FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container with a measuring scoop secured to the container for storing powdered additives or combination of liquid with powdered solution. In particular the measuring scoop is secured beneath the lid of the container by means of a plurality of retaining features to separate the measuring scoop from the product for hygienic purposes.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Most granulated or powdered products are sold in a package or container together with a scoop which may be used to dispense a measured volume of the product. The scoop is usually immersed in the product with unavailability of proper holding means to retain the scoop in the container, thus, requiring the consumer to manually retrieve the scoop by immersing fingers or instruments in the product which may cause bacterial contamination to the granulated or powdered products. Such bacterial contamination may cause serious health problem.

United States Patent No. US 9541441 B2 (hereinafter referred to as US’441 B2 Patent) entitled“Integrated Measuring Scoop Apparatus” having a filing date of 17 August 2012 (Patentee: TricorBraun Inc.) discloses a measuring scoop apparatus that is integrated with a container whereby the measuring scoop apparatus secures the measuring scoop in a readily accessible position within the container. The US’441 B2 Patent discloses the measuring scoop apparatus includes a mounting ring having at least a first mounting protrusion extending inwardly from an inner surface of the mounting ring. The US’441 B2 provides a first mounting protrusion of the mounting ring engaged to recessed slots of a bowl and handle of the measuring scoop to keep the measuring scoop in place. The US’441 B2 provides that the length of the measuring scoop corresponds to an inner diameter of the mounting ring and the recessed slot have a width and depth which corresponds to width and depth of the mounting protrusion.

International Patent Publication No. WO 2012085783 A1 (hereinafter referred to as WO’783 A1 Publication) entitled“Infant Formula Container” having a priority date of 22 December 2010 (Applicant: WYETH LLC) discloses a container for storing and dispensing flowable nutritional products. The container of WO’783 A1 Publication comprises a collar attached to the top of the container, a lid in domed shaped hingedly attached to the collar, a docking station underside of the lid to secure a measuring device within the container to prevent loss or contamination. The container of WO’783 A1 Publication further comprises a levelling bar located near the top of the container.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US 20060156811 A1 (hereinafter referred to as US’811 A1 Publication) entitled“Container with Measuring Device Holding Means” having a filing date of 19 January 2005 (Applicant: PLASTIPAK PACKAGING, INC.) discloses a container having a holding means for removably holding a product measuring device to avoid the measuring device from falling beneath the surface of the product for convenient and safe storage of the measuring device during use. The US’81 1 A1 Publication provides that the holding means comprises a plate-like member or ledge connected to the container adjacent the upper end of the container. The holding means of US’811 A1 Publication may comprise an opening or slot therein to hold an elongated handle of the measuring device in the opening. The US’811 A1 Publication provides that the measuring device may be retained on edge if a levelling member by serration or a partial connection for easy removal of the measuring device.

As outlined above, various containers with measuring scoop retaining features have been invented to avoid cross-contamination with the powdered or granulated product. However, it is desirable to have a container with a lid having measuring scoop retaining features made of antibacterial material and a measuring scoop treated with antibacterial agent to allow safe access to the measuring scoop for hygienic purposes and continuous protection from any contamination.

SUM MARY OF INVENTION

The present invention consists of features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it being understood that various changes in details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

One aspect of the present invention provides a container (100) with a measuring scoop (104) secured to the container for storing powdered additives or combination of liquid with powdered solution whereby the container (100) comprising a lid (102) connected to an upper end of the container by at least one live hinge (109); a mounting ring (105) on the upper end of the container; the mounting ring (105) is affixed to a top opening of the container by fastening means (121); and levelling means (1 10) coupled integrally to the mounting ring (105) and further coupled to the measuring scoop through a mounting protrusion (106C) integrated to a holding means (104B) of the measuring scoop. The present invention further provides that the lid (102) is a re-sealable lid made of antimicrobial plastic resin. The lid of the present invention includes a plurality of retaining features (106A, 106B) positioned beneath the lid (102) whereby the plurality of retaining features (106A, 106B) are integrated to the mounting ring (102) through mounting protrusion on the upper end of the container for holding the measuring scoop (104). The retaining feature of the present invention further comprises a first retaining feature (106A) positioned at a distal end of the mounting ring (105) on an upper end of the container; a second retaining feature (106B) positioned at a proximal end of the mounting ring enabling the first retaining feature and the second retaining feature to be at opposite ends to one another.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the plurality of retaining features (106A, 106B) are retained on a top surface of the mounting ring (105) by a locking mechanism preferably through locking pin, mating threads of parallel bars or ribs for locking the measuring scoop (104).

A further aspect of the present invention provides that the measuring scoop (104) further comprises a bowl (104A) having an air hole at a base of the bowl to allow the powder to be easily removed from the bowl of the measuring scoop (104A); an elongated handle (104B) having a locking mechanism (104E) along the elongated handle (104B) representing either mating threads or receiving gaps for locking-in to locking mechanism of the second retaining features (106B) and grip protrusions (104D) on a top surface of the elongated handle (104B). Yet another aspect of the present invention provides that the bowl (104A) of the measuring scoop further comprises a locking mechanism at an upper edge of the bowl (104A) which correspond to the locking mechanism of the first retaining feature (106A) of the lid.

Further, another aspect of the present invention provides that the measuring scoop (104) is treated with an antibacterial agent to allow continuous protection from bacterial contamination.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the lid (102) may include a push-in piece (102A) at a lower edge of the lid (102) which is in contact with a push up portion of the mounting ring (105) at an outward end of the mounting ring (105).

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides that the fastening means (121) for affixing the mounting ring to the top opening of the container is preferably of snap fit type.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a process (200) for securing a measuring scoop to a container for storing powdered additives or combination of liquid with powdered solution in the container; the process comprises steps of affixing (202) a locking mechanism at an upper edge of a bowl of the measuring scoop to a locking mechanism of a first retaining feature of a lid of the container positioned at a distal end of the mounting ring of an upper end of the container; affixing (204) a locking mechanism along an elongated handle of the measuring scoop to a locking mechanism of a second retaining feature of the lid of the container positioned at a proximal end of the mounting ring of an upper end of the container; and affixing (206) a locking mechanism at a middle part of the elongated handle of the measuring scoop to a locking mechanism of a mounting protrusion which integrally coupled to adjacent levelling means of the container.

The present invention consists of features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it being understood that various changes in details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by references to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1.0 illustrates an exploded view of container comprising a mounting ring, an opened lid hingedly attached to the mounting ring and a measuring scoop secured to a plurality of retaining features.

Figure 1.1 illustrates a side view of a container with an opened lid whereby a mounting ring is affixed to the container by snap-fit mechanism.

Figure 1.2A illustrates a side view of a container with a closed lid having a measuring scoop retained beneath the lid of the container. Figure 1 2B illustrates a side view of a container with a closed lid.

Figure 1.3 illustrates a side view of a container with a closed lid whereby the lid is connected to a mounting ring by a live hinge and a locking feature of the lid.

Figure 1.4 illustrates a top view, side view and front view of a measuring scoop according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2.0 illustrates a flowchart of the general process for securing a measuring scoop to a container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a container with a measuring scoop secured to the container for storing powdered additives or combination of liquid with powdered solution. In particular the measuring scoop is secured beneath the lid of the container by means of a plurality of retaining features to separate the measuring scoop from the product for hygienic purposes.

Figure 1.0 illustrates an exploded view of a container (100) with an opened lid (102). As illustrated in Figure 1.0, the container for storing powdered additives or combination of liquid with powdered solution comprises a lid (102); a mounting ring (102); levelling means (1 10); a measuring scoop (104) and a plurality of retaining features (106A, 106B). The container (100) may have a round sidewall and a bottom wall whereby the sidewall and the bottom wall may define an interior volume where the powdered additives or combination of liquid with powdered is stored.

The lid of the present invention is connected to an upper end of the container by at least one live hinge (109). It is provided herein that the lid (102) is a re-sealable lid. In an alternative embodiment, the lid may be completely removable from the container such as peel off lid or lift of lid. A removable seal is provided at a top opening of the container (100) and underneath the lid (102) to vacuum seal the container.

The lid (102) of the present invention is made of a suitable plastics resin but is not limited to polyethylene and polypropylene or biodegradable resins such as Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) with antibacterial additive such as colloidal silver or various other additives which have antibacterial properties to prevent bacterial proliferation and to eliminate the potential of contamination from exposure and human contact. Preferably, the lid is made of biodegradable resins such as Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) thereby enabling the lid to be recycled or disposed in compostable collection system to preserve the environment. Further, the lid (102) is made of materials free from hazardous substance such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers to eliminate the risk of migration of hazardous substance from the resin to the product that could cause health concerns. The present invention further provides that the mounting ring (105) is on the upper end of the container whereby the mounting ring (105) is affixed to a top opening of the container by fastening means (121). It is provided herein that the mounting ring (105) having an inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the top opening of the container.

Further, the present invention provides that the fastening means (121) for affixing the mounting ring (105) to the top opening of the container is preferably of snap fit type. Figure 1.1 illustrates a side view of the container with an opened lid whereby the mounting ring is affixed to the container by snap-fit mechanism.

The container of the present invention further comprises a plurality of retaining features (106A, 106B) positioned beneath the lid (102). It is provided herein that the plurality of retaining features (106A, 106B) are integrated to the mounting ring (102) through mounting protrusion on the upper end of the container for holding the measuring scoop (104). Figures 1.2A and 1.2B illustrate side views of the container with a closed lid whereby Figure 1.2A illustrates the measuring scoop is retained beneath the lid of the container in such a way that the measuring scoop is separated from the product to provide hygienic care of the measuring scoop (104) and safe access to the measuring scoop (104). A recess may be provided on an underside of the lid to enable the measuring scoop to be retained beneath the lid at any orientation.

As illustrated in Figure 1.0, the plurality of retaining features (106A, 106B) are retained on a top surface of the mounting ring (105) by a locking mechanism preferably through locking pin, mating threads of parallel bars or ribs for locking the measuring scoop (104) in place beneath the lid (102). A recess or prompt may be provided in the plurality of retaining feature (106A, 106B) to facilitate removal of the measuring scoop with minimum force. The present invention further provides that the plurality of retaining features further comprises a first retaining feature (106A) positioned at a distal end of the mounting ring (105) and a second retaining feature (106B) positioned at a proximal end of the mounting ring. The first retaining feature (106A) and the second retaining feature (106B) is positioned facing one another in such a way that the first retaining feature (106A) and the second retaining feature (106B) be at opposite ends to one another.

The present invention further provides that the levelling means (110) coupled integrally to the mounting ring (105) and further coupled to the measuring scoop through a mounting protrusion (106C) integrated to a holding means (104B) of the measuring scoop (104). It is provided herein that the mounting protrusion (106C) further comprises a locking mechanism which corresponds to the locking mechanism of the holding means (104B) of the measuring scoop. The measuring scoop is held at a middle part of the holding means of the measuring scoop through the mounting protrusion (106C) in such a way that the levelling means (1 10) is positioned adjacent to the measuring scoop (104). The levelling means (110) levels the measured product by removing excess product through scraping an opening of the bowl (104A) of the measuring scoop across an underside of the levelling means (110).

Reference is now made to Figure 1.3 which illustrates a side view of the container with a closed lid whereby the lid is connected to the mounting ring by a live hinge and a locking feature of the lid. The locking feature of the lid may include a push-in piece (102A) at a lower edge of the lid which is in contact with a push up portion of the mounting ring (105) at the outward end of the mounting ring.

Reference is now made to Figure 1.4 which illustrates a top view, side view and front view of the measuring scoop according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Figure 1.4, the measuring scoop (104) of the present invention is provided with a bowl (104A) and an elongated handle (104B). The bowl (104A) of the present invention includes an air hole at a base of the bowl to allow the product to be easily removed from the bowl (104A) of the measuring scoop. The bowl of the measuring device further includes a locking mechanism at an upper edge of the bowl (104A) corresponding to the locking mechanism of the first retaining feature (106A) of the mounting ring (105).

The elongated handle of the measuring scoop (104B) includes a locking mechanism (104E) along the elongated handle (104B) representing either mating threads or receiving gaps for locking-in to the locking mechanism of the second retaining features (106B) of the mounting ring (105). The elongated handle (104B) of the measuring scoop further includes grip protrusions (104D) on a top surface of the elongated handle (104b) to prevent the measuring scoop (104) from slipping out of a user’s hand.

In an alternative embodiment, the measuring scoop can be split into half to reduce the height of the lid in order to reduce the amount of plastic used to manufacture the lid. During first usage, the measuring scoop can be easily assembled by folding the split together and locking in the split by a locking mechanism to form a complete measuring scoop. The assembled measuring scoop can be retained beneath the lid by means of the plurality of retaining means after removal of the removable seal.

It is provided herein that the measuring scoop of the present invention is made of antimicrobial masterbatch containing silver ion, a suitable plastic resin but is not limited to polyethylene and polypropylene or biodegradable resins such as Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) and any suitable material for manufacturing the measuring scoop. Preferably, the measuring scoop is made of biodegradable resins such as Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) thereby enabling the measuring scoop to be recycled or disposed in compostable collection system to preserve the environment. It is provided herein that the measuring scoop is treated with an antibacterial agent such as tea tree oil mist spray or ultraviolet radiation during manufacturing process to provide continuous protection from bacterial contamination.

The present invention further provides that a registered trademark may be applied to the lid, container or both to indicate that the measuring scoop and the lid is made of antibacterial plastic resin and the measuring scoop has been treated with an antibacterial agent to prove that the measuring scoop and the lid can be safely used.

Reference is now made to Figure 2.0 which is a flowchart is illustrating the general process for securing a measuring scoop to a container. As illustrated in Figure 2.0, the process (200) for securing the measuring scoop to the container for storing powdered additives or combination of liquid with powdered solution in the container comprising steps of first affixing (202) a locking mechanism at an upper edge of a bowl of the measuring scoop to a locking mechanism of a first retaining feature positioned at a distal end of the mounting ring. Next, a locking mechanism along an elongated handle of the measuring scoop is affixed (204) to a locking mechanism of a second retaining feature positioned at a proximal end of the mounting ring. Upon affixing the locking mechanism along the elongated handle of the measuring scoop to the locking mechanism of the second retaining feature, a locking mechanism at a middle part of the elongated handle of the measuring scoop is affixed (206) to a locking mechanism of a mounting protrusion which integrally coupled to adjacent levelling means. The present invention provides that the measuring scoop is retained in the container by means of a plurality of retaining features to ensure the measuring scoop does not fall into the container during storage or transportation and to provide safe access to the measuring scoop without contaminating the product.

In conclusion, the distinctiveness of the present invention lies in a container having a measuring scoop secured beneath a lid of the container by means of a plurality of retaining features to separate the measuring scoop from the product for hygienic purposes. Unless the context requires otherwise or specifically stated to the contrary, integers, steps or elements of the invention recited herein as singular integers, steps or elements clearly encompass both singular and plural forms of the recited integers, steps or elements.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word“comprise”, or variations such as“comprises” or“comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or integer or group of steps or elements or integers, but not the exclusion of any other step or element or integer or group of steps, elements or integers. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense and thus should be understood as meaning“including principally, but not necessarily solely”.