BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject dispensing apparatus is generally directed to an apparatus for storing and dispensing therefrom metered portions of a powder or other particulate material. More specifically, the dispensing apparatus is one which is simple in structure and manufacturability, yet quickly and conveniently reconfigurable in such manner as to permit reliable storage and portioning of the material for subsequent dispensation in predetermined batches.

There is need in many applications to store a material in bulk quantities for later dispensing in more finely metered portions. An exemplary application is that of portably storing and dispensing such dry particulate materials as powdered baby formula. Typically in this context, ample quantities of baby formula are stored and carried by parents of infants in a concentrated dry powder form from which a batch may be taken and mixed with warm water or other liquid immediately prior to each feeding. For obvious nutritional and other health reasons, it is important to preserve reasonably accurate portioning of the powdered formula to be mixed.

This is particularly so given the general vulnerabilities and tendencies of infants. Improper portioning may not only lead to adverse physical reactions upon ingestion, a disproportionate mixture may prove sufficiently unpalatable to keep even a moderately finicky infant from feeding, altogether.

Reasonably accurate portioning may be ensured, of course, by carefully mixing the formula beforehand in precisely pre-mixed, ready-to-feed batches. But this is often impractical for a number of reasons. First, the added weight of the liquid pre-mixed batches would be considerable, as would their added bulk; and, the additional number of the containers that their separate storage would require. Second, depending on the storage period and other environmental factors, the lack of freshness, and even perishability, of pre-mixed batches are likely to become real considerations and may necessitate yet even more extraneous items (in the form of requisite ice packs, coolers, and the like) in order to preserve freshness. These and other considerations render the pre-mixing of ready-to-feed, pre-mixed formula batches an abundantly impractical option in many cases.

Consequently, parents of nursing-age infants often find themselves having to prepare batches of formula impromptu, as their infants’ feeding times arise. Of course, proper portioning may be achieved by taking very deliberate measures in preparing a batch of formula. But parents almost invariably find themselves rushing and fumbling, often in less than ideal settings. They invariably fact the not too indelicate nor simple task of preparing the baby bottle with the appropriate amount of liquid, heating the liquid if necessary, dispensing the condensed formula, measuring out the correct amount, then introducing the measured amount into the prepared liquid for mixing. Not surprisingly, the task of preparing a fresh batch of formula for each feeding becomes a considerable project unto itself, requiring one to devote concerted effort to measure and mix accurately, and to do so without leaving an excessive mess of spilled materials, soiled utensils and vessels, and the like. The situation is exacerbated where one individual must alone fumble with the multiple containers, materials, and implements in this regard while having to concurrently tend to the hungry, and probably very irritable, infant. Moreover, given the circumstances under which such nursing-age infants must be fed, there is need to provide an apparatus having a storage compartment that contains the baby formula (or other contents) which couples to a measuring unit sufficiently configured to receive a metered amount thereof in a simple yet effectively operable structure. Further, once such compartment has been coupled to such unit, there is need for an uncomplicated apparatus by which the desired amount of baby formula may be readily transferred from the storage compartment to the measuring unit.

Hence, there exists a need for a storage apparatus from which a particulate material may be quickly, conveniently, and neatly, yet accurately dispensed in portioned batches for subsequent use. There exists a need, moreover, for such an apparatus having a simple and inexpensively produced structure, whereby such materials as a baby formula powder may be conveniently dispensed in accurately metered portions for use. There exists a need for such apparatus whose structural features permit simple, quick, and convenient assembly and disassembly to and from its fully operational configuration.

PRIOR ART

Dispensing devices for particulate materials are known in the art. The best prior art known to Applicant includes U.S. Patents #6,601,734; #6,550,640; #5,758,803; #5,601,213; #5,271,535; #4,961,521; #4,832,235; #4,560,092; #4,346,823; #4,345,700; #4,322,017; #3,893,592; #3,512,681; #3,446,403;

#3,327,905; #3,308,995; #3,211,334; #3,207,371; #3,201,009; #3,179,303;

#3,130,874; #3,129,853; #3,005,578; #2,985,343; #2,904,230; #2,887,254;

#2,877,937; #2,815,154; #2,636,646; #2,579,388; #2,515,735; #2,393,454;

#2,385,677; #2,315,473; #2,211,452; #2,207,395; #2,088,836; #1,291,804; #1,005,130; #928,052; #685,988; #614,646; #582,972; #152,909 and, #7,748,579.

There are no devices for dispensing a given material in measured batches heretofore known which provides the combination of simplicity, ease of use, and effectiveness provided by the subject dispensing apparatus.

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. Adding to the operational advantages generally provided by the teachings of this‘579 Patent, 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 subject dispensing apparatus provides a simple yet easily assembled structure. For example, a measuring unit may be reliably secured to a container unit yet remain smoothly rotatable with respect to that container for convenient operation. In one exemplary embodiment, the measuring unit is coupled to the container unit in this regard by a threaded collar member (which securely receives the measuring unit) whose threaded portion engages a threaded portion of the container unit to releasably secure the measuring unit thereto. The collar member includes at least one stop feature disposed on the given threading, such as a transverse ridge for instance, for limiting the advancement of one joined member relative to the other along the threaded coupling. This serves to guard against undue tightening of the collar member onto the container unit’s threaded portion, which may otherwise yield excessive clamping force on the portion(s) of the measuring unit captured between the collar member and container unit. 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.

In certain other exemplary embodiments, the stop feature may be implemented in the form of an axial block structure which is abutted by one joined member to block the same from further axial advancement relative to the other joined member. For example, a ledge protruding radially inward from a sidewall portion of the collar member serves to block an upper peripheral edge of the container unit from further axial advancement relative to the collar member upon sufficient threaded engagement thereto. A sliding space is preserved above the blocking ledge, isolated from the threaded coupling (between the collar member and container unit), wherein a portion of the measuring unit may be snuggly yet slidably retained for coupling the measuring unit to the container unit in angularly displaceable manner. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for quickly and conveniently dispensing a predetermined amount of a material stored therein.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus whereby a predetermined amount of a stored particulate material may be quickly and conveniently separated from the remainder of the stored material for dispensing.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of simple and conveniently usable structure by which a particulate material may be metered with reasonable accuracy for dispensing in a predetermined batch amount.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a dispensing apparatus having simple yet easily assembled structure, whose functional units may be reliably secured yet remain smoothly displaceable to one another to preserve convenient, effective operation.

These and other objects are attained by an apparatus for metered dispensing of particulate materials, comprising a container unit having a base defining a storage compartment, a measuring unit having a capsule, a retention unit detachably coupled to the container and measuring units, and a partitioning structure adjustably defined between the container and measuring units. The capsule defines a metering compartment, and the retention unit includes a collar member extending about both the container and measuring units for retention thereof in angularly displaceable manner one relative to the other. The container and measuring units are thereby mutually displaceable for selective configuration of the apparatus between metering and dispensing configurations. The partitioning structure in the metering configuration is adjusted to open communication between the storage and metering compartments for migration of particulate material therebetween. The partitioning structure in the dispensing configuration is adjusted to close communication between the storage and metering compartments and prevent migration of particulate material therebetween.

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. In the open position, the first partition opening and the opening defined by the second partition and the capsule are at least partially aligned, while in the closed position, these openings are offset one from the other. A collar releasably engages the container unit, a flange formed on the collar serving to thereby capture a portion of the capsule against the container unit. A ridge defined by the collar ensures that the capsule is not too tightly coupled to the container unit to remain angularly displaceable relative thereto.

Preferably, the capsule of the measuring unit and the container unit are configured to be coaxially disposed. Once the capsule is coupled to the container unit, 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. In the open position, 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a dispensing apparatus formed in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

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. 4A is a sectional view of a portion of the dispensing apparatus in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, illustrated in a disassembled state;

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;

Fig. 5B is a sectional view of the portion shown in Fig. 5A, illustrated in an assembled but released state;

Fig. 5C is a sectional view of the portion shown in Fig. 5 A, illustrating a rotational transition of a collar from the assembled but released state of Fig. 5B to an assembled and locked state; and,

Fig. 5D is an exploded perspective view of the portion of a dispensing apparatus similar in numerous aspects to the embodiment shown in Figs. 5A-5C, but incorporating modifications of certain features to illustrate another alternate embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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.

Briefly, 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. In the metering configuration, the communication portal is at least partially opened for transferring particulate material between the storage and metering compartments. In the dispensing configuration, 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.

Turning now to Figs. 1-4, there is shown one exemplary embodiment of the subject dispensing apparatus 10. In this embodiment, 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. In the open position, 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. When needed, 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. In the embodiment illustrated, 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. Also in the embodiment shown, 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. In other embodiments, 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. In this embodiment, 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. In the embodiment disclosed, 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. In a released position, the collar 250 may be disassembled from the base 110 for cleaning, refilling, or the like. In a coupled configuration, 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.

Preferably, 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.

In certain exemplary embodiments and applications, a stop feature is provided in the threading of the collar member 250, and/or alternatively in the threading of the container unit 200. In the Example illustrated in FIG. 3, for instance, 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. When the collar 250 is coupled to the base 110, advancement of the threaded portion 253 along its threaded engagement with the threaded portion 111 of the container unit’s base 110 is stopped once a leading end of the threaded portion 111 reaches the ridge 256. 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.

As a result, a user need not guess at the requisite level of tightness to strike an ideal balance between secure enough coupling and loose enough retention of the measuring unit 200 relative to the container unit 100. Furthermore, 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. For example, if the threaded portion 253 of the collar 250 were overtightened to the threaded portion 125 of the base 110, proportionally excessive effort would be required to release the engagement. Among other potential mishaps, the application of excessive torque/pressure may cause undesirable deflection and potentially damage the container unit 100.

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. In other words, when the threaded portion 125 of the base 110 encounters the ridge 256 defined by the collar’s threaded portion 253, 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. In baby formula powder dispensing applications, for example, such materials like plastic, Plexiglas, Pyrex, stainless steel, or other materials of suitable strength, rigidity, and durability required for the application may be employed. In baby product applications, 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. Preferably, 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. When a user wishes to access the measuring compartment 220, such as when a parent wishes to dispense the metered contents of compartment 220 for use, 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.

In a released, or disassembled configuration, 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. Alternatively, when the apparatus is in a closed, or assembled, configuration, 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. In the embodiment disclosed, 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. However in other embodiments, 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. For example, the stop portion 150 in such alternate embodiments may even be selectively disposed at an intermediate position along the opening, between the opposed ends. While 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. In certain embodiments and applications, more than one access opening 145 may be formed in the partitioning deck 140. Preferably, 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.

As shown, 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. In the embodiment disclosed, the supplemental partitioning deck 240 is releasably coupled to the capsule 210. In certain other embodiments, 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.

Preferably, 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.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, 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. In an alternate configuration where the supplemental partitioning deck 240 is integrally formed with 210, 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.

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.

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. When the measuring unit 200 is disposed in its closed position relative to the container 100, on the other hand, 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.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 150 is formed to protrude upward from partitioning deck 140, so as to extend into the residual opening 236. When measuring unit 200 is in its fully opened position relative to the container unit 100, 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. In this metering configuration, 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.

Angularly displacing measuring unit 200 in the other direction, away from its fully opened position with respect to container unit 100, serves to progressively block an increasing portion of the access opening 145 (with the supplemental partitioning deck 240). 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. At this point, the measuring unit 200 is disposed at its closed position, and apparatus 10 is accordingly set to a dispensing configuration.

Preferably, 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. In this configuration, 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

(beyond and about that access opening 145) - thereby effectively separating and isolating the storage compartment 115 from the measuring compartment 220.

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.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, 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. More specifically, 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.

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. When sufficiently secured, the collar 250 clamps the peripheral flange 225 of the capsule with its inner flange portion 259. As noted, 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. Preferably, the engagement is such that it permits free turning of the measuring unit

200 relative to the container unit 100. Toward that end, 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. Upon 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. After the collar 250 has been secured to the base 110, the capsule 210 thus remains angularly displaceable between its open and closed positions relative to the partitioning deck 135, without excessive user effort.

With specific reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a collar member 250 formed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the collar 250 is again formed with a threaded portion 253. But instead of a ridge portion, 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. Although not shown, in other alternate embodiments, a suitable blocking ledge structure may be formed conversely on the base 110 to guard against overtightened engagement of the collar 250 thereto.

Preferably, an 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. During assembly, 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.

Once it is so positioned, 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

Much like 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.

As noted, 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. Likewise, 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.

Further, 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. The resulting structure permits a user to easily fill and empty the container unit’s storage compartment 115, and to do so quite conveniently, without having to detach the measuring unit 200 from the container unit 100. 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. 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.

Turning now to 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. As shown in FIG. 5D (which illustrates an embodiment 10” which is different in two respects, as described in following paragraphs, but identical in all other respects), 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. 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’. Preferably, 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.

The collar 250’ may then be coupled to the container 100’ by aligning its knob 257’ with a corresponding notch 116’ of the container unit, then locked by turning relative to the container unit such that the knob 257’ displaces angularly away from alignment with the notch 116’. The knob 257’ then serves to retentively engage the uninterrupted portions of the upper shelf extension 111’ from underneath, whereby the collar 250’ is releasably locked to the container unit 100' while remaining freely adjustable in angular position relative thereto.

One or more additional 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. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, only one knob and notch combination 2577116’ is employed. But in the alternate embodiment of FIG. 5D, two knob and notch combinations 2577116’ are employed, disposed approximately at diametrically opposed angular positions. Except in this and one other respect, the embodiment of FIG. 5D is of like structure and configuration as the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C. In certain other alternate embodiments, 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.

As illustrated, 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. Once 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. Thus captured, 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'. Then, when the user wishes to disassemble the apparatus, he/she 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’.

The embodiment shown in 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). As illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, 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’). The 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’.

Upon the peripheral flange 225’ of the capsule 210' being seated within the inner surface 255' of the collar 250', between its knob 257’ and inner flange 259’ as shown in FIG. 5C, 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’. As shown in FIGS. 5B - 5C, 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'.

Turning to the differing aspects of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 5D (as compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C), like reference numbers denote like features as in the preceding embodiment. In addition to employing a plurality of knob and notch combinations 2577116’ as noted in preceding paragraphs, 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’. Employing at least one additional knob and notch combination 2577116’ in the manner illustrated serves to augment the stability and support of engagement between the collar 250’ and the container unit 100” such that the lower shelf extension 112” need not provide the vertical (axial) support for the lower annular end 260’ of the collar 250’.

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.

Although this invention has been described in connection with specific forms and embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that various modifications other than those discussed above may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, equivalent elements may be substituted for those specifically shown and described, certain features may be used independently of other features, and in certain cases, particular combinations of disclosed steps may be reversed or interposed, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.