AND METHODS OF USING SAME

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/031 ,512, filed July 31 , 2014, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to devices for dispensing a powdered beverage product and methods of using same.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Powdered beverage products (e.g., powdered infant formula) are typically measured and dispensed using a plastic scoop. However, this process introduces opportunity for spillage and waste. In addition, handling the scoop can introduce contaminants into the unused portion of the powdered beverage product, which may later be ingested. Opening the product container, measuring and delivering the powder into a drink vessel also typically requires two hands, whereas in many instances one of the user's hands is unavailable (e.g., the user may be using one hand to hold an infant). Improved devices and methods for convenient, sanitary and efficient dispensing of a powdered beverage product are needed.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides devices for conveniently measuring a powdered beverage product and dispensing same into a beverage container, and methods of using same to prepare a beverage. In some embodiments, the device and/or method requires use of only a single hand.

[0005] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a device for dispensing a powdered beverage product, the device comprising: a lid having a first end configured to sealably mate with a powdered beverage product container; a spout disposed through a second, opposing side of the lid; a funnel disposed through the first end of the lid and including: (i) a rim at a first end of the funnel configured to fit inside the container, and (ii) an opening at a second end of the funnel opposite the first end; and a dispenser cup disposed between the first and second ends of the lid and in alignment with the funnel opening and the spout, wherein the dispenser cup is configured to: (a) collect, in a first position, a predetermined amount of the powdered beverage product from the second end of the funnel, and (b) dispense, in a second position, the predetermined amount of the powdered beverage product through the spout.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides methods of dispensing powdered beverage product into a beverage container, the method comprising: securing a dispenser device to a powdered beverage product container, the dispenser device including: a lid having a first end configured to sealably mate with the powdered beverage product container; a spout disposed through a second, opposing side of the lid; a funnel disposed through the first end of the lid and including: (i) a rim at a first end of the funnel configured to fit inside the powdered beverage container, and (ii) an opening at a second end of the funnel opposite the first end; and a dispenser cup disposed between the first and second ends of the lid and in alignment with the funnel opening and the spout, wherein the dispenser cup is configured to transition from a first position to a second position, wherein the dispenser cup: (a) collects a predetermined amount of the powdered beverage product from the funnel opening when in the first position, and (b) dispenses the predetermined amount of the powdered beverage product through the spout when in the second position; inverting the container over a beverage container; depressing the dispenser device and powdered beverage container onto the beverage container, wherein the depressing causes the dispenser cup to transition from the first position to the second position and dispense the powdered beverage product into the beverage container; and lifting the dispenser device and powdered beverage container off the beverage container, wherein the lifting causes the dispenser cup to transition from the second position to the first position.

[0007] These and other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIGs. 1A-1 E are perspective views of a dispenser device configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. [0009] FIGs. 2A-2H illustrate steps of a method of using a single hand to operate the dispenser device of FIG. 1 in combination with a powdered beverage product container and a beverage cup.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser device of FIGs. 1A-1 E.

[0011] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of another dispenser device configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the dispenser device of FIG. 4A sealably mated with a powdered beverage product container.

[0013] FIG. 4C is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser device of FIGs. 4A-4B sealably mated with a powdered beverage product container.

[0014] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the dispenser device of FIGs. 4A-4C sealably mated with a powdered beverage product container and ready for dispensing powdered beverage product into a beverage container.

[0015] FIG. 5A is perspective view of a dispenser device configured according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser device of FIG. 5A.

[0017] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a dispenser device configured according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the dispenser device of FIG. 6A viewed from a different angle.

[0019] FIG. 6C is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser device of FIGs. 6A-6B.

[0020] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a dispenser device configured according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIGs. 7B-7D are side plan views of the dispenser device of FIG. 7A.

[0022] FIG. 7E is a top plan view of the dispenser device of FIGs. 7A-7D.

[0023] FIG. 7F is a bottom plan view of the dispenser device of FIGs. 7A-7E. [0024] FIG. 7G is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser device of FIGs. 7A-7F.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure provides devices for conveniently measuring a powdered beverage product and dispensing same into a beverage container, and methods of using same to prepare a beverage. In some embodiments, the device and/or method requires use of only a single hand. In some embodiments, the powdered beverage product comprises infant formula.

1 . Powdered Beverage Product Dispensers

[0026] The present disclosure provides devices for measuring and dispensing a powdered beverage product, optionally configured to require only a single hand to operate. In some embodiments, the device includes a dispenser cup configured to measure a predetermined amount of the powdered beverage product and dispense the predetermined amount of the powdered beverage product into a beverage container upon activation by a user.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1A, a dispenser device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a lid 1 10, a spout 120 disposed through the lid 1 10, a funnel 130, a dispenser cup 140 disposed between and in alignment with the spout 120 and the funnel 130, and means 150 for causing the dispenser cup 140 to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration.

[0028] The lid 1 10 is configured to sealably mate with a powdered beverage container. In one embodiment, the lid 1 10 includes a first end 1 12 configured to fit tightly around the rim of a powdered beverage container, thus forming a seal between the dispenser device 100 and the powdered beverage container. As shown in FIG. 1 A, one or more components of the dispenser device 100 (e.g., at least a portion of the funnel 130, described more fully below) may extend beyond the first end 1 12. In other embodiments, the first end 1 12 extends beyond all of the components of the dispenser device 100, such that no components of the dispenser device extend into the powdered beverage container.

[0029] The lid 1 10 may also include a second end 1 14 opposite the first end 1 12 and connected to the first end 1 12 by one or more side walls W, such as shown in FIG. 1 B. For clarity, the views shown in FIGs. 1A, 1 C, 1 D and 1 E are shown with the one or more side walls W removed. The second end 1 14 may be configured as shown in FIGs. 1A-1 E to have the same general shape as the first end 1 12 (e.g., such that the one or more side walls W are substantially parallel to each other). In other embodiments, the second end 1 14 may be configured to have a different general shape than the first end 1 12 (e.g., such that the one or more side walls W are not substantially parallel to each other). The second end 1 14 can be configured to have any general shape, such as but not including a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a polygon, a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, etc.

[0030] The second end 1 14 of the lid 1 10 includes an aperture 1 16 configured to enable the spout 120 to extend through the second end 1 14 and to move freely through the second end 1 14 upon activation of the dispenser device by a user. The spout 120 is disposed through the aperture 1 16 and may be configured to have any desired shape. In some embodiments, the spout 120 includes a cylindrical shape, a conical shape, or a tubular shape having a cross section such as a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a polygon, a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, etc. In some embodiments, the spout 120 includes a tubular shape having one or more sloped sides, such that the outer surface of the spout 120 contacts the inner edge of the aperture 1 16 to serve as a movement limiter.

[0031] The funnel 130 is attached to the lid 1 10, for example at the first end 1 12. The funnel includes a rim 132 configured to fit inside the powdered beverage container. In some embodiments, the rim 132 is configured to contact the inner wall(s) of the powdered beverage container in order to efficiently collect the powdered beverage product from the container. The funnel 130 includes an opening 134 at the opposite end of the funnel 130. Generally, the opening 134 is smaller than the rim 132, although in some embodiments the opening 134 and the rim 132 are similarly sized, have substantially the same size, or have the same size. In other embodiments, the funnel 130 is incorporated as a contour of the first end 1 12.

[0032] The dispenser cup 140 is disposed between the funnel 130 and the aperture 1 16, and includes a cavity 142 configured to measure a predetermined amount of the powdered beverage product. In some embodiments, the cavity 142 is adjustable, such that the predetermined amount of the powdered beverage product may be selected by the user. In some embodiments, the cavity 142 has a fixed volume, which may vary depending on the type of powdered beverage product to be measured and dispensed. For example, when the powdered beverage product comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of powdered infant formula, the cavity 142 may have an adjustable volume, for example through the use of inserts, expansion features, collapsible walls, removable fillers, or similar components known to those of skill in the art. In other embodiments, the cavity 142 has a fixed volume. With either configuration, the volume of the cavity 142 may correspond to an amount of powdered infant formula required to prepare a single serving of reconstituted formula to a child. In some embodiments, the cavity 142 has a volume corresponding to one serving of the powdered beverage product. In other embodiments, the cavity 142 has a volume corresponding to a fraction of one serving, for example 1/x of a serving, wherein x is a whole number from 2 to 16, from 2 to 8, or from 2 to 4, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16.

[0033] The dispenser cup 140 is configured such that the cavity 142 is in alignment with and in fluid connection with the funnel opening 134 in a first, resting configuration. In general, the first, resting configuration enables the powdered beverage product to flow through the funnel 130 (e.g., collected within the rim 132 and passing through the opening 134) and into the cavity 142.

[0034] The dispenser cup 140 is further configured to adopt a second, activated configuration upon activation by a user. In the second configuration (shown in FIG. 1A), the cavity 142 is in alignment and in fluid communication with the spout 120 to enable the powdered beverage product in the cavity 142 to flow through the spout 120, for example into a beverage container positioned in alignment with the spout 120.

[0035] The device 100 may include any suitable mechanism for causing the dispenser cup 140 to transition between the first, resting configuration and the second, activated configuration. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 A, for example, the device 100 includes a rack gear 150 connected to the spout 120 and in contact with the teeth of a pinion gear 155 which is connected to the dispenser cup 140 via a central axle A. In such configurations, the dispenser cup 140 may be stabilized by securing central axle A in one or more beams 156 connected to the first end 1 12, the second end 1 14, and/or any other suitable location. As shown in FIGs. 1 D-1 E, a spring 158 is configured to enable the dispenser cup 140 to return from the second, activated configuration to the first, resting configuration when the activation force provided by the user ceases. In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 1 D, the spring 158 is a torsion spring (e.g., a spiral torsion spring) integrated in the axle A. Alternatively, the spring 158 may be a tension spring operatively connected to the rack gear 150 and a suitable point on the second end 1 14, such as shown in FIG. 1 E.

[0036] In some embodiments, the dispenser device 100 further includes a funnel closure plate 160 disposed between the funnel opening 134 and the dispenser cup 140. The funnel closure plate 160 is configured to reversibly seal the funnel opening 134 upon activation of the dispenser device by a user, thus reducing or eliminating the flow of powdered beverage product through the funnel opening 134 when the dispenser cup is in the second, activated configuration. The funnel closure plate 160 is further configured to unseal the funnel opening 134 when the activation force provided by the user ceases (e.g., when the dispenser cup 140 returns from the second, activated position to the first, resting position). In some embodiments, the funnel closure plate 160 includes a prong or extrusion and is operatively connected to a spring (e.g., a spiral torsion spring) such that the rotation of the dispenser cup 140 causes the funnel closure plate 160 to seal the funnel opening 134.

[0037] In another embodiment, the dispenser cup 140 and the funnel opening 134 are configured to sealably mate with each other when the dispenser cup 140 is in the second, activated position. For example, the funnel opening 134 may have a rounded profile that matches the outer curvature of the dispenser cup 140 such that the rounded wall of the dispenser cup 140 serves the same function as the funnel closure plate 160 described above with respect to FIGs. 1 A, 1 C and 1 D.

[0038] Referring now to FIGs. 4A-4H generally, the present disclosure also provides a dispensing device 2000 comprising a funnel portion 130, a lid portion 1 10, and an activator portion 2010. The funnel portion 130 may include a rim 132 for sealably mating with the rim R of the powdered beverage product container C. The funnel portion 130 may also include a spout 120, which may include or may be operably connected to a housing 159 for retaining the dispenser cup 140. The dispenser cup 140 includes a cavity 142, which in some embodiments may be adjustable. The dispenser cup 140 may also include one or more end caps 157, which may include one or more gears 155 (e.g., a circular gear, a rack gear, or a pinion gear). In some embodiments the gears 155 assist in securing the one or more end caps 157 to the dispenser cup 140.

[0039] The lid portion 1 10 may include a first end 1 12 which mates with the funnel portion 130, for example as shown in FIG. 4A. The lid portion 1 10 may also include a second end 1 14 substantially at the opposite end of the lid portion 1 10 from the first end 1 12. The first end 1 12 and the second end 1 14 may be joined by one or more side walls W. The lid portion 1 10 also includes an aperture 1 16 for enabling the spout 120 to extend through the second end 1 14 and to move freely through the second end 1 14 upon activation of the dispenser device by a user.

[0040] The activator portion 2010 may include one or more gears 150 configured to operably mate with the one or more gears 155 of the funnel portion 130. The activator portion 2010 may also include a spring 158 to enable the dispenser cup 140 to return from a second, activated configuration to a first, resting configuration when an activation force provided by the user ceases. In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 4H, the spring 158 is a torsion spring (e.g., a spiral torsion spring), although other types of springs may be used. The activator portion 2010 also includes an aperture 1 16 through which the spout 120 extends upon activation by the user.

[0041] Referring now generally to FIGs. 5A-5B generally, the present disclosure also provides a dispensing device 3000 comprising a funnel portion 130 and a funnel base 3010 in a funnel housing 3020. The funnel base 140 includes at least two cavities 142 each sized to collect a predetermined amount of powdered beverage product from the container C as it flows through the funnel portion 130. Dispensing device 3000 further includes a dispenser plate 3010 positioned below the funnel base 140. The dispenser plate 3010 includes a spout 120 and an actuator lever 3030. The spout 120 includes an interior spout portion 120a and an exterior spout portion 120b. In the configuration shown in FIG. 5B, the internal spout portion 120a is not collinear with the external spout portion 120b. The actuator lever 3030 enables a user to rotate the dispenser plate 3010 in order to line up the internal spout portion 120a with the cavity 140 and with the external spout portion 120b. [0042] The dispensing device 3000 may further include a lid 3060, for example in embodiments where the container C is a hopper into which the powdered beverage product is loaded from its commercial container. In such embodiments, the container C may sealably mate with the funnel housing 3020 by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the container C includes threads which match threads included on the funnel housing. In such an embodiment, the container C sealably mates with the funnel housing 3020 by screwing the container C onto the funnel housing 3020. Similarly, the lid 3060 may sealably mate with the container C by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the container C includes threads T which complement threads T' included on the lid 3060.

[0043] The dispensing device 3000 further includes a base 3040. The base 3040 includes one or more slots 3042 through which one or more height adjustment screws 3044 may be fed. Each height adjustment screw 3044 mates with a nut 3046 which may be attached to any suitable location of the funnel housing 3020 or the container C. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, for example, the funnel housing 3020 includes two nuts 3046 which mate with two height adjustment screws 3044 through the slots 3042.

[0044] The base 3040 additionally includes one or more feet 3050 for imparting stability to the base 3040 when placed on a countertop. To further impart stability, the feet 3050 may enable the dispensing device 3000 to be temporarily affixed to the countertop. In some embodiments, for example, the feet 3050 may be made of a pliable material and include a cavity on the bottom such that the feet 3050 may temporarily affix to a smooth surface (e.g., countertop) by suction. In other embodiments, the feet 3050 may include an adhesive.

[0045] The base 3040 may further include a pad 3048 for supporting a beverage container (not shown).

[0046] Referring now to FIGs. 6A-6C generally, the present disclosure also provides a dispensing device 4000 comprising a container C, a lid 4060 sealably mated to the container C, a funnel portion 130, a powder conduit portion 4070, a housing 159, a spout 120, and an actuator assembly 4080. [0047] The container C and lid 4080 may be configured similarly to the corresponding features of dispensing device 3000 as shown in FIGs. 5A-5B and as described above. The funnel portion 130 is operably connected to the container C and funnels powdered beverage powder into the powdered beverage conduit portion 4070. The housing 159 includes a dispenser cup 140, which in turn includes a cavity 142 for measuring an amount of the powdered beverage product.

[0048] The powdered beverage conduit portion 4070 includes a conduit housing 4070a,4070b, a conduit 4072, the housing 159 and the spout 120. The conduit 4072 is operably connected to the funnel portion 130 at one end and to the housing 159 at the other end. The housing 159 is sized and shaped to rotatably hold the dispensing cup 140, and is operably connected to the spout 120.

[0049] The dispensing device 4000 further includes an actuator assembly 4080, which includes an actuator lever 4084 and a hinge 4086. The hinge mates with a pivot 4074, which is included as part of the powdered beverage conduit portion 4070, for example as part of the conduit housing 4070a, 4070b.

[0050] Referring now to FIGs. 7A-7G generally, the present disclosure also provides a dispensing device 5000 comprising a container C, a lid 5060 sealably mated to the container C, a powder retention plate 160, a funnel portion 130, a measuring plate 140, and a dispenser plate 5010. The container C and lid 5060 may be configured substantially similar to the container C and lid 4060 of the dispensing device 4000 shown in FIGs. 6A-6C and described above. In some embodiments, the lid 5060 is hingedly attached to the container C by a hinge 5200.

[0051] The powder retention plate 160 includes an aperture 162 for enabling powdered beverage product to flow from the container C to the measuring plate 140. The measuring plate 140 includes a cavity 142 having a size and shape suitable for measuring an amount of the powdered beverage product. The measuring plate may further include a lip 132 for sealably mating the measuring plate 140 with the rim R of the container C, and an axis hole 149 for rotatably mating with the dispenser plate 5010.

[0052] The dispenser plate 5010 includes a spout 120 for enabling the powdered beverage product to flow from the cavity 142 into a beverage container upon activation. The dispenser plate 5010 further includes an axis pin 5012 for rotatably mating the dispenser plate 5010 with the measuring plate 140. The dispenser plate 5010 further includes a spring 158 which engages with a spring retainer (not shown) of the measuring plate 140.

[0053] The dispenser plate 5010 additionally includes an actuator assembly 5080. In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 7B, the actuator assembly 5080 is located on the bottom surface of the dispenser plate 5100.

[0054] The dispensing device 5000 may further include a storage feature 5100 for enabling convenient storage of the dispensing device 5000 when not in use. For example and without limitation, the storage feature 5100 may be a magnet attached to the container C for enabling the dispensing device to be removably attached to a magnetic surface, such as a refrigerator exterior. In other embodiments, the storage feature 5100 may include an adhesive.

2. Methods of Measuring and Dispensing Powdered Beverage Products

[0055] The present disclosure also provides methods of measuring and dispensing a powdered beverage product. In some embodiments, the method requires use of only a single hand. The method generally comprises securing a dispensing device to a powdered beverage product container; inverting the dispensing device and powdered beverage container over a beverage container; depressing the dispensing device and powdered beverage container onto the beverage container to cause the dispensing device to dispense the powdered beverage product into the beverage container; and lifting the dispensing device and powdered beverage container off the beverage container.

[0056] Methods of the present disclosure include securing a dispensing device to a powdered beverage product container; inverting the dispensing device and powdered beverage product container over a beverage container; depressing the dispensing device and powdered beverage container onto the beverage container, wherein the depressing causes the dispenser cup to transition from the first position to the second position and dispense the powdered beverage product into the beverage container; and lifting the dispensing device and powdered beverage container off the beverage container, wherein the lifting causes the dispenser cup to transition from the second position to the first position.

[0057] In some embodiments, the dispensing device is configured substantially as described above, for example with respect to FIGs. 1 A-1 E. Referring now to FIGs. 2A- 2H, the dispensing device in some embodiments comprises: a lid 1 10 having a first end 1 12 configured to sealably mate with the powdered beverage product container C; a spout 120 disposed through a second, opposing side 1 14 of the lid 1 10; a funnel 130 disposed through the first end 1 12 of the lid 1 10 and including: (i) a rim 132 at a first end of the funnel 130 configured to fit inside the container C, and (ii) an opening 134 at a second end of the funnel 130 opposite the first end; and a dispenser cup 140 disposed between the first and second ends 1 12, 1 14 of the lid 1 10 and in alignment with the funnel opening 134 and the spout 120, wherein the dispenser cup 140 is configured to transition from a first position to a second position, wherein the dispenser cup 140: (a) collects a predetermined amount of the powdered beverage product P from the funnel opening 134 when in the first position, and (b) dispenses the predetermined amount of the powdered beverage product P' through the spout 120 when in the second position.

[0058] The step of securing a dispensing device 100 to the powdered beverage product container C may include removing a lid that is provided with the powdered beverage product container C upon purchase. In some embodiments, the step of securing the dispensing device 100 additionally includes removing a scoop from inside the powdered beverage container C, for example a measuring scoop that is included inside the powdered beverage product container C upon purchase. Although not required, removing the scoop enables the powdered beverage product P to flow freely through the dispensing device 100, for example without being impeded by the scoop. The dispensing device 100 can then be secured to the powdered beverage product container C, for example by snapping the first side 1 12 of the lid 1 10 onto the rim R of the powdered beverage product container C as shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B illustrates a powdered beverage product container C with the dispensing device 100 secured thereto.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 2C, the step of inverting the dispensing device and powdered beverage product container including the dispensing device 100 may be completed with a single hand H of a user. In this step, gravity causes the powdered beverage product P to fall into the funnel 130 (e.g., past the rim 132) and out the opening 134. As shown, the dispensing cup 140 is in the first position, with the cavity 142 open to the opening 134 of the funnel 130. As shown in FIG. 2D, a portion P' of the powdered beverage product P falls through the opening 134 and into the cavity 142.

[0060] FIG. 2E shows the powdered beverage product container C with the dispenser device 100 aligned over a beverage container 200, such as a baby bottle. The predetermined amount P' of the powdered beverage product P is in the cavity 142.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 2F-2G, the step of depressing the powdered beverage container C with the dispensing device 100 onto the beverage container 200 includes application of a force F in a generally downward direction, with the spout 120 in alignment and/or partially inside the beverage container 200. Application of force F causes the dispensing cup 140 to rotate in a first direction R about the axle A, for example by causing rotation of a pinion gear 155 by a rack gear 150 attached to the spout 120. When the rotation R is complete or nearly complete (e.g., the dispenser cup 140 is in the second position), the predetermined amount P' of the powdered beverage product P falls through the spout 120 and into the beverage container 200. The powdered beverage container C now contains a reduced amount P" of powdered beverage product equal to P - P'.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 2H, the step of lifting the powdered beverage container C with the dispensing device 100 off the beverage container 200 includes applying a force F' that is substantially in the opposite direction from force F of FIGs. 2F-2G. Upon application of force F', the dispenser cup rotates in a second direction R' that is substantially opposite from rotation R (FIGs. 2F-2G), causing the dispenser cup 140 to return from the second position to the first position.

[0063] In embodiments wherein the cavity 142 is configured to measure and dispense a fraction of an amount of the powdered beverage product P required (e.g., the predetermined amount P' is less than the required amount of the powdered beverage product P), the steps of depressing the powdered beverage container C with the dispenser device 100 attached thereto onto the beverage container 200 and lifting the powdered beverage container C with the dispensing device 100 off the beverage container 200 may be repeated until the required amount of the powdered beverage product P is dispensed into the beverage container 200. For example, in embodiments wherein the cavity 142 measures and dispenses 1/x of the required amount of the powdered beverage product P, the steps of depressing and lifting may be repeated x times.

[0064] Dispensing powdered beverage product using the dispensing device 2000 shown in FIGs. 4A-4H may be accomplished in substantially the same manner as described above with respect to dispensing device 100. Briefly, a user sealably mates the powdered beverage product container C with the rim 132 of the funnel portion 130. The powdered beverage product P is dispensed into a beverage container 200 upon activating the activator portion 2010, for example by pressing the activator portion 2010 downward onto the open end of the beverage container 200. Activation of the activator portion 2010 causes the gears 150 to rotate the dispensing cup 140 (e.g., by their operative engagement with and relative motion to the gears 155) whereby the contents of the cavity 142 are released through the spout 120 and into the beverage container 200, and also causes the spring 158 to store potential energy. Disengaging the activator portion 2010 from the beverage container 200 causes the spring 158 to release the stored potential energy, enabling the dispensing cup 140 to rotate back to its starting position.

[0065] Dispensing powdered beverage product using the dispensing device 3000 shown in FIGs. 5A-5B may be accomplished by positioning a beverage container on the pad 3048 and beneath the external spout portion 120b. The user then advances the actuator lever 3030 to the left in order to rotate the dispenser plate 3010 to line up the internal spout portion 120a with the cavity 140 and with the external spout portion 120b. Powdered beverage product then flows into the beverage container through operation of gravity. Once the powdered beverage product has been dispensed, the actuator lever 3030 is then retracted to the right to enable additional powdered beverage product to flow from the container C through the funnel portion 130 and into a cavity 142.

[0066] Dispensing powdered beverage product using the dispensing device 4000 shown in FIGs. 6A-6C may be accomplished by filling the container C with powdered beverage product, attaching the lid 4060, and subsequently inverting the device 4000 over an open end of a beverage container. Powdered beverage product will flow through the funnel portion 130 and the conduit 4072 and then into the cavity 142. Activation of the actuator lever 4084 causes the dispensing cup 140 to invert, whereupon the powdered beverage product flows out of the cavity 142, through the spout 120 and into the beverage container. Releasing the actuator lever 4084 causes the dispenser cup 140 to return to its initial position within the housing 159, whereupon additional powdered beverage product flows into the cavity 142.

[0067] Dispensing powdered beverage product using the dispensing device 5000 shown in FIGs. 7A-7G may be accomplished by filling the container C with powdered beverage product, attaching or closing the lid 5060, and subsequently inverting the device 5000 over an open end of a beverage container. Assisted by gravity, powdered beverage product flows from the container C, through the aperture 162 and into the cavity 142 of the dispensing plate 140. Activation of the actuator 5080, for example by pushing the actuator assembly 5080 to the side, rotates the dispensing plate 5010 about the axis pin 5012 until the spout 120 is in alignment with the cavity 142. The powdered beverage product then flows from the cavity 142 into the beverage container. Activation of the actuator 5080 also exerts force against the spring 158, which is stored as potential energy until the user releases the actuator assembly 5080 (e.g., after the powdered beverage product is dispensed into the beverage container). At that time, energy stored in the spring forces the dispensing plate 5010 to rotate about the axis pin 5012 to return the dispensing plate 5010 to its initial position. When attached to a vertical or near-vertical surface via the storage feature 5100, the dispenser device 5000 of this embodiment is also capable of dispensing powdered beverage product by activating the actuator assembly 5080 with a single hand.

[0068] In embodiments wherein cavity 142 can be adjusted, the method may further comprise adjusting the cavity 142 to have a capacity corresponding to the predetermined amount P' of the powdered beverage product P. In some embodiments, the cavity 142 is adjusted before sealably mating the lid to a rim of the powdered beverage product container.

[0069] The methods disclosed herein may further comprise mixing the dispensed powdered beverage product P" with a liquid in the beverage container 200 to form a beverage (e.g., a reconstituted beverage), in some embodiments, the liquid comprises water. In some embodiments, the powdered beverage product P comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of infant formula. [0070] In any embodiment disclosed herein, the steps of passing powdered beverage product P from the powdered beverage product container C to the beverage container 200 may require use of only one hand.

[0071] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.