FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention concerns a hygienic dispenser for edible articles which incorporates
additional hygiene and dosing features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] All sort of packages are widely spread in the market around the world, made from
any range of material and size. There are even examples wherein the packages themselves
can be used as some kind of dispensing container, especially in the food package industry.
[0003] The problem is that most of these containers are some sort of bags or bowls, where
the consumer has to reach in with his hand to grab the food. If the package is shared
with different persons this can cause hygiene issues.
[0004] This becomes a growing problem in the globalist world we live in today, wherein epidemics
are widespread (e.g. SARS). These diseases can rapidly spread geographically, infecting
large numbers of people. In this view, cleanliness and hygiene have become an important
attention point in public areas, especially if food articles are involved.
[0005] In document
US5551604 a relatively hygienic dispenser is described, for dispensing bulk foods like gum
drops or nuts. It comprises a rotatable scoop attached to a storage bin. This makes
the dispenser bulky and less flexible.
[0006] Document
US2007022971 describes a substance dispensing pet-toy. It comprises an inner chamber and dispensing
openings placed on opposites of each other. The document however does not describe
different reservoirs which are desired for hygienic dispensing.
[0007] In document
WO2005/047119 describes a container comprising an exterior form with an interior compartment; it
however is intended as a toy and does not mention any hygienic features.
[0008] Furthermore there is need for a flexible and easy dosable dispenser. Also a dispenser
suitable for design branding and making more recognizable on-trade applications for
bars, hotels and restaurants.
[0009] In order to address the aforementioned problems, it is clear that there remains a
need for more efficient food packages/dispensers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention addresses this problem by providing a device for the easy and
clean dispensing of all kinds of edible articles. A device used for packaging and
dispensing edible articles comprising at least two reservoirs:
- a) An inner reservoir suitable for storing edible articles comprising at least one
opening
- b) An outer reservoir comprising at least one opening
characterised in that said inner reservoir is contained in the outer reservoir, wherein the openings of
both reservoirs are placed on opposite sides.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention describes a dispensing device which incorporates two reservoirs,
one contained in the other one. Hereby providing a dispenser where only the edible
articles meant for immediate personal consumption are touched. This provides a big
improvement concerning hygienic issues.
[0012] Also the original 'twist' movement needed for dispensing the edible articles adds
to the fun factor and makes the invention even more recognizable for consumers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013]
FIG. 1: The reservoirs of the dispenser shown according to the present invention.
FIG. 2: The dispenser according to the present invention.
FIG. 3: An exploded view of a possible embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4: Examples of possible lids for the embodiment
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention comprises a dispenser with at least two reservoirs: A first
inner reservoir with a cylindrical hollow shaped reservoir with an opening on top
in which the edible goods can be stored/packed. A second outer hollow reservoir contains
the inner reservoir comprising a bottom dispensing opening on the opposite side of
the top opening of the inner reservoir.
[0015] Another feature of the present invention is the 'twist' action. The action comprises
two steps after filling the dispenser with edible goods. The dispenser first needs
to be turned upside down to release the edible goods from the inner reservoir. The
edible goods are now contained in the outer reservoir. In the next step the dispenser
can be turned back to the original position to dispense the articles through the dispensing
opening on the bottom. This feature provides a hygienic improvement, when sharing
the dispenser with other people for example in bars and restaurants.
[0016] The inner reservoir is used to hold the edible articles. This can be one or more
edible goods e.g. nuts, crackers, potato chips and mixtures thereof. The edible articles
may also comprise spices and/or other cooking related goods. The inner reservoir can
also comprise several compartments, to make the dispenser more flexible and hold different
contents (e.g. salt and pepper). Example is in one compartment unsalted peanuts and
in a further compartment salt or other spices can be separately dosed.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment as seen in fig 1 & 2 the inner reservoir will take the
form of a sphere having a diameter ranging from 55mm to 85mm, with at least one top
opening with a diameter ranging from 10mm to 50mm. The inner reservoir can comprise
multiple openings depending on the application. This top opening(s) can further segmented
in line with the application and resulting dosages envisaged. The segmentation itself
can be the result of the compartisation of the inner reservoir itself. In case the
inner reservoir takes the form of a sphere the outer reservoir can also take the form
of a sphere with a diameter ranging from 65mm to 105mm to be able to contain the inner
reservoir. The diameter of the opening on the bottom of the outer reservoir ranges
from 60mm to 95mm. These dimensions are chosen to ensure the dispenser to be handy,
have a handy grip and making dosing and adapted to the volume and type of dispensing
medium.
[0018] The outer reservoir preferably comprises two parts: an upper and bottom part. This
is done to be able to open the dispenser easily and (re)fill the inner reservoir with
edible articles. The upper and bottom part are preferably engaged to each other fixing
means. Such fixing means include snap fittings, connectors, a connecting rim or the
like. These fixing means should allow the upper and bottom part to be revolved easily.
The inner reservoir that is contained in the outer reservoir can be manufactured in
one piece together with the bottom part of the outer reservoir. The inner reservoir
can also be manufactured as a package, so when empty the entire inner reservoir can
be changed for a full/new inner reservoir/package. The two outer parts can comprise
fixing means such as fins, securing the inner reservoir within the outer reservoir.
These fixing means may also guide the edible articles towards the bottom opening of
the bottom part.
[0019] When the inner reservoir comprises more than one compartment as shown in fig.3, the
upper part 1 of the outer reservoir can be provided with means for selecting a specified
compartment 2, by making a revolving movement, this to only dispense a selected edible
article.
[0020] In further improving the dosage feature the bottom opening of the outer reservoir
can also be provided with an adjustable dosing means. This can be in the form of a
revolving attachment, to vary the size of the opening. In fig. 3 it is shown that
also guiding fins 3 can be used to vary the bottom opening for dosing. These guiding
fins 3 are adjustable by turning the upper part of outer reservoir, hereby displacing
the guiding fins of the upper part of the outer reservoir in respect to the guiding
fins of the bottom part 4 of the outer reservoir and hereby varying the opening where
articles are to pass through. The amount of guiding fins can vary as the dimensions
of the dispenser change or the embodiment changes. Other means of varying the opening
can also be used.
[0021] Other attachments with all kinds of functions can also be connected to bottom opening
of the outer reservoir. Such attachments may include further dosage means, grinding
means, cutting means or the like.
[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention as seen in fig. 4. The outer
reservoir can partially cover the inner reservoir. This embodiment can be used in
kitchens for dosing liquids like all sorts of oils and vinegars, also for holding
and dosing spices. To this cause the inner reservoir is provided with a lid. This
lid is interchangeable and the shape can vary depending on the content as seen in
fig. 5.
[0023] The present invention is preferably made from a polymer. This can be any kind of
polymer like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate
or the like. Even biodegradable polymers can be used. The dispenser can have transparent
parts or be transparent entirely.
[0024] The dispenser may include other decorative designs, words or brand names. Alternate
embodiments may be shaped like a variety of other objects.
[0025] The aforesaid objects are achieved individually and in combination, and it is not
intended that the present invention be construed as requiring two or more of the objects
to be combined unless expressly required by the claims attached hereto.
1. A device used for packaging and dispensing edible articles comprising at least:
a) An inner reservoir suitable for storing edible articles comprising at least one
opening
b) An outer reservoir comprising at least one opening
characterised in that said inner reservoir is contained in the outer reservoir, wherein the openings of
both reservoirs are placed on opposite sides.
2. A device according to the preceding claims, wherein said outer reservoir comprises
dosage means.
3. A device according to the preceding claims, wherein said inner reservoir comprises
one or more compartments.
4. A device according to the preceding claims, wherein said outer reservoir comprises
means for selecting one or more compartments.
5. A device according to the preceding claims; wherein said inner reservoir is interchangeable.
6. A device according to the preceding claims, wherein said inner reservoir contains
edible articles or spices.
7. A device according to the preceding claims, wherein said reservoirs are manufactured
from a polymeric material.
8. A device according to the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the inner reservoir
ranges between 55mm and 85mm.
9. A device according to the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the outer reservoir
ranges between 65mm and 105mm.