batch of material let out from the measuring unit 200.
  • the process may be repeated to dispense subsequent consistently portioned batches of the stored material for consumption.
  • Container unit 100 is formed with a base 110 which defines an internal storage compartment 115 for the given material.
  • Container unit 100 includes a partition assembly 135 whose substantially planar partitioning deck 140 encloses the storage compartment 115 defined by base 110.
  • This partitioning deck 140 is provided with an opening 145 which communicates with the storage compartment 115.
  • the partition assembly 135 is integrally formed with the base 110; however, it may be suitably configured in other embodiments for removable coupled to such base.
  • base 110 is formed with a substantially cylindrical contour with an upper terminal end 111 and a lower terminal end 112.
  • the partition assembly 135 is integrally formed with the base 110 at its upper terminal end 111, and the opening 145 is formed through such partition assembly to permit access to/from the storage compartment 115.
  • the partition assembly 135 may be formed with a removable configuration relative to the base 110, the partition assembly thus being capped onto the base 110. In these embodiments, the partition assembly 135 may be removed by the user as needed for, among other things, filling, emptying, or cleaning storage compartment 115 more conveniently.
  • Partition assembly 135 in the illustrative embodiment shown is formed with a substantially planar partitioning deck 140 in which a preferably wedge-shaped access opening 145 is formed to enable open access to storage compartment 115.
  • measuring unit 200 serves a capping as well as a measuring/dispensing function for container unit 100.
  • the partitioning deck 140 formed with the base 110 at its upper terminal end 111 remains remain stationary while components of the measuring unit 200 are angularly displaced relative to the container unit 100 to adjust the operational configuration of dispensing apparatus 10.
  • Partition assembly 135 preferably includes a stop 150 protruding upward from partitioning deck 140.
  • This stop 150 is suitably positioned relative to the opening 145 so as to limit the angular displacement of measuring unit 200 at fully closed and fully open positions (or other pre-determined positions) relative to container unit 100, for predictable adjustment to those positions or to any angular position ranging therebetween.
  • the base 110 of the container unit 100 is preferably formed at its upper terminal end 111 with a threaded portion 125.
  • this threaded portion 125 is formed along an outer surface of the base 110.
  • the collar member 250 is formed with an upper end 251 and a lower end 260, and defines a substantially annular contour.
  • the collar member 250 is formed with a complementary threaded portion 253 extending along an inner sidewall surface thereof.
  • the threaded portion 253 is suitably configured to engage the threaded portion 125 extending along the outer surface of the base 110 (at the upper terminal end 111 of such base) to thereby releasably couple the collar 250 to the base 110 in coaxially engaged manner.
  • the collar 250 may be disassembled from the base 110 for cleaning, refilling, or the like.
  • the threaded portion 253 of the collar 250 engages the threaded portion 125 of the base 110 to adjustably tighten the collar’s securement to the base 110, and consequently tighten the capture of the measuring unit 200 to the container unit 100.
  • this coupling is with sufficient tightness to securely retain the coupling without so tightly capturing the measuring unit 200 to hinder its angular displacement relative to the container unit 100.
  • the measuring unit 200 is preferably retained such that it may undergo smooth rotation between predetermined limits of its angular position with respect to the container unit, undisturbed by undue frictional contact, or restrictive clamping force between the collar member 250 and container unit 100.
  • a stop feature is provided in the threading of the collar member 250, and/or alternatively in the threading of the container unit 200.
  • a ridge structure 256 is formed to protrude from the inner sidewall surface of the collar member 250.
  • the ridge 256 traverses the space (or a portion of the space) between adjacent segments of threading defined by the threaded portion 253 of the collar 250.
  • the ridge 256 is suitably configured and positioned at the threaded portion 253, such that the measuring unit 200 at that point is reliably secured to the container unit 100, but is not be so tightly retained thereagainst that it cannot be freely turned relative to the container unit 100.
  • the threaded engagement between the collar member 250 and the container unit 100 is isolated from the slidable displacement of the measuring unit 200 relative to that container unit 100. That is, angular displacement of the measuring unit 200 in a certain direction does not adversely affect the tightness of the collar-container threaded engagement.
  • Such ridge-limited collar-container engagement also makes it easier for a user to couple and decouple the collar 250 from the container unit’s base 110 for disassembly.
  • the ridge 256 defined on the threaded portion 253 thus ensures that upon the threaded portion 125 reaching the ridge 256, the collar 250 is blocked against further angular displacement in the tightening direction relative to the base 110.
  • the collar 250 cannot be further tightened. That is, the threaded portion 125 cannot further engage the threaded portion 253, thereby ensuring that the collar 250 is not excessively tightened to the base 110, beyond a certain point.
  • Container unit 100 may be formed of any suitable material known in the art appropriate for the specific requirements of the intended Application.
  • suitable materials like plastic, Plexiglas, Pyrex, stainless steel, or other materials of suitable strength, rigidity, and durability required for the application may be employed.
  • other considerations such as thermal expansion properties and the ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures may be of particular significance, given such common practices of parents as sterilizing vessels and implements by immersing in boiling water. Nevertheless, the particular choice of material(s) actually employed is not important to the present invention.
  • Measuring unit 200 includes a capsule 210 extending over a supplemental partitioning deck 240 to define a metering, or measuring, compartment 220 therein.
  • Capsule 210 may be formed with any suitable contour necessary to yield a predetermined volumetric capacity for metering compartment 220.
  • all or a portion of capsule 210 is formed of a translucent, semi-transparent, or transparent material, such that the capsule’s degree of fill may be readily observable to the user.
  • Capsule 210 is formed at its upper end 212 with a dispensing opening 213 disposed in open communication with its metering compartment 220.
  • a closure 270 is provided for closing this dispensing opening 213, preferably by engaging a capturing part 214 formed about the upper end 212 of the capsule 210.
  • This closure 270 is preferably retained with measuring unit 200 by a flexible or semi-flexible (deflectable) tether 275 of any suitable configuration known in the art for ease and convenience of use.
  • This tether 275 in the disclosed embodiment is formed with a first end connected to the closure 270 and a second end connected to a retaining collar/ring 280 having a hole 285 extending therethrough.
  • the retaining ring 280 is preferably fitted much like a collar over the upper end 212 of the capsule unit 210 and deflected around and under the annular ridge form by the capturing part 214.
  • the closure 270 may then be capped over the dispensing opening 213.
  • the closure 270 may be removed from the dispensing opening 213 and simply let go.
  • the closure 270 stays attached by its tether 275 which remains engaged to the capsule’s upper end 212, retained there by the capturing part 214. Once the user no longer needs to access the compartment 220, the closure 270 is replaced back over the dispensing opening 213 of the upper end 212.
  • the supplemental partitioning deck 240 provides a partial floor for the metering compartment 220 which is otherwise open at its bottom. The opening formed beyond this partial floor for the compartment 220 may be partially or fully blocked by the partitioning deck 140 of the container unit 100, depending on the capsule unit’s angular position relative to the container unit 100.
  • a user may utilize the access opening 145 formed through the partitioning deck 140 to fill the storage compartment 115 of the base 110 with a certain predetermined amount of particulate material.
  • the filling of material may be carried out by removing an end cap 180 preferably covering an otherwise open bottom of the base 110, as described in following paragraphs.
  • the access opening 145 extends between two ends, preferably terminating on one end at a stop portion 150 protruding upward from the partitioning deck 145.
  • this stop portion 150 is integrally formed with the partitioning deck 140 and positioned to align along one side with a terminal end of the access opening 145.
  • this stop portion 150 may be formed for removable or adjustable coupling to the partitioning deck 140 so that it may be selectively positioned elsewhere with respect to the ends of the access opening 145.
  • the stop portion 150 in such alternate embodiments may even be selectively disposed at an intermediate position along the opening, between the opposed ends.
  • the access opening 145 in the disclosed embodiment is formed with an arched shape spanning an angular region between first and second radially extending ends
  • the access opening 145 may be formed with other shapes and sizes depending on the requirements of the particularly intended application.
  • more than one access opening 145 may be formed in the partitioning deck 140.
  • the shape, size, and number of the access opening(s) 145 is determined for a particular application in coordination with the shape and size of the supplemental partitioning deck 240 of the measuring unit 200.
  • the supplemental partitioning deck 240 extends between a leading edge 241 and a trailing edge 242, preferably contoured to fully cover the opening 145 when angularly positioned accordingly with respect to the partitioning deck 140 to extend thereover.
  • the supplemental partitioning deck 240 is releasably coupled to the capsule 210.
  • the supplemental partitioning deck 240 may be fixed to or integrally formed with the capsule 210.
  • a compartment 230 is defined within an inner surface of the capsule 210 above the lower end 235 of such capsule; and, the supplemental partitioning deck 240 is coupled to capsule 210 to partially enclose such compartment 230.
  • the lower end 235 of the capsule 210 is suitably configured to tightly and securely couple to the supplemental partitioning deck 240.
  • the supplemental partitioning deck 240 is securely coupled to move with the capsule 210. It is thus angularly displaceable in unison with the capsule 210 when such capsule is angularly displaced with respect to the base 110. That is, the deck 240 and capsule 210 are angularly displaceable as a single unit relative to the base 110 in the illustrated embodiment for simplicity and convenience of use.
  • the capsule 210 is preferably formed with an opening at its lower end 235 for ease of access and cleaning when disassembled from the supplemental partitioning deck 240.
  • a sufficient residual portion 236 of the opening is preferably left to preserve ease of access (for cleaning or other purposes) to the compartment 230 and its surrounding inner surfaces.
  • supplemental partitioning deck 240 When measuring unit 200 is coupled to the base 110, supplemental partitioning deck 240 is disposed in substantially overlaid manner over partitioning deck 140, preferably in coaxially rotatable manner relative thereto. Depending on the angular position of measuring unit 200 relative to the partition assembly 135, the residual opening 236 may or may not align with some portion of the access opening 145.
  • the contouring and the dimensioning of the access opening 145 is defined by the partitioning deck 140, whereas the dimensioning and contouring of the residual opening 236 is defined by the span of the supplemental partitioning deck 240 across the bottom opening of the capsule 210.
  • the measuring unit 200 When the measuring unit 200 is disposed in an open angular position relative to the container unit 100, at least a portion of its residual opening 236 is aligned with a portion of the container’s access opening 145, thereby opening communication between the metering compartment 220 and the storage compartment 115.
  • the residual opening 236 is sufficiently offset from the access opening 145, such that the partial floors defined by the partitioning deck 140 and the supplemental partitioning deck 240 combine to fully close off and isolate the compartments 220 and 115 one from the other. More specifically, the access opening 145 is blocked or covered by the supplemental partitioning deck 240 whereas the residual opening 236 is blocked or covered by the partitioning deck 140.
  • the storage compartment 115 and the metering compartment 220 be thereby partitioned and isolated to a selective degree from one another.
  • the stop 150 is formed to protrude upward from partitioning deck 140, so as to extend into the residual opening 236.
  • the trailing edge 242 of the supplemental partitioning deck 240 is positioned to abut a first side of the stop portion 150.
  • the stop portion 150 acts much as a bulwark, stopping the trailing edge 242 from moving any further past it.
  • the leading edge 241 is preferably positioned with respect to the access opening 145 such that the opening 145 is left unimpeded by any portion of the supplemental partitioning deck 240.
  • the stored material may then pass freely from the storage compartment 115 into the metering compartment 220 through the access opening 145, and the residual opening 236 sufficiently aligned therewith at that point.
  • a user may thus adjust apparatus 10 to control the size of the access opening 145 remaining open between the metering and storage compartments 220, 115, and thereby control the rate of material flow permitted therethrough. This adjustment may progress to the point where the residual opening 236 no longer overlaps the access opening 145 (the residual opening 236 being thereby effectively blocked by partitioning deck 140), leaving the metering compartment 220 fully partitioned and effectively isolated from the storage compartment 115.
  • the measuring unit 200 is disposed at its closed position, and apparatus 10 is accordingly set to a dispensing configuration.
  • the measuring unit 200 in this closed position is angularly positioned relative to the container unit 100 such that the leading edge 241 of supplemental partitioning deck 240 bears against a second side of the stop portion 150 of the partitioning deck 140.
  • the access opening 145 is fully blocked by the supplemental partitioning deck 240, and communication between the compartments 220 and 115 is collectively blocked by the partitioning and supplemental partitioning decks 140, 240.
  • the measuring unit’s metering compartment 220 is therefore partitioned by a complete floor defined collectively by the supplemental partitioning deck 240 extending over to span the access opening 145 and the partitioning deck 140 extending to span the remaining portions underneath
  • a user may subsequently return the measuring unit 200 to at least a partially open position of by turning the measuring unit 200 back towards the fully open position with respect to the container unit 100, where the trailing edge 242 bears against the second side of the stop portion 150.
  • the displacement limits provided by the stop portion 150 enable the user to conveniently reconfigure apparatus 10 between the fully open and closed (or metering and dispensing) configurations by alternatively positioning either the trailing edge 242 to bear against the stop portion 150 or the leading edge 241 to bear against the stop portion 150.
  • the collar member 250 is formed with an inner flange portion 259 at its upper end 251 which projects radially inward into the central opening.
  • the inner flange portion 259 defined by the collar 250 retentively engages a peripheral flange 225 formed at a bottom end periphery (or base region) of the capsule 210 to capture the same against a supporting surface defined by the container unit 100 underneath.
  • the peripheral flange 225 extends about the outer surface at the bottom end 235 of the capsule 210, and is axially clamped by the inner flange portion 259 of the collar 250 against corresponding portions of the partitioning deck 140 of the container unit 100 underneath.
  • the collar member 250 When a user desires to fill the storage unit 115 of the base 110 with powder or other particulate material(s), the collar member 250 is decoupled from the base 110 of the container unit 100, to release the peripheral flange 225 of the capsule 210 from underneath the inner flange portion 259 of the collar 250. The user may then fill, clean, or stow the storage unit 115. Once the storage compartment 115 is adequately filled with the particulate material for use, the user may re-attach the capsule 210 to the container unit 100, and adjustably secured in place by use of the collar 250.
  • the collar 250 may be releasably coupled to the container unit 100 by, for instance, advancing to tighten its threaded engagement to complementary threading formed about a mouth of the container unit 100, as shown in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the collar 250 clamps the peripheral flange 225 of the capsule with its inner flange portion 259.
  • the capsule 210 is secured to the base 110 in this exemplary embodiment by use of a threaded portion 253 of the collar cooperatively engaging a threaded portion 125 of the base 110.
  • the threaded portions 253 and 125 are engaged to the extent that the collar 250 is not too tightly engaged with the base 110.
  • the engagement is such that it permits free turning of the measuring unit
  • a ridge is formed at a predetermined point along at least one of the threaded portions 125, 253. This is shown for example on the threaded portion 253 of the collar 250 in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the threaded portion 125 of the base 110 encountering this ridge 256, such threaded portion 125 is stopped from further advancement along the threaded portion 253, thereby ensuring that the collar 250 is not excessively tightened with respect to the base 110 beyond a certain point.
  • the capsule 210 thus remains angularly displaceable between its open and closed positions relative to the partitioning deck 135, without excessive user effort.
  • a collar member 250 formed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown.
  • the collar 250 is again formed with a threaded portion 253.
  • a stop feature is implemented using a blocking ledge 252 preferably formed to protrude radially into the central opening of the collar 250 as shown.
  • This blocking ledge 252 may extend contiguously about the inner sidewall surface of the collar to define an annular contour, or may alternatively protrude radially inward from one or more angularly offset segments of the collar’s inner sidewall surface.
  • the blocking ledge 252 is preferably formed to provide an inclined, wedge shaped, blocking surface underneath to engage an upper edge of the container unit’s base 110 as it is threadedly advanced into engagement with the collar 250.
  • the blocking surface of the ledge 252 keeps the base 110 from advancing any farther into the collar 250 axially.
  • a suitable blocking ledge structure may be formed conversely on the base 110 to guard against overtightened engagement of the collar 250 thereto.
  • annular slot is substantially defined above the blocking ledge 252 and below the inner flange portion 259 of the collar 250 in this embodiment.
  • This annular slot serves effectively as a slidable receiving track for the peripheral flange 225 of the capsule 210, as illustrated in FIG. 4B.
  • the capsule 210 may be inserted into the collar 250 from the bottom up as shown, until peripheral flange 225 is snap fit past the blocking ledge 252 into slidably engaged position within this slot.
  • the inclined, wedge-shaped bottom surface of the blocking ledge 225 aids in this regard, to guide the peripheral flange 225 radially and axially therealong until it makes snap fit engagement with the annular receiving slot.
  • the peripheral flange 225 remains consistently engaged to the collar and retained therein, between the peripheral flange 225 and blocking ledge 252. This retentive engagement of the peripheral flange 225 remains consistent, largely independent of the degree to which the collar 250 and base 110 are tightly threaded into engagement with one another. Regardless of the threaded engagement’s tightness, the capsule 210 remains freely and smoothly displaceable angularly with respect to the partitioning decks 140 of 135. Conversely, the capsule’s angular displacement in either direction does not undo, tighten, or otherwise compromise this threadedly engaged coupling of the collar 250 to the container unit 100
  • the measuring unit 200 may be formed of any material known in the art suitable for the intended application.
  • a plastic, Plexiglas, Pyrex, steel, or other such materials of sufficient strength, rigidity, and durability for the intended application may be employed for the various parts of the measuring unit 200.
  • Thermal properties may be of particular concern in the baby formula dispensing application of the embodiment shown.
  • At least a portion of the capsule 210 is preferably formed of a translucent or at least partially transparent material in the embodiment shown to facilitate convenient visual determination of how full the capsule is with material passing from the storage compartment 115 of the container unit base 110.
  • at least a portion of base 110 is preferably formed of a translucent or at least partially transparent material to facilitate visual confirmation of the amount of material remaining within the storage compartment 115 of that base 110.
  • the base 110 which is formed with the lower terminal end 112, also defines a fill opening 160.
  • This fill opening 160 provides additional open access to the storage compartment 115.
  • Fill opening 160 may be closed off during use by a removable end cap 180, for which suitable fastening measures known in the art, such as corresponding threads 185, 170, may be employed to releasably fasten the end cap 180 to the terminal end 112.
  • suitable fastening measures known in the art such as corresponding threads 185, 170
  • apparatus 10 When the time then comes to dispense a batch of the stored material for use, the user simply configures apparatus 10 to place measuring unit 200 in its open position, whereafter apparatus 10 is upended, shaken, or otherwise manipulated to urge a portion of the stored material into the metering compartment 220 of capsule 210.
  • apparatus 10 When the metering compartment 220 is substantially filled to capacity, apparatus 10 is again reconfigured to place the measuring unit 200 in its closed position, fully partitioning the batch of material so metered within the metering compartment 220 from the storage compartment 115.
  • the user may then remove the closure 270 and dispense the batch of metered material through the dispensing opening 213.
  • the closure 270 may be replaced and the process quickly and conveniently repeated, to dispense additional batches of the stored material.
  • FIGS. 5A - 5C and certain parts of FIG. 5D there is shown a dispensing apparatus 10' formed in accordance with another alternate embodiment of the present invention.
  • a collar 250' in this embodiment is formed with a substantially annular configuration having a upper and lower annular ends, with outer and inner wall surfaces 254', 255' extending axially therebetween.
  • the collar 250' is formed in this embodiment with at least one knob 257' that protrudes radially inward from the inner wall surface 255' into a central opening.
  • a container unit 100' is formed in this embodiment with a generally barrel-like base 110' terminating at an upper end.
  • the container unit 100’ defines a storage space 115' surrounded by the base 110' and covered at the top by a partitioning deck (not shown, for clarity of illustrative description) suitably configured much like the partitioning deck 140 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.
  • a partitioning deck (not shown, for clarity of illustrative description) suitably configured much like the partitioning deck 140 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.
  • At or near the upper end of the base 110’ are formed upper and lower shelf extensions 11 , 112’ extending radially outward from the base 110’ to define a substantially annular, or ring-like, contour.
  • the lower shelf extension 112’ is axially displaced from the upper shelf extension 111’ by a predetermined spacing to define a track-like annular race therebetween that extends about an outer surface of the base 110’.
  • one or more notches 116' are formed in the upper shelf extension 111’, with each notch 116’ being formed to provide sufficient clearance to pass a knob 257' (formed to protrude radially inward from the inner surface 255') of the collar 250' to pass axially through when suitably aligned therewith.
  • knob and notch combinations may be employed at suitable positions about the container unit 100’ to provide added security /stability of such retentive coupling, depending on the requirements of the particularly intended application.
  • FIGS. 5A-5C only one knob and notch combination 2577116’ is employed.
  • two knob and notch combinations 2577116’ are employed, disposed approximately at diametrically opposed angular positions.
  • the embodiment of FIG. 5D is of like structure and configuration as the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C.
  • various other numbers of knob and notch combinations may be employed, with various angular positioning and arrangement, depending on the requirements of the particularly intended application.
  • a capsule 210’ is captured between an inner flange portion 259’ of the collar 250’ and the upper shelf extension 11 G (and/or the partitioning deck flush mounted or formed thereon, but not shown for clarity of illustration) of the container unit 100’ when the apparatus 10’ is assembled.
  • the collar’s knob 257’ is situated to retentively engage the upper shelf extension 11 G from below, the bottom edge of the collar 250’ rests on a radially projecting part of the lower shelf extension 112’ for stable support.
  • the capsule 210’ may then be freely turned with respect to the container unit 100’, its peripheral flange 225’ being slidably received in the annular slot effectively defined by the inner flange portion 259’ of the collar 250’ and the upper shelf extension 11 G of the container unit 100’.
  • the capsule 210' is thus secured within the inner surface 255' of the collar 250' to remain angularly displaceable between its open and closed positions with respect to the base 110'.
  • the capsule 210’ defines a metering compartment having a bottom opening that is partially covered by a supplemental partitioning deck (not shown, for clarity of description) much like the supplemental partitioning deck 240 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3.
  • the resulting structure permits a user to easily secure the collar 250' to the container unit 100' without having to worry about additional structure such as mutually engaging threads.
  • the user simply places the capsule 210’ on the upper end of the base 110', slips the collar 250’ over and about the capsule 210’, aligns its knob 257' with the collar’s notch 116', then pulls down and turns to secure the assembly, leaving the collar 250' firmly but rotatably captured against the container unit 100'.
  • the user may very conveniently turn the collar 250' to realign the knob 257' and notch 116', then draw the collar away by lifting to release the capsule 210’ for removal from the container unit 100’.
  • FIGS. 5A-5C is reflected in part by FIG. 5D wherein like features are shown with like reference numbers (although the embodiment of FIG. 5D otherwise includes certain alternate features as noted herein).
  • the collar 250' in this particular embodiment is defined with a suitable configuration such that when the collar 250' is brought into engagement with the capsule 210', the peripheral flange 225’ which extends radially from a bottom end of the capsule 210' remains captured radially within the inner surface 255' of the collar 250' and axially by the inner flange 259’ of that collar 250’ (against the upper end of the container unit 100’).
  • peripheral flange 225’ is thus nested within the collar 250' to rest above the partitioning deck suitably formed atop the upper end 111’ of the container unit’s base 110’, secured there by the collar’s releasable coupling to the container unit 100’.
  • the collar 250' may be rotated (relative to the container unit) to align its knob to 257' with the notch 116' for axial entry into an engagement position on the container unit 100’.
  • the knob 257' is at that point positioned in the annular space 146’ between the upper and lower shelf extensions 111% 112’ of the container unit base 110.
  • the collar 250’ may then be turned relative to the container unit 100’ to displace the knob 257’ away from alignment with the notch opening 116’ to retentively engage the bottom surface of the upper shelf extension 111’. As illustrated in FIG. 5C, the collar 250’ may be rotated as needed in this manner, relative to the container unit 110’, to selectively position its knob 257’ into or out of alignment with the notch 116' (coupled or released positions) for alternatively releasing or locking the collar’s engagement with the container unit 100'.
  • Such insert-and-tum engagement obviates the need for threaded structures or the formations of a ridge in or with such threaded structures to guard against the collar’s overtightening with respect to the container unit 100'.
  • FIG. 5D (as compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C), like reference numbers denote like features as in the preceding embodiment.
  • the embodiment alternately provides a different configuration for the lower shelf extension 112”.
  • the lower shelf extension 112” of the container unit base 110 as embodied in apparatus 10” does not extend radially beyond the upper shelf extension 111’.
  • This lower shelf extension 112 is therefore comparable in radial extent to the upper shelf extension 111’, and preferably spaced with respect to that upper shelf extension 11 to fit within and be enveloped by the inner surface 255’ of the collar 250’ when fully assembled.
  • the axial height/length of the collar side wall (hence its inner surface 255’) may also be suitably extended in configuration to accommodate as needed in this regard, depending on the requirements of the particularly intended application.
  • the lower shelf extension 112” may then provide inner radial support for the collar 250’ at or near its lower annular end 260’ to guard against undue deflection at free open end/edge structure there.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de distribution dosée de matières particulaires. L'appareil comprend une unité récipient comportant une base définissant un compartiment de stockage, une unité de mesure comportant une capsule, une unité de retenue accouplée amovible à l'unité récipient et à l'unité de mesure, et une structure de séparation délimitée entre de telles unités de manière réglable. La capsule définit un compartiment de dosage, et l'unité de retenue comprend un élément collier s'étendant autour de l'unité récipient et de l'unité de mesure, afin de les retenir angulairement et de leur permettre de se déplacer l'une par rapport à l'autre. L'unité récipient et l'unité de mesure peuvent ainsi se déplacer l'une par rapport à l'autre, permettant une configuration sélective de l'appareil entre des configurations de dosage et de distribution. La structure de séparation dans la configuration de dosage est réglée pour ouvrir une communication entre les compartiments de stockage et de mesure et permettre la migration de la matière particulaire entre ces derniers. La structure de séparation dans la configuration de distribution est réglée pour fermer une communication entre de tels compartiments et empêcher la migration de la matière particulaire entre ces derniers.
PCT/US2018/027037 2018-04-11 2018-04-11 Appareil de distribution dosée de matières particulaires ayant une structure modulaire Ceased WO2019199297A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201880094586.9A CN112423628B (zh) 2018-04-11 2018-04-11 具有模块化结构的用于颗粒材料的计量施配的设备
PCT/US2018/027037 WO2019199297A1 (fr) 2018-04-11 2018-04-11 Appareil de distribution dosée de matières particulaires ayant une structure modulaire

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2018/027037 WO2019199297A1 (fr) 2018-04-11 2018-04-11 Appareil de distribution dosée de matières particulaires ayant une structure modulaire

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WO2019199297A1 true WO2019199297A1 (fr) 2019-10-17

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Cited By (1)

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US20230138467A1 (en) * 2021-10-29 2023-05-04 Roberto Coronel Multi-Purpose Scoop Device

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US4961521A (en) * 1989-11-21 1990-10-09 Eckman Ronald E Adjustable metered dispenser
US5271535A (en) * 1992-05-26 1993-12-21 Vladimir Fridman Instant coffee dispenser
US5495962A (en) * 1993-11-11 1996-03-05 Kabushiki Kaisha N-Tec Constant quantity discharging device for powdered object
US20070000953A1 (en) * 2005-07-01 2007-01-04 Ranney Fredrik J Metering and dispensing device
US7748579B1 (en) * 2004-12-17 2010-07-06 Jai Shin Apparatus for metered dispensing of particulate materials
US8684208B2 (en) * 2009-05-14 2014-04-01 Chris Hotell Reusable containers for storing foodstuffs or liquids
US20140203050A1 (en) * 2013-01-21 2014-07-24 Brett J. Blackburn Portion distribution device
US20150298960A1 (en) * 2012-11-29 2015-10-22 Entegris, Inc. Single use dispense head with key code

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TW540555U (en) * 1999-07-14 2003-07-01 Ruei-Shin Guo Quantitative apparatus for milk powder
GB2467355A (en) * 2009-01-30 2010-08-04 Beeson & Sons Ltd Container closure with pressure seal
CN206407307U (zh) * 2017-01-17 2017-08-15 罗成 一种便携式婴幼儿奶粉盒

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4961521A (en) * 1989-11-21 1990-10-09 Eckman Ronald E Adjustable metered dispenser
US5271535A (en) * 1992-05-26 1993-12-21 Vladimir Fridman Instant coffee dispenser
US5495962A (en) * 1993-11-11 1996-03-05 Kabushiki Kaisha N-Tec Constant quantity discharging device for powdered object
US7748579B1 (en) * 2004-12-17 2010-07-06 Jai Shin Apparatus for metered dispensing of particulate materials
US20070000953A1 (en) * 2005-07-01 2007-01-04 Ranney Fredrik J Metering and dispensing device
US8684208B2 (en) * 2009-05-14 2014-04-01 Chris Hotell Reusable containers for storing foodstuffs or liquids
US20150298960A1 (en) * 2012-11-29 2015-10-22 Entegris, Inc. Single use dispense head with key code
US20140203050A1 (en) * 2013-01-21 2014-07-24 Brett J. Blackburn Portion distribution device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20230138467A1 (en) * 2021-10-29 2023-05-04 Roberto Coronel Multi-Purpose Scoop Device

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CN112423628B (zh) 2022-10-21
CN112423628A (zh) 2021-02-26

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